Liquefaction of starch

• US 4,540,663 A
• Filed: 05/20/1983
• Issued: 09/10/1985
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/1983
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Varied Investments Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Grain Processing Corporation (The Kent Corp.)
• Inventors: Witt, Paul R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shapiro, Lionel M.
• Application Number:
  US06/496,444
• Time in Patent Office: 844 Days
• Field of Search: 435/99, 435/203
• US Class Current: 435/99
• CPC Class Codes: C12P 19/14 produced by the action of a carbohydrase (EC 3.2.x), e.g. by alpha-amylase , e.g. by cellulase, hemicellulase

Abstract

Starch liquefaction is accomplished using fungal amylase at a temperature of from about 75° C. to 80° C.

Claims

1. A process of treating a starch paste which comprises treating a starch paste with a fungal amylase at a temperature in the range of from about 75°

C. to 80°

C. for a period sufficient to effect reduction of the viscosity of the starch paste without significant increase in the dextrose equivalent value of the paste.

2. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein after accomplishment of viscosity reduction to a desired extent, the fungal amylase is thermally inactivated.

3. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the treatment with fungal amylase is conducted at a pH of from about 5.0 to 8.0.

4. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the starch paste treated is a substantially pure starch paste.

5. A process in accordance with claim 2 wherein the starch paste treated is a substantially pure starch paste.

6. A process in accordance with claim 3 wherein the starch paste treates is a substantially pure starch paste.

7. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the starch paste treated is produced from an unrefined or dry milled starchy material.

8. A process in accordance with claim 2 wherein the starch paste treated is produced from an unrefined or dry milled starchy material.

9. A process in accordance with claim 3 wherein the starch paste treated is produced from an unrefined or dry milled starchy material.