Extraction and Physicochemical Characterization of Starch from Pterocarpus santalinoides Seeds http://www.doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v7i9.35

Abstract

Starch is found in many tropical cereals, seeds, tubers and corms of plants, as microscopic granules. This study was conducted to isolate starch from Pterocarpus santalinoides seeds and to evaluate its physicochemical properties. The dried Pterocarpus santalinoides seeds were ground into powder and starch content was extracted using either distilled water, alkaline or
sedimentation methods. The %yield of Pterocarpus santalinoides starch (PSS) from the different methods of extraction was 30.39%, 20.41% and 23.81% respectively. PSS extracted using the distilled water method was used for further evaluations because of the %yield. PSS was characterized based on organoleptic and physiochemical properties using maize starch as standard. PSS is an odourless, cream-coloured powder that has a bland taste and smooth texture. It has a pH of 6.13±0.05, moisture content of 7.51±3.37% and gelation temperature of 69oC. The angle of repose, Hausner ratio and Carr’s index of PSS indicate that it has poor low property that is comparable to maize starch. The FTIR spectrum for PSS indicates that it has peaks that correspond to the characteristic functional groups present in starch. The granules are oval or spherical in shape, while some have irregular shapes. Acute toxicity study showed that PSS is safe for internal use. Microbial study showed that fungi were absent and that a limited amount of bacteria (3x 101cfu/ml) was present. PSS has comparable physiochemical properties to maize starch.