Physico-chemical, morphological and elemental composition characterization of starch obtained from Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tuber corms

Abstract

This study investigated the potential of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (A. paeoniifolius) starch as a sustainable biopolymer for the development of biodegradable materials, particularly in food packaging applications. Starch was isolated from A. paeoniifolius using a previously established method with slight modifications,demonstrating its strong suitability for eco-friendly applications . X-ray Diffraction analysis identified a C-type crystalline structure with 34.3% crystallinity, while Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy confirmed the diverse granule morphology and elemental composition. Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis demonstrated thermal stability with an onset temperature of 106.6°C, an endothermic peak at 114.8°C, and an enthalpy change (ΔH) of 563 mJ/mg. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of hydroxyl (-OH) groups, contributing to the biofilm's mechanical cohesion and structural integrity. Proximate analysis, conducted according to Bureau of Indian Standards, detailed the composition of the starch with moisture content (11.8 g/100 g), ash (0.17 g/100 g), starch (78.61 g/100 g), protein (6.76 g/100 g), fat (0.30 g/100 g), carbohydrates (81.19 g/100 g), dietary fiber (2.58 g/100 g), and energy content (35.504 kcal/100 g). Hence the findings demonstrate favorable physicochemical properties and environmental compatibility of A. paeoniifolius starch- such as its biodegradability, renewability, and non-toxicity—positioning it as a promising material for sustainable packaging and coating technologies.