Reaction pattern differences impact physical properties of starches derivatized to the same extent in a model cross-linking system

This study investigated the physical properties of maize (MS) and wheat (WS) starches derivatized with 5-(4,6-dichlorotriazinyl)aminofluorescein (model cross-linking system) to have the same overall fluorescence intensity on starch molecules, but reacted either more uniformly throughout granules (UD) or more at granule surfaces (SD). Both MS and WS derivatives had lower swelling powers (SP) at 90 °C than their respective native starches. The UD derivatives had lower SP (90 °C) and greater retrogradation enthalpies than did SD derivatives, consistent with their lower peak and higher setback pasting viscosities. Also, SD starches were less soluble and retained a greater degree of granular integrity than UD starches in time-lapse, hot-stage light microscopy studies (50-95 °C), likely due to a greater concentration of cross-links at the granule surface. The results confirm that derivatization patterns impact the physical properties of modified starches. Thus, varying derivatization patterns can be a strategy to tailor modified starch properties.