Studies on standardization of alcohol aided starch extraction process from Chenopodium album and its characterization

The present study was designed to standardize the process through alkaline and alcohol aided alkaline method for isolation of starch from two varieties of Chenopodium album (CA). The effectiveness of the optimized extraction process of CA starch was verified in terms of yield and proximate analysis. Alcohol aided alkaline method resulted in higher starch yield (28%) for Pusa1 (P1) variety as compared to IC415477 (IC) (22%). After isolation, CA native starch is characterized for functional, thermo-pasting, morphological and flowability properties. Water absorption capacity was found higher (125%) for P1 than IC (110%). However, the oil binding capacity for P1 starch was lower (225%) than IC (248%). The peak viscosity and pasting temperature (PT) values were found lower for IC. The transmittance level of paste viscosity was 40% lower for P1 in comparison to IC starch. SEM images and X-ray diffraction for both varieties revealed irregular-shape and similar peak intensity. Flowability properties for both varieties were found similar to each other. These analyses revealed that both varieties of CA starch had the similar intensity of results with respect to commercially available starch. Hence, both the variety of CA starch can be explored as a thickening agent and as an economical, safe, and environment-friendly material for food application.

Automated summary

In this study, the extraction of starch from two varieties of Chenopodium album was standardized through alkaline and alcohol aided alkaline methods. The optimized extraction process resulted in higher starch yield for one variety compared to the other, with differences in water absorption capacity and oil binding capacity observed. However, both varieties showed similar peak viscosity, pasting temperature, and flowability properties, indicating that they can be explored as a thickening agent for food applications.