Chemical Properties
white powder
Uses
Starch Soluble - ACS is used in preparation of γ-Cyclodextrin.
Uses
For determination of diastatic power of malt, etc.; as indicator in iodometric analyses.
Definition
ChEBI: Alpha-maltose is a maltose that has alpha-configuration at the reducing end anomeric centre.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Starch synthesised by plants is a polymer of amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is a linear polymer of glucose whereas amylopectin is a highly branched polymer. Starch is a renewable and biodegradable polymer and is widely used in starch nanoparticles (SNP) development. Starch has flexible structural properties and is modified and functionalized for pharmaceutical applications. Starch comprises of rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS). Resistant starch improves metabolic profile, gut bacteria and has anti-diabetic functionality. Resistant starch has low glycemic index and helps in weight management. It may be effective in treating metabolic diseases and colon cancer.
Purification Methods
Starch is de-fatted by Soxhlet extraction with Et2O or 95% EtOH. For fractionation of starch into “amylose” and “amylopectin” fractions, see Lansky et al. [J Am Chem Soc 71 4066 1949].
