Physicochemical evaluation and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterization of quality protein maize starch subjected to different modifications.

Quality protein maize (QPM) is a biofortified maize rich in lysine and tryptophan, essential amino acids required in human nutrition. This research therefore characterizes native and modified starches from QPM by evaluating the physicochemical properties, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), and pasting properties. The native QPM starch was modified by oxidation, acetylation, pregelatinization, and acid thinning techniques.