title: Organocatalytic route for the synthesis of propionylated starch.
abstract: In recent years acetylated, propionylated and butyrylated starches have received special attention due to their capacity to deliver specific short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) to the colon in a sustained and predictable manner, and thus contribute to maintaining the normal physiologic function of the large bowel and preventing specific diseases. In the current contribution a non-conventional organocatalytic solventless route for the eco-friendly propionylation of corn starch is proposed. The catalyst used in the acylation is a naturally occurring α-hydroxy acid (l-tartaric acid). Propionylated starches with degree of substitution (DS) in the 0.05-1.59 interval were obtained and characterized in terms of chemical structure, morphology, crystallinity, thermal stability and hydrophilicity. Results showed that by the proposed methodology propionylated starch with the DS required for clinical use (i.e. 0.2-0.3) could be obtained within 2-3h of reaction. Characterization results evidenced the progressive loss of crystallinity of starch granules as higher substitution levels were conferred.
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology and Biosynthesis Group, Institute of Technology in Polymers and Nanotechnology (ITPN), Engineering Faculty, University of Buenos Aires, Las Heras 2214 (CP 1127AAR), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Di Filippo
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology and Biosynthesis Group, Institute of Technology in Polymers and Nanotechnology (ITPN), Engineering Faculty, University of Buenos Aires, Las Heras 2214 (CP 1127AAR), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Tupa
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology and Biosynthesis Group, Institute of Technology in Polymers and Nanotechnology (ITPN), Engineering Faculty, University of Buenos Aires, Las Heras 2214 (CP 1127AAR), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vázquez
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology and Biosynthesis Group, Institute of Technology in Polymers and Nanotechnology (ITPN), Engineering Faculty, University of Buenos Aires, Las Heras 2214 (CP 1127AAR), Buenos Aires, Argentina. Electronic address: mforesti@fi.uba.ar.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Foresti
mesh_terms: D002384:Catalysis; D003106:Colon / Q000378:metabolism; D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D006880:Hydroxy Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D013213:Starch / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile; D006880:Hydroxy Acids; D013213:Starch
keywords: Human colon health; Organocatalytic solventless route; Propionylation; Starch