Physiochemical properties of cocoyam starch extracted in two media

Starch was extracted (isolated) from cocoyam with the aid of water solution of oxalic acid and ammonium oxalate in 8 samples of ratios, 1:3, 1:1, 3:1, 2:3, 2:1, 1:2 and 0:0 respectively. The physiochemical properties were investigated in order to unveil its characteristics and unravel the potentials for industrial applications of the cocoyam starch. The physiochemical properties investigated includes; Amylose and Amylopectin contents, water binding capacity, particle size distribution, swelling power and solubility. The results obtained showed that swelling power and solubility of the starch were temperature dependent. The solubility was found to increase with temperature increase as the cocoyam starch showed highest solubility within the 70-90°C temperature range. The swelling power was found fluctuating between the temperatures of 25-90°C. The swelling power starch sample isolated with blending ratios of 2:1 and 1:2 were temperature dependent. The Amylose content ranges from 3.06 to 31.21%.