Application of the electrospinning process to obtain nanofibers from triticale (Triticosecale Wittmack) starch obtained using the response surface methodology and morphological evaluation

Abstract

In this study, the triticale starch extraction process was optimized using a Box–Behnken experiment design. The variables were solid-liquid ratio (starch-water), (X₁ g of starch/mL of water), rest time (X₂, min), and centrifugation time (X₃, min). The optimal process conditions to obtain the maximum extraction of triticale starch (44.28 %) were a ratio X₁=4.03 g/201.77 mL, X₂=29.3 min and X₃=45 min. The predicted starch yield was 45.32 % and under optimal conditions, the experimental value was 44.28 %. The characterization of triticale starch was determined and compared with its parent species wheat and rye using SEM studies. Nanofibers were obtained from triticale starch by the electrospinning method. 2^4–1 fractional factorial design was used; with flow rates of 0.1 and 0.5 mL/h; voltages of 8 and 15 KV; and collector needle distance, 8 and 10 cm, as the factors and the diameter of the nanofibers as the response variable. Micrographs of nanofibers were obtained by SEM to assess their structure, size, diameter, and beading or defects. The average diameter of the obtained nanofibers varied between 82 and 240 nm. Nanofibers can be scaffolds for bioactive compounds in the Food and Pharmaceutical industry.