Debranched starch: Preparation and hydrophobic cavity characterization using carbon nanotubes

Debranched starch (DBS) can be used as a wall material to protect guest molecules. The hydrophobic cavity size of DBS is a crucial parameter for determining the formation of inclusion complexes between DBS and guest molecules. Herein, the cavity sizes of DBS with different average degrees of polymerization (DPs) were evaluated using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with different outer diameters. Three fractions of DBS with average DP of 14.53, 16.20, and 25.25 were obtained by gradient ethanol dissolution method. Subsequently, DBS-CNTs fabricated were tested to determine whether they formed complexes or not. The results of spectroscopic and thermal investigation confirmed that the ranges of cavity sizes of three fractions were 0.6-2 nm (DP 14.53), 0.6-2 nm (DP 16.20), and 0.6-4 nm (DP 25.25), respectively. These findings will guide the encapsulation of macromolecular guests by DBS.

Automated summary

Debranched starch (DBS) can be used as a wall material to protect guest molecules, with the hydrophobic cavity size being a crucial parameter for the formation of inclusion complexes. The cavity sizes of DBS with different average degrees of polymerization were evaluated using carbon nanotubes, indicating potential for guiding the encapsulation of macromolecular guests by DBS.