Targeting of an appropriate amylose type starch for specific product applications

Some varieties of maize are known to produce starches with different chemic al and physical properties. These characteristics have been recognized over the years to provide different functional properties. Amylose, in particul ar, has been used to provide unique functionality in numerous applications where gel strength and rigidity, as well as film forming capability, have b een desired qualities. In recent years, researchers have begun to recognize that amylose is not a single chemical substance, but rather a diverse grou p of glucans differing in molecular size, and branching characteristics. Th e main shared attribute of all "amylose" polymers is their common ability t o bind iodine. This binding ability is still the basis for most routine amy lose determination assays. We have shown that there are uniquely different amylose polymers, and our laboratory has reported on some of the difference s in physical properties. This paper reports how these unique physical prop erties can be applied effectively to practical applications.