Food Chemistry

Module 4. Food carbohydrate

Lesson 12
PROPERTIES AND UTILIZATION OF COMMON POLYSACCHARIDES

12.1 Introduction

Polysaccharides are the carbohydrates which contain more than 10 monosaccharide units. They can be hydrolyzed into hundred or even thousands of monosaccharide units. Polysaccharides commonly present in foods are starch, glycogen, cellulose, hemicellulose, pectic substances, gums.

12.2 Starch

Starch is a natural polymer of the sugar D-glucose. Starch occurs widely in the vegetables kingdom. The important of starch in food processing is based on the fact that it provides a very high proportion of the world’s food energy intake; over 80 % of all food crops are composed of cereals and starchy – food crops.

Starch occurs in nature in the form of microscopically small, spherical particles or granules whose size and shape are characteristic for each species. The granules can be shown by ordinary and polarized light microscopy and by X-ray diffraction to have a highly order crystalline structure.

It is formed in plants by the condensation of a large number of glucose molecules (few hundred to several thousand units) into two types of polymers. One of these is a linear polymer, amylose, that is made up of more than 2000 glucose units. The individual glucose units are connected to each other by α-1,4-glycosidic linkage. A second starch component, called, amylopectin, has a highly branched structure, with each branch consisting of 20 to 30 glucose units, and each molecule containing several hundreds of these branches. The glucose units in each linear branch are connected by α-1,4 linkage. The branch points, are connected through α-1,6-glycosidic linkages. Both amylose and amylopectin molecules are deposited in starch granules in an orderly radial pattern.

The important sources of starch are

(i) Cereals and millets (65 to 85 %) e.g. maize, wheat, rice

(ii) Roots and tubes (19 to 35 %) e.g. potato, tapioca

Cereal starches differ from root and tuber starches in their physical properties. A cereal starch paste (5%) sets to a thick jelly on cooling whereas a turber starch paste (5%) remains as a fluid and does not set to a thick jelly.

In cereals moisture content is low and the starch granules are embedded in a hard, proteinaceous matrix, which requires preliminary softening before starch extraction. Potato contains high moisture and no preliminary softening is required.

12.2.1 Amylose

This is a long unbranched chain of D-glucose molecules linked together by α-1,4 linkage, similar to that present in maltose. (Fig. 12.1). Molecular weight of amylose range from 105 to 106 daltons and one molecule of amylose may contain 500 to 5000 glucose molecules. The solution on keeping turns turbid due to the precipitations of amylose by a process known as retrogradation. Amylose is mainly responsible for the stiffening of cooked rice on standing. Amylose gives a blue colour with iodine. Amylose content of a starch can vary considerably depending on the botanical species. Cereal starches such as wheat starch contains 25 – 30% amylose, corn starch (amylomaize) contains 40 – 80% amylose. Waxy maize contain 0% amylose starch.

Amylopectin is branched chain polysaccharide component of starch. In this polysaccharide short chains (20 to 30 molecules) of D- glucose linked by α-1,4 linkages. These chains are linked to each other by α-1,6 linkages.

Molecular weight of amylopectin range from 10⁷ to 10⁸ daltons, and one molecule of amylopectin may contain 50000 to 500000 molecules of D-glucose. Amylopectin gives a purple colour with iodine.

12.2.2 Gelatinization of starch

Starch gelatinization is a process that breaks down the intermolecular bonds of starch molecules in the presence of water and heat, allowing the hydrogen bonding sites (the hydroxyl hydrogen and oxygen) to engage more water. This irreversibly dissolves the starch granule. Penetration of water increases randomness in the general granule structure and decreases the number and size of crystalline regions. Crystalline regions do not allow water entry. Heat causes such regions to become diffuse, so that the chains begin to separate into an amorphous form. Under the microscope in polarized light starch loses its birefringence. Gelatinization is influenced by a number of factors. The gelatinization temperature and the length of heating, plant type (wheat and corn starch show different behaviour patterns) and the amount of water present, pH, size of starch granule. Some type of unmodified native starches start swelling at 55 °C, other types at 85 °C.

