Chemical composition, digestibility and emulsification properties of octenyl succinic esters of various starches

•OSA esterification had significant effects on starch chemistry and functionality.•Effects of esterification varied based on starch botanical source.•OSA esterified starch had unique digestibility characteristics.•OSA esterified starches may be used as emulsifiers or targeted delivery systems.

Octenyl succinate starches are commonly used as emulsifiers and texturizing agents in many food-systems. Rice, tapioca, corn, wheat and potato starches were modified with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) at 3% level. Structural characterization, molecular weight, starch digestibility and physical properties of starch granule stabilized emulsions were studied for modified starches. Modified potato (0.022) and wheat (0.018) starches had the highest and lowest degrees of OSA substitution, respectively. For all starches, amylose and amylopectin molecular mass was significantly (P < 0.05) lower for OSA starches. OSA modification may have hydrolyzed the small amylose and amylopectin chains, or caused rearrangement of the starch molecules. Although the starch modification improved emulsification properties, botanical source showed more influence on this parameter. Overall, botanical source had more influence on functional properties than degree of substitution. Further studies on OSA group distribution and fine molecular structure of amylopectin and relationship with functional properties will be important.

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