Impact of Radiation Processing on Starch

It is envisaged that there will be a considerable demand in the near future for modified starches. To meet the demand, the chemical modification of starch, including cross-linking, has been widely used to obtain desirable traits that are suitable for various food applications. Radiation processing, being a physical process, is an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical modification. It is economically viable, safe, and possesses several advantages over other conventional methods employed for modification and cross-linking. Irradiation of starch leads to the attainment of such desired functional attributes as reduction of viscosity, high water solubility, and others. This review provides insight into the impact of gamma, electron beam, and ultraviolet irradiation on the physicochemical and functional properties of starch. It also highlights the importance and the exciting new opportunities afforded by radiation treatments as a physical means for the modification of starch.