Derivatization patterns among starch chain populations assessed by ion-exchange chromatography: A model system approach

Reaction patterns of wheat starch derivatized with a fluorescent probe (model reaction system) were investigated over the course of a reaction period (0.5, 4, 12, or 24 h). Debranched derivatives were fractionated into three populations (Unbound, Bound-1, Bound-2) based on charge density via anion-exchange chromatography, with each ion-exchanged fraction further analyzed by size-exclusion chromatography (refractive index [RI] and fluorescence [FL] detection) to assess proportions and patterns of reaction on amylose (AM) and amylopectin (AP) long (LC), medium (MC), and short (SC) branch chains. Approximately 11-12% of the total chains accounted for 63-75% of the FL recovered in the two bound fractions. FL peaks representing AM, AP-LC, AP-MC, AP-SC, and intermediate material (eluted with AM based on molecular size, but reacted more akin to AP-LC) were monitored over the reaction period. Fractionation behaviors varied amongst starch chains, attributable to the impact of the granule structure on molecular reaction patterns.