12.2.3 Retrogradation of starch

In dilute solutions, starch molecules will precipitate, with the insoluble material being difficult to redissolve by heating. The process of dissolved starch becoming less soluble is called retrogradation. Retrogradation of cooked starch involves amylose and amylopectin, with amylose undergoing retrogradation at a much more rapid rate than does amylopectin. The rate of retrogradation depends on several variables, including molecular ratio of amylose to amylopectin; botanical source of starch; temperature; starch concentration; salts; surfactants. Bread staling is due to starch retrogradation. Staling is due to the gradual transition of amorphous starch to a partially crystalline, retrograded state.

12.2.4 Modified starches

The behaviour of pastes of the common native starches when subjected to the effects of heat and shear used in modern food technology is often unsatisfactory. Consequently modified starches and starch derivatives with more sophisticated stability characteristics have been developed. In this section, the characteristic properties and uses of some of these starches are out-lined.

Modified starches include

(i) Acid modified starches

(ii) Pre-gelatinized starches

(iii) Cross-linked starches

(iv) Esters & ethers of starch

(v) Starch phosphates

(vi) Hydroxyalkyl substituted starch

12.2.4.1 Acid modified starch

Acid modified or thin boiling starches are prepared by heating starch granules with diluted hydrochloric acid at temperature below that of gelatinization. The resultant superficially uncharged granules fragment appear to swell less during gelatinization, with a consequent reduced volume and lower maximum hot paste viscosity. The solubility in hot water is increased, the extent depending on the degree of acid treatment.

Acid-degraded starch, particularly the non-waxy cereal type, is widely used in the manufacture of fruit gums on account of the strength and clarity of the resultant gel which is much improved in comparison to an unmodified, thick-boiling starch. The viscosity of the gel prepared from acid-modified starch is much lower than that prepared from the corresponding concentration of the unmodified starch. As a result hot gel can be easily poured into moulds. The acid treatment causes an increase in the resultant gel strength, probably because of the preferential degradation of amylopectin. The gel clarity is also improved.

12.2.4.2 Pre-gelatinized starches

For many food uses, a water holding or thickening agent is required to function without the application of heat. For this purpose a pre-gelatinized starch is often used. Pre-gelatinized starch is prepared by destroying the granular structure on cooking, which simultaneously causes a considerable reduction in paste viscosity. The cooked paste is then dried on rollers or with a spray-drier. The powdered product will easily rehydrate in cold water but, the resultant dispersions are not equivalent to freshly prepared paste. This is due to the starch degradation which has taken place.

The largest use of pre-gelatinized starch is in the instant puddings – a packaged powder which only needs to be mixed with cold milk and allowed to stand for a few minutes, producing a simple pudding. The powders are mixture of pre-gelatinized starch with sugar and flavourings, together with salts which produce sufficient viscosity increase in the milk to keep the starch suspended until hydration can take place. Another widespread use is in frozen fruit-pie fillings where a pre-gelatinized starch keeps the fruit suspended and helps retain the flavour without the need for heating.

12.2.4.3 Cross-linked and other derivatized starches

A great number of esters and ethers of starch, with an infinite range of physicochemical properties (particularly with regard to the heat stability), can be prepared. But use of such derivatives in food is restricted and only a few of these are important in the food industry. Starch phosphates, which have a analogues in the amylopectin fraction of root and tuber starches, are examples of starch derivatives which are suitable as food additives. The introduction of free-acid groups in starch phosphates both increases and stabilizes the paste viscosity by the

- Negatively charged phosphate groups expand the molecule in solution

- Coulombic repulsion

- Prevent the formation of aggregates

Because of their high viscosity and paste clarity, starch phosphates are put to extensive use in foods as thickness and texturizing agents. Their resistance to molecular aggregation is of importance in the formulation of frozen foods. The swelling and ultimate breakdown of starch granules during cooking can be controlled by introducing a suitable number of cross-linkages between the molecules.

