The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding hulless barley and supplementing a xylanase enzyme on production performance and nutrient utilization of lactating dairy cows. In study 1, we evaluated production performance, milk fatty acid composition, and nutrient digestibility in high-producing dairy cows consuming diets containing corn and hulless barley in different proportions as the grain source. We hypothesized that a plausible reduction in production performance would be explained by an altered rumen function, which would be reflected in a reduction of the proportion of de novo fatty acids in milk fat. The inclusion of hulless barley grain as the energy source in diets for lactating dairy cows resulted in similar production performance and nutrient utilization as corn grain. We concluded that hulless barley is as good as corn grain as an energy source and increasing NDF concentration in hulless barley-based diet is not necessary. In study 2, we evaluated production performance, nutrient digestibility, and milk fatty acid composition of high-producing dairy cows consuming diets containing hulled or hulless barley as the grain source. We hypothesized that rumen function is altered when cows are fed low-forage diets containing barley grains, and this altered rumen function would be reflected in lower production performance and a reduction of fatty acids synthesis in the mammary gland. Contrary to our expectations, feeding hulled barley or hulless barely based diets with different forage to concentrate ratios to lactating dairy cows resulted in similar production performance and nutrient utilization. We concluded that both hulled or hulless barley grains are good energy sources for sustaining high milk production and there is no need to increase NDF concentration in diet when using barley grain as the grain source. In study 3, we evaluated the effects of supplementing a xylanase enzyme on production performance and nutrient digestibility of lactating dairy cows fed diets containing corn or sorghum silage as the forage source. We hypothesized that supplementing a xylanase enzyme product in diets containing corn or sorghum silage increases NDF digestibility, and production performance of lactating dairy cows would also be improved due to enhanced fiber digestion. Supplementation of xylanase for 19 d did not affect cow performance and nutrient utilization. Supplementation of xylanase may require a longer period of time to show any response in production performance and nutrient digestibility. We concluded that supplementing xylanase to cows fed corn or sorghum silage-based diets did not improve fiber digestion. But for feeding hulled or hulless barley grains to lactating dairy cows, increased NDF concentration in diets is not necessary and hulless barley is good as corn grain for feeding lactating dairy cows as the grain source. / Ph. D. / The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding hulless barley and supplementing a xylanase enzyme on production performance and nutrient utilization of lactating dairy cows. Barley starch is fermented faster than corn starch and can possibly reduce ruminal pH. Reduced ruminal pH can compromise cow production performance and cause some health problems. In study 1, we evaluated production performance, milk fatty acid composition, and nutrient digestibility in high-producing dairy cows consuming diets containing corn or hulless barley as the grain source. We hypothesized that a plausible reduction in production performance and milk fat percentage would be reduced by feeding hulless barley as the grain source in the diet. According to our results, the inclusion of hulless barley grain as the energy source in diets for lactating dairy cows resulted in similar production performance and nutrient utilization as corn grain. We concluded that hulless barley is as good as corn grain as an energy source and increasing fiber concentration in hulless barley-based diet is not necessary. In study 2, we evaluated production performance, nutrient digestibility, and milk fatty acid composition of high-producing dairy cows consuming diets containing hulled or hulless barley as the grain source. We hypothesized that rumen function is altered when cows are fed low-forage diets containing barley grains, and this altered rumen function would be reflected in lower production performance and a reduction of milk fat percentage. Contrary to our expectations, we did not observe any differences in cow production performance among all treatments. We concluded that both hulled or hulless barley grains are good energy sources for sustaining high milk production and there is no need to increase fiber concentration in diet when using barley grain as the grain source. In study 3, we evaluated the effects of supplementing a xylanase enzyme on production performance and nutrient digestibility of lactating dairy cows fed diets containing corn or sorghum silage as the forage source. We hypothesized that supplementing a xylanase enzyme product in diets containing corn or sorghum silage increases fiber digestibility, and production performance of lactating dairy cows would also be improved due to enhanced fiber digestion. Supplementation of xylanase for 19 d did not affect cow production performance and nutrient digestion. The effects of supplementation xylanase may require a longer period time to detect. We concluded that supplementing xylanase to cows fed corn or sorghum silage-based diets did not improve fiber digestion. For feeding hulled or hulless barley grains to lactating dairy cows, increased fiber concentration in diets is not necessary and hulless barley is good as corn grain for feeding lactating dairy cows as the grain source.

