Characterization of porous starch produced from arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea L.) by enzymatic hydrolysis with α-amylase and glucoamylase

Starch functionality can be increased by modification to create surface pores to form porous starch (PS).
Arrowroot is a local tuber from Indonesia with a high starch content and potential source as a PS raw material. This study aimed to produce PS from arrowroot by enzymatic hydrolysis using α-amylase and glucoamylase. The starch was hydrolyzed with different mixes of α-amylase: glucoamylase at ratios of 54:32, 108:65, and 162:97 U/g at 60 ◦C for 5 h, 12 min. The functional, chemical, and physical properties of the arrowroot PS were analyzed. Enzymatic hydrolysis produced deep pores with a wide diameter, thereby increasing the absorption capacity for oil (OAC) and water (WAC), and adsorption of methylene blue (MB). The PS MIX 54:32 showed the highest solubility and the lowest swelling power value. PS MIX108:65 exhibited the highest WAC value. PS MIX162:97
had the highest OAC and MB adsorption capacities. Thus, arrowroot PS can be utilized for adsorbent or encapsulation agents in various fields.