Cross linked phosphate esters may be prepared commercially by esterification with trimetaphosphate. The extent of cross linking is measured by the change in the pasting properties of the derivatives. Starch with low level of phosphate cross linking is also used in textural modification of food e.g. Cross bonded phosphate starches are used as thickners in salad cream and fruit-pie fillings. The introduction of hydroxyalkyl substituent increases the solubility of starch and prevents molecular aggregation e.g. hydroxypropyl starch. Hydroxyalkyl starches gelatinize at lower temperature than the parent starch and paste show little tendency to form gels.

12.5 Cellulose

Cellulose is the most abundant polysaccharide in nature, since one-third of all higher plants consists of this biopolymer which functions as the main structural material. It is a linear polymer of D-glucose units linked (1 à 4) in the β – configuration. (Fig. 12.3)

The cellulose chains are unbranched, and may contain as many as 5000 glucose units. Because of the β-1,4 linkage, the glucose units in the chain alternate, and the molecule is effectively a rigid and straight chain. As a result, cellulose molecules can readily align themselves side-by-side in an arrangement which is stabilized by intermolecular hydrogen bonding and form crystalline regions. Intermolecular bonding is so strong that cellulose is insoluble in water, and even in strong sodium hydroxide solution. The cellulose is responsible for the form and gross texture in all foodstuffs prepared from plants. Being insoluble, it is little affected by any cooking process and does not disperse. On ingestion, it is unaffected by enzymes in the digestive tract and does not hydrate. (Fig. 12.4 Carboxymethyl cellulose)

12.6 Glycogen

Glycogen the reserve carbohydrate is a polysaccharide found in the animal body. It is found mainly in the muscles (0.5 to 1 percent) and liver (3 to 7 percent).Glycogen resembles starch in its chemical properties. It is formed by the condensation of a large number (5000-10000) of glucose molecules. It is a branched chain polysaccharide, resembling amylopectin. The chain length varies from 8 to 12 glucose units. The molecular weight of glycogen from different sources range from 105 to 108 daltons.

12.7 Hemicellulose

Hemicelluloses are present in many plant tissues. They are structural components of the cell wall. They are water-insoluble, non-starchy polysaccharides. They are heteropolysaccharides. Monosaccharide units present in hemicelluloses are xylose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, glucuronic acid. Hemicelluloses are nonfibrous while celluloses are fibrous. They are more soluble in alkali and more readily hydrolyzed by dilute acids than celluloses.
12.8 Pectin

The pectins or pectic substances are found universally in the primary cell walls & intercellular layers in plants. They are most abundant in young tissue. They are characteristic constituent of fruits e.g. citrus fruits contain 30% pectin. The pectic substances are a family of very closely associated polysaccharides which are very difficult to separate. The term ‘pectin’ is used in relation to water-insoluble polysaccharides.

D-galacturonic acid is the principal constituent which is esterified as methyl ester and possess considerable gelling power. Other constituents include D-galactose, L-arabinose, D-xylose, L-rhamnose and L-fucose. Three types of homopolysaccharides are also present – D-galacturonan, D-galactan, and L-arabinan. Typical heteropolysaccharides associated with pectic substance include the soyabean L-arabino-D-galactan. Preparations in which more than half of the carboxyl groups are in the methyl ester form are classified as high-methoxyl pectins, the remainder of the carboxyl groups will be present as a mixture of free acid and salt forms. Preparations in which less than half of the carboxyl groups are in the methyl ester form are called as low-methoxyl pectins. Pectin is widely used in marmalade and jelly preparation. High-methoxyl pectin solutions gel sufficient acid and sugar are present. Low-methoxyl pectin solutions gel only in the presence of calcium ions, which provide cross bridges.

12.9 Agar

Agar is obtained from the family of red seaweeds (Rhodophyceae). Example of some species are Gelidium cartilagineum and Gracilaria confervoides. Agar consists of a mixture of agarose and agaropectin. Agarose is a linear polymer. The main components of chain are β-D-galactopyranose and 3,6-anhydro-α-L-galactopyranose, which alternate through 1, 4 and 1, 3 linkages. The chains are esterified to a low extent with sulphuric acid. Agaropectin fraction has a high sulphate esterification degree as compared to agarose fraction. Agarose is the main gelling component of the agar.
Agar is insoluble in cold water. It dissolves to give random coils in boiling water. It forms heat resistant gels. Agar has a major use in preparation of microbiological media. Agar is added to frozen desserts and ice cream as stabilizer. (Fig. 12.6)

