Manipulation of the structure of type 4 resistant starch using cross-linking and acylation treatment and its diverse influence on digestion and in vitro fermentation characteristics

To enhance the digestion resistibility and short-chain fatty acid contents of corn starch, type 4 resistant starch was obtained by chemical cross-linking with sodium phytate and acylation with acetic, propionic, and butyric anhydride, respectively. The influence of single and double chemical modification on the physicochemical properties, digestibility, and short-chain fatty acid yields of corn starch was investigated. The phosphorus content of starch samples was 0.0180 %-0.1232 %, which was less than 0.4 % within the required safety range. Corn starch by cross-linking or/and acylation still maintained A-type crystalline structure. The resistant starch content of corn starch modified by cross-linking and then butyrylation was the highest about 52.8 %. Notably, acetylated-cross-linked starch improve the yields of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids <i>in vitro</i> fecal fermentation. This study will facilitate the design and production of functional foods containing type 4 resistant starch for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of chronic diseases such as type Ⅱ diabetes and obesity.