Yan Hong

Electrospun starch nanofibers: Recent advances, challenges, and strategies for potential pharmaceutical applications

ABSTRACT Electrospun starch nanofibers have high porosity, extremely high specific surface area, and biocompatible, biodegradable, and bioabsorbable properties. As a result, starch nanofibers have great potential in pharmaceutical applications, including drug delivery, wound dressing, and tissue engineering. Here, we summarize and review the recent developments in the synthesis of electrospun starch fibers from common starch, modified starch, and hybrids with other polymers. Moreover, the challenges and strategies for the fabrication and application of starch fibers in pharmaceutical applications are presented.

Improved stability and controlled release of CLA with spray-dried microcapsules of OSA-modified starch and xanthan gum.

The objective of this investigation was to improve the stability of CLA and to allow for its controlled release by encapsulating it with combinations of octenyl-succinic anhydride (OSA) starch and xanthan gum (XG) in three ratios (OSA/XG: 60/1, 80/1, and 100/1, w/w). The wall material was examined using FTIR and TGA. The microcapsules were characterized by laser particle size analysis (LPS) and SEM. Oxidation of the microcapsules was monitored by headspace method. The results revealed that microcapsules created with an OSA/XG ratio of 60/1 provided superior protection to CLA against oxidation. When CLA-microcapsules were subjected to conditions simulating those in the human gastrointestinal system, 12.1%-50.1% of the CLA was released. CLA encapsulation in spray-dried microcapsules of OSA/XG appears to be an effective technique that provides good protection against oxidation and could be useful in the targeted delivery of functional lipids or other bioactive components to the small intestine.

Maltooligosaccharide-forming amylase: Characteristics, preparation, and application

As member of glycosyl hydrolase family 13, maltooligosaccharide-forming amylases (MFAses) are specific and interesting because of their capacity to hydrolyze starch into functional maltooligosaccharides, which are usually composed of 2-10 α-d-glucopyranosyl units linked by α-1,4 glycosidic linkages. MFAses have been extensively studied during recent decades, and have shown promise in various industrial applications. This review begins by introducing the potential uses of maltooligosaccharides. Then it describes the progress in the identification, assay, action pattern, structure, and modification of MFAses. The review continues with tips concerning the preparation of MFAses, which aim to improve MFAse production to meet the needs of industry. Finally, the industrial uses of MFAses are described, focusing on the production of maltooligosaccharides and application in the bread industry. Recent progress has demonstrated that the MFAses are poised to become important industrial catalysts.

Effects of acid hydrolysis intensity on the properties of starch/xanthan mixtures

The effects of acid hydrolysis intensity on the physicochemical properties of starch/xanthan gum (XG) system were studied. Waxy corn starch (WCS) was subjected to different concentrations of hydrochloric acid, and crystallization and relative molecular weight analysis were performed. The results revealed that the starch granules became smaller during acid hydrolysis. X-ray diffraction pattern analysis showed that the crystal structure did not change with acid hydrolysis. Evaluation of the properties and digestibility of different acid-thinned starch/XG systems indicated that the viscosity of acid-thinned starch/XG decreased with increased acid hydrolysis intensity. Rheological property measurements indicated that the compound systems were a pseudo-plastic fluid, which is a typical weak gel structure. Finally, we show that the WCS1.0M/XG has the highest stability of the tested mixtures. We conclude that adjusting the conditions of acid hydrolysis improves the stability and food quality-enhancing properties of starch.