Orthogonal-function spectrophotometry for the measurement of amylose and amylopectin contents

In this study, orthogonal-function spectrophotometry (OFS) was used for the first time in the determination of amylose and amylopectin contents. A six-point quadratic orthogonal polynomial (QOP) was chosen for amylose determination at an interval of 8 nm, and an inter-wavelength of 596 nm. For amylopectin determination, a ten-point QOP was selected with an interval of 22 nm and an inter-wavelength of 538 nm. OFS was more precise, with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.4–0.7 for both amylose and amylopectin content analyses. Dual-wavelength colorimetry (DWC) showed a SD of 1.3–2.5 and 3.8–4.6 for amylose and amylopectin content analyses, respectively. OFS has an acceptable recovery ratio and hence has an advantage over DWC in determining amylose and amylopectin concentration in solution without prior separation. OFS is an alternative method for the analysis of amylose and amylopectin content.