Chayote Root Starch Modified with Acyl and Acetyl Groups: Synthesis, Characterization, and Preparation of Edible Films

Abstract

Chemical modification of starch from the chayote root (Sechium edule Jacq) was carried out with lauric acid and acetic anhydride. The modified starch was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and used to formulate edible films. The developed edible films were characterized based on their physicochemical and mechanical properties. The physicochemical and functional properties of starch were affected by the incorporation of the acyl and acetyl group. Both starches exhibited a significant decrease in solubility. Starch modified by the incorporation of the acyl group (lauroyl) had higher thermal stability than starch modified by the incorporation of the acetyl group. The first showed an increase in emulsifying and foaming capacity, as well as water‐ and oil‐retention capacity, while the second exhibited adequate edible film‐forming properties. The edible films developed with modified starch with acetyl group had a homogeneous surface and exhibited a higher percentage of elongation at break when they were stored at a water activity of 0.561. In accordance with the above, it is concluded that the chayote root starch modified has physicochemical and functional properties that indicate their potential utility in the food industry.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Comprehensive Evaluation of the Physicochemical Attributes, Antioxidant Capacity, and pH-Responsive Behavior of Starch Films Enhanced by Laver Incorporation

“…Although derived from natural sources, chitosan, collagen, silk protein, and cellulose possess certain drawbacks, such as inferior mechanical characteristics and vulnerability to water [ 2 ]. Conversely, starch has emerged as an attractive option for edible film production due to its cost-effectiveness, abundance, diverse botanical sources, excellent film-forming properties, and economic advantages [ 3 ]. It is widely used in papermaking, hydrogels, adhesives, and films.…”