Dual-enzymatic modification of maize starch for increasing slow digestion property

Maize starch was modified using β-amylase and transglucosidase and their molecular fine structure and in vitro digestibility were investigated. By dual-enzymes treatment, the molecule weight decreased, the amount of short chains and α-1, 6 linkages increased. This indicated that α-1,4 linkage of starch was cleaved and non-reducing D-glucosyl residues of maltose was transferred to forming α-1,6 branch linkage. A maximum SDS content (33.5%) was obtained using double enzymes hydrolysis for 6 h compared to native starch. Both the increase in amount of shortened chain length and α-1,6 linkage were likely attributed to slow digestion property of starch. The results suggested that starches using combined β-amylase and transglucosidase treatment produced new branched structures with slowly digestible character.