Continuous dual feed homogenization for the production of starch inclusion complexes for controlled release of nutrients

The use of food grade biopolymers, such as starch, has been suggested as a technological solution for the controlled delivery of health promoting ingredients. This staple food carbohydrate may form molecular inclusion complexes, termed V-amylose, with numerous ligands. This study aimed to develop and assess a continuous production process for the formation of such complexes using three starches varying in the amylose:amylopectin ratio. The heart of the technique is the use of dual feed homogenizer for in situ complexation in accord with homogenization, to form micron and sub micron particles. Results show that pre-dissolving high amylose corn starch or corn starch in a hot alkali solution leads to the formation of a bi-modal population of 0.04-20 mu m or a mixed population of 0.04-3 mu m V-type particles, respectively. These stearic acid-loaded particles exhibit V-type X-ray diffraction and release the stearic acid mainly upon pancreatic amylases; treatment. This technology could prospectively be used in numerous applications including as a delivery system for the controlled delivery of bioactives. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.