Current Status and Perspectives of Starch Powders Modified by Cold Plasma: A Review

Starch is an important part of the human diet; however, this macromolecule has undesired physicochemical properties associated with its limited water solubility, low viscosity, and poor thermal stability, limiting its food applications. Cold plasma (CP) is an emerging and nonthermal technology used in recent years to modify the physicochemical properties of starch powders. This paper comprehensively reviewed the application of CP in starches, including information about reactors and gases used to modify starches with CP, the application in starch granules, and the combination with other treatments such as hydration, dry heat, chemical and enzymatic treatments, extrusion, ultra-high-pressure, and microwave. Modified starch granules by atmospheric CP showed depolymerization of starch molecules, impacting the amylose content, crystalline structure, water solubility, and thermal properties. Certain gases used in CP, such as hexamethyldisiloxane and helium, can induce cross-linking in starch granules, increasing thermal and mechanical properties. CP associated with physicochemical treatments is more efficient in inducing starch depolymerization, improving the modification of the physicochemical properties of this macromolecule. CP is a useful tool for modifying the properties of starch granules; however, further research and development are necessary to elucidate its industrial application.