Atmospheric argon-plasma treatment of maltodextrin: Changes in structure and physico-chemical properties

Abstract

Maltodextrin was modified using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) argon-plasma system. Under treatments, the color of maltodextrin samples was significantly changed and could be distinguished by human eyes; free acid content was 2.25-folded increased; DE value was 1.9-folded increased compared to untreated maltodextrin. The viscosity was strongly correlated to the treatment time. After modification, maltodextrin was depolymerized to reduce around 1.56-folded of its average molecular weight and degree of polymerization compared to untreated sample. The ratio of a-helix/amorphous structures was not dramatically changed. FTIR spectra showed that the depolymerization and cross-linking formation were processed at various level. A short time of treatment mainly resulted in the broken down of C-O-C bonds; whilst, new C-O-C linkage was created during a long time of treatment.