12.10 Alginates

Alginates or Alginic acid is the most common algal polysaccharide, found in brown seaweeds (Laminaria spp.). This linear polysaccharide is composed of β-D-mannuronic acid and α-L-guluronic acid, both linked through the (1→4) positions. These monomer units do not occur randomly but are present in relatively long sequence of each type. It is commonly used as a gelling and stabilizing agent to improve the texture of products such as ice-cream, pie filling and icings. It forms irreversible gels in cold water in presence of calcium ions. It prevents formation of larger ice crystals in ice creams during storage. (Fig. 12.7)

12.11 Carrageenan

The term carrageenan covers a range of sulphated galactans which are linked alternatively by (1→3) and (1→4) glycosidic bonds. The carrageenans can be fractionated into six types which vary depending on the degree and manner of sulphation and the presence or absence of 3,6 – anhydro galactose units. These are lambda, kappa, iota, mu, nu and theta. (Fig. 12.8)

The various fractions do not occur together. The most important forms are lambda, kappa and iota. The polysaccharides have high molecular weight in the range of 1,00,000 to 10,00,000. They are regarded as being non-absorbable in the digestive tract of man.

The solubility properties of these polysaccharides depends on the

(i) Proportion of sulphate groups

(ii) Cations associated with them

(iii) Proportion of 3,6-anhydrogalactose residues (relatively hydrophobic)

Lambda fraction is easily soluble in water because of the high proportion of sulphate groups and the absence of anhydrogalactose, and is unaffected by the nature of cations present. Kappa fraction contains a lower proportion of sulphate groups and some anhydrogalactose units, and as a result is only soluble in water in the form of sodium salt. Other cations (K⁺ and Ca²⁺) only allow swelling in cold water, and heating to 60^o C is necessary to ensure solubilization. Iota fraction has an intermediate structure and properties.

Because of the presence of the strongly charged anionic sulphate group, the carrageenans as a group are able to form a complex not only with cationic materials but also with amphoteric substance such as proteins. This unique property of carrageenan extracts can be utilized is a stabilizer for condensed milk.

12.12 Gums

Gums may be formed spontaneously; or at the site of injury to the plant. They are exuaded as viscous fluids which become dehydrated to give hard, clear nodules consisting mainly of polysaccharides. These are known as exudate gums. Many such gums from tropical countries find uses in the food industry as thickening agents or emulsion stabilizers. e.g. gum arabic, gum tragacanth, gum ghatti, gum karaya etc. These polysaccharides all possess complex highly-branched structure with D-glucuronic and/or D-galacturonic acids, together with two or more neutral sugars. The acidic residues are found naturally as salts and some of the sugars are esterified with acetic acid.

As a group, the gums are probably the most complex of all natural polymers and structural investigations are very difficult. Most likely, a gum is a group of closely related molecular species in which varying side chains are attached to a main backbone. Galactomannan gums such as locust bean gum and guar gum come from seeds produced by leguminous plants of Cyamopsis and Ceratonia genera. Guar gum is obtained from the ground endosperm of the leguminous plant Cyamopsis tetragonoloba. Guar gum consists of a linear chain of β-D-mannose units joined with 1, 4 linkages. Every second residue has a side chain, a galactose unit that is bound to the main chain by a α-1, 6 linkage. Guar gum is nongelling, and is used as a viscosity builder, stabilizer, and water binder. Guar gum is used in ice cream, desserts, salad dressings, bakery products, sauces, soups. (Fig. 12.9)

Locust bean gum is present in the endosperm of seeds obtained from the evergreen tree, Ceratonia siliqua. Locust bean gum is made up of mannose and galactose. The ratio of mannose to glucose is 4. It is insoluble in cold water. It is compatible with other gums. It readily forms gel when combined with xanthan gum. Functions of locust bean gum include thickening, stabilization of emulsion and inhibition of syneresis. It is used in sauces, beverages, cheese, ice cream.(Fig. 12.10)