Study on the gelatinization and digestive characteristics of wheat starch and potato starch under low moisture conditions

This study explored the gelatinization and digestive characteristics of wheat and potato starches under low moisture conditions using identical processing parameters. The results revealed that potato starch exhibited greater resistance to digestion than wheat starch, with an enzyme hydrolysis rate 18 % to 30 % lower than wheat starch under the same conditions. The analysis of particle size, swelling power, and low-field NMR demonstrated that potato starch required almost 40 % more moisture for full gelatinization than wheat starch, indicating that low-moisture conditions could not meet the significant water demand of potato starch. Additionally, the DSC analysis showed that potato starch had superior thermal stability, with To of 62.13 °C and ΔH of 16.30 (J/g). Subsequently, the microscopy results showed that the partially gelatinized wheat starch had a rough, porous surface, allowing enzymes for direct access to hydrolysis. In contrast, the potato starch had smoother and less damaged particles without visible pores, enzymes had to degrade it progressively, layer by layer. Furthermore, potato starch still exhibited a lower enzyme hydrolysis rate than wheat starch under the same gelatinization levels. Overall, potato starch is more resistant to hydrolysis and gelatinization in low-moisture environments, making potato starch suitable for low-digestibility products like potato biscuits or chips.