Effect of pH on Paste Properties of Irradiated Corn Starch by Gamma-Rays

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Abstract
The degradation of starch by γ-irradiation and the effect of pH on gelatinization of starch after irradiation were investigated. Paste viscosities were markedly affected by pH on gelatinization and a decrease in the viscosity of irradiated starch was stimulated by increasing pH. On the other hand, the solubility of irradiated starch increased significantly at a high pH. The granule structure of irradiated starch easily disintegrated at alkaline pH. Remarkable dissolution from the surface of the irradiated starch granules was observed after heating at high pH only a filamentous network frame remained, but the unirradiated one collapsed and folded. It was seen that alkali treatment after irradiation reduces the required dose to obtain low viscosity starch. The required dose to produce a low viscosity starch, for example Ajinomoto Essan Sizer 600 grade, was ca. 3 Mrad at pH 11.0 and ca. 5 Mrad at pH 7.0, whereas it was ca. 7 Mrad without pH adjustment.