The influence of Cu(II) ions on physicochemical properties of potato starch oxidised by hydrogen peroxide

The study investigates the influence of Cu(II) ions used as a catalyst on the effectiveness of potato starch oxidation by hydrogen peroxide, and compares the physicochemical properties of the modified starches. The starch was oxidised by H2O2 alone and with the addition of Cu(II) ions at three concentrations: 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3?g per 100?g d.m. of starch. The oxidised starches were examined for the content of carboxyl groups, carbonyl groups, amylose and copper, and for water-binding capacity and water solubility at temperatures of 60 and 80 degrees C. Colour parameters (L*a*b*), susceptibility to retrogradation, thermodynamic characteristics of pasting, intrinsic viscosity and pasting characteristic by RVA were also determined. The results indicate that the concentration of Cu(II) ions added as a catalyst has an effect on both the effectiveness of the oxidation process and the physicochemical properties of starch.