Enhancing the characteristics of bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) starch aerogels through cold plasma treatment and physical cross-linking

This study concentrated on the fabrication and evaluation of four types of aerogels derived from bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) starch (BVS). These include the conventional native starch aerogel (CNSA), the conventional plasma-treated starch aerogel (CPSA), the physically cross-linked native starch aerogel (PNSA), and the physically cross-linked plasma-treated starch aerogel (PPSA). Cold plasma treatment caused notable modifications in the properties of BVS starch, while leaving its functional groups unchanged, as verified by Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. Rheological assessments (G′ and G″) indicated that starch treated with plasma developed a weak gel, whereas scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images displayed surface cavities and fissures caused by plasma etching. Despite the crystalline structure being preserved, there was a slight reduction in crystallinity from 21% to 19%. Textural evaluation demonstrated a decrease in springiness following plasma treatment. Subsequent to these processes, aerogels were produced utilizing both native and cold plasma-treated BVS via conventional and physical cross-linking methods. SEM images revealed a porous structure in aerogels that was developed due to water evaporation during the freeze-drying process. FT-IR spectra exhibited the majority of characteristic bands, although some were absent, likely as a result of gelatinization. X-ray diffraction revealed that the aerogels were more amorphous in nature compared to their starch precursors. PPSA demonstrated the highest hardness, the greatest surface area, the least mass loss following a week of water immersion, and exceptional thermal properties. These results indicate that the integration of cold plasma treatment with physical cross-linking markedly enhances the functional and structural attributes of BVS aerogels, highlighting their potential for advanced material applications.