How is modified starch made?

How is Modified Starch Made?

Modified starch is a versatile ingredient that is widely used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. It is derived from native starch, which is a complex carbohydrate found in many plants. Through a series of processes, native starch is modified to enhance its functionality and improve its performance in different applications.

The production of modified starch involves several key steps, each contributing to the desired characteristics of the final product. Let's take a closer look at the process:

1. Selection of Raw Materials:

The first step in producing modified starch is the selection of suitable raw materials. Native starch can be sourced from various plant sources, such as corn, wheat, potatoes, and tapioca. Each source has its own unique properties, and the choice of raw material depends on the desired characteristics of the modified starch.

2. Cleaning and Washing:

Once the raw materials are selected, they undergo a thorough cleaning and washing process to remove impurities, such as dirt, debris, and foreign particles. This ensures that the final product is of high quality and free from any contaminants.

3. Grinding and Extraction:

After cleaning, the raw materials are ground into a fine powder to increase their surface area. This facilitates the extraction of starch from the plant material. The ground material is then mixed with water to form a slurry.

4. Separation:

The slurry is then subjected to a separation process to separate the starch from other components, such as proteins, fibers, and lipids. This can be achieved through various techniques, including centrifugation, sieving, or hydrocycloning. The separated starch is known as native starch.

5. Modification:

The native starch is then subjected to various modification processes to improve its functional properties. There are several methods of modifying starch, including physical, chemical, and enzymatic methods. Each method imparts specific characteristics to the starch, making it suitable for different applications.

- Physical Modification:

Physical modification techniques include processes such as heat treatment, annealing, and extrusion. These processes alter the structure of the starch molecules, resulting in improved stability, viscosity, and gelatinization properties.

- Chemical Modification:

Chemical modification involves the use of chemicals to modify the starch molecules. Common chemical modifiers include acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents, and cross-linking agents. These chemicals react with the starch molecules, introducing new functional groups and altering their properties.

- Enzymatic Modification:

Enzymatic modification utilizes enzymes to catalyze specific reactions on the starch molecules. Enzymes such as amylases, phosphorylases, and transferases can be used to modify the structure of the starch molecules, leading to improved stability, solubility, and thickening properties.

6. Drying and Packaging:

After modification, the modified starch is dried to remove excess moisture and ensure long-term stability. This can be done through various drying methods, such as spray drying or drum drying. Once dried, the modified starch is packaged in suitable containers to protect it from moisture and external contaminants.

In conclusion, the production of modified starch involves a series of processes that transform native starch into a versatile ingredient with enhanced functionality. The selection of raw materials, cleaning and washing, grinding and extraction, separation, modification, drying, and packaging are all crucial steps in producing high-quality modified starch.

At Unionchem, we are dedicated to providing our customers with top-quality thickeners, including modified starches like Xanthan Gum, Welan Gum, Gellan Gum, and more. Our products are carefully manufactured using advanced techniques to ensure consistent quality and performance. Whether you are in the food industry or any other industry that requires thickeners, our products are suitable for a wide range of applications.

If you are looking for reliable thickeners that can enhance your products' texture and stability, do not hesitate to contact us at Unionchem. Our team of experts will be more than happy to assist you in finding the perfect solution for your specific needs. Together, we can create innovative and successful products that will impress your customers and drive your business forward.