Three phase partitioning of starch and its structural consequences

Three phase partitioning (TPP) of starch and its derivatives was carried out by adding tert-butanol to the aqueous solution of the polysaccharides in presence of ammonium sulfate. Starch and its modified forms could be recovered in more than 90% yield in the form of an interfacial layer between aqueous and organic phases. Quantitative FT-IR spectral analysis of TPP-treated potato starch revealed a clear change in the IR absorption band of the hydroxyl groups indicating a decrease in hydrogen bonding. TPP-treated starch showed lower biodegradability with wheat germ α-amylase.