Production and characterization of porous starch from foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) using α-amylase, glucoamylase, and mixed enzymes

Setaria italica L. starch requires modification to enhance its functional properties and broaden its industrial applications, for instance, by modifying it into porous starch (PS). This study aimed to generate PS from foxtail millet through enzymatic hydrolysis employing α-amylase, glucoamylase, and their combinations (mixed enzymes) at various concentrations, followed by characterization of its physical, chemical, and functional properties. The starch hydrolyzed by mixed enzymes showed the highest solubility, reaching 76.13. The highest oil absorption capacity (OAC) of 172.98 was obtained from hydrolysis using α-amylase (100 U/g), while the highest water absorption capacity (WAC) of 97.74 was achieved with glucoamylase at 25 U/g. Moreover, the maximum adsorption capacity of 80.45 was obtained from the starch hydrolyzed by mixed enzymes at a concentration ratio of 50:25 U/g. Based on these findings, porous starch derived from Setaria italica L. demonstrated promising adsorption and absorption properties, suggesting potential for future development as an adsorbent or encapsulation carrier, although application-specific validation remains necessary. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd