Influence of alkali treatment on physicochemical, pasting, morphological and structural properties of mango kernel starches derived from Indian cultivars.

Present investigation was aimed to characterize the influence of alkali treatment on physicochemical, pasting, morphological and structural properties of mango kernel starches from three cultivars viz. Safeda, Chausa, Dussheri when treated with 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5% NaOH for 0, 5 and 10 days at 25 °C. Alkali treated starches have shown significant reduction (p < 0.05) in water binding capacity and amylose content whereas significant increase was observed in solubility and swelling power when compared with their native counterparts. Pasting properties of modified starches have shown significant changes from their respective native ones with highest reduction observed in Dussheri. Morphology was slightly affected by alkali treatment reflected as dents and grooves on the surface of starch granules. X-ray diffraction patterns were typically A-type, similar to native starches with decrease in crystallinities. IR spectra remained unaffected even after prolonged treatment. Thus, the time duration and concentration of alkali had played critical role in changing the physicochemical, pasting and morphological properties of mango kernel starches that could be potentially utilized for application in innovative products to enhance their textural and sensory attributes.