Carbohydrates and fats are the main fuel sources for energy production during exercise. Consumption of low glycemic index foods slows digestion and absorption in the small intestine. The slow digestibility of resistant starch containing foods contributes to the slow and sustained release of glucose into the bloodstream, minimizing occurrence of hyperinsulinemia-induced suppression of lipolysis. The objectives of this study were to determine the consumption of resistant starch (RS) by regular exercisers (Blacksburg and San Jose (SJ)); and to analyze the eating and exercise habits of the subjects. Subjects were recruited at gyms in SJ (n=27) and Blacksburg (n=26). Participants kept 3-day food records and completed a questionnaire on eating habits and physical activity. Mean body mass index for the subjects was similar (SJ: 23.06 Kg/m² ± 2.55; Blacksburg: 23.53 Kg/m² ± 3.09). Average exercise time was 12 hours/week, and > 50% engaged in weight training in addition to aerobic type exercise. Percentage contribution of carbohydrates to the total energy intake was significantly higher for SJ males (53.53% ± 8.06%) compared to Blacksburg males (48.39% ± 6.33%; alpha=0.10). Prominent RS food sources in both groups were pasta, potatoes, bananas, and corn. Rice and various legumes were more frequent in the SJ group. It appears that consumption of RS is higher among SJ subjects. Consumption of RS prior to prolonged exercise could cause stable glycemic and insulinemic responses that may help delay the onset of fatigue during exercise. / Master of Science

Master of Science / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Yong Cheng Shi / Octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) modified starch is widely used in emulsion and encapsulation applications. The functionality of OS starch depends on its molecular structure. A systematic study was performed to investigate the reaction of OSA with granular waxy maize (WM) starch, microporous WM starch and soluble maltodextrin. OS starches were prepared in an aqueous slurry system, and the degree of substitution (DS) of OS starches was determined by titration and [superscript]1H-NMR spectroscopy. For both 3% and 50% OSA treatment, OS maltodextrin had higher DS and reaction efficiency (RE) than OSA modified WM starch and microporous WM starch. The maximum DS of OSA modified granular WM starch was 0.14 and the highest DS of OS maltodextrin was 0.27. For the 3% OSA treatment, the RE for WM starch and maltodextrin was ~ 80% and ~100%, respectively. The structure of OSA modified WM starch and the locations of OS groups on anhydroglucose units (AGUs) were studied by [superscript]1H-NMR and [superscript]13C-NMR. As increasing OS substitution, [superscript]13C - signal at C-1 shifted to upper field. In addition, the [superscript]13C - signal at C-6 shifted to downfield when DS reached 0.073. The results suggested that OS groups were predominantly substituted at the O-2 position and started being substituted at O-6 position when DS was 0.073. FT-IR microspectroscopy was used to detect the heterogeneity OS starch products. Native WM starch, OSA modified WM starches (DS=0.019 and 0.073) and a starch blend with native starch to OSA modified WM starch (DS=0.073) ratio of 7:3 were examined. More than one hundred starch granules of each sample were analyzed one by one by FT-IR microspectroscopy. For the OS starch (DS=0.019), 7% starch granules showed carbonyl absorption. For the OS starch (DS=0.073), 99% starch granules showed carbonyl absorption but the intensity varied, indicating that OSA reacted with most starch granules when DS was 0.073. However, the OS contents of individual granules varied. For the starch blend, only 30% starch granules had carbonyl absorption. FT-IR microspectroscopy is a useful tool to detect heterogeneity of OS starch blends containing native starch.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da irradiação nas características estruturais, físico-químicas, funcionais e nutricionais (digestibilidade do amido) do amido isolado de arroz, bem como elucidar como tais alterações afetam as propriedades físico-químicas, físicas, sensoriais e nutricionais (digestibilidade do amido) dos grãos de arroz irradiados. As cultivares comerciais de arroz IAC 202 e IRGA 417 foram utilizadas. Os grãos e amido isolado foram submetidos às doses 1, 2 e 5 kGy de radiação gama, sob taxa de 0,4 kGy/h. Uma amostra controle (não irradiada), considerada dose 0, foi utilizada para comparação. A irradiação não alterou a morfologia dos grânulos, padrão de cristalinidade e teor de fibra alimentar no amido isolado de ambas cultivares. Mas promoveu aumento no teor de amilose, carboxilas, acidez, cor amarela, amilose lixiviada, absorção de água e solubilidade em água, e redução no pH e na viscosidade de pasta. A radiação gama induziu à degradação das moléculas de amilose e de amilopectina, mas também gerou ligações cruzadas, o que levou os amidos das diferentes cultivares a apresentarem comportamentos distintos para digestibilidade e cristalinidade relativa ao longo das doses aplicadas. Para a cv. IAC 202 ocorreu redução do número das cadeias longas e aumento das cadeias curtas da amilopectina, enquanto para a cv. IRGA 417 ocorreu aumento das cadeias longas e redução das cadeias curtas, promovendo aumento na temperatura de gelatinização do amido. A digestibilidade do amido mostrou ser maior quanto à fração amido lentamente digerível (ALD), seguido por amido rapidamente digerível (ARD) e amido resistente (AR) em ambas cultivares, para o amido e grãos crus. A gelatinização do amido promoveu aumento do ARD, com redução do ALD e AR. A cocção dos grãos de arroz causou redução de AR, sendo que este teor foi mais preservado na menor dose (1 kGy). A irradiação também promoveu redução de dureza e aumento da pegajosidade dos grãos cozidos. No entanto, a caracterização sensorial por análise descritiva quantitativa (ADQ) mostrou mínima percepção dos provadores na alteração destes parâmetros de textura. A ADQ constatou desenvolvimento de aromas e sabores diferenciados com o aumento das doses, tornando-os menos característicos em ambas cultivares. Os grãos de arroz irradiados com 1 kGy apresentaram boa aceitabilidade pelos provadores. Esta foi a melhor dose para o arroz, considerando o maior teor de AR e menores alterações nas demais propriedades físico-químicas e sensoriais. / The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of irradiation on the structural, physicochemical, functional and nutritional (starch digestibility) characteristics of starch isolated from rice as well as elucidate how such changes affect the physicochemical, physical, sensory and nutritional (starch digestibility) properties of irradiated rice grains. Commercial rice cultivars IAC 202 and IRGA 417 were used. Grains and starch isolated were submitted to doses 1, 2 and 5 kGy of gamma radiation, on a rate of 0.4 kGy/h. A control sample (non-irradiated), considered dose 0, was used for comparison. Irradiation did not alter the granule morphology, crystallinity pattern and dietary fiber content in starch isolated from both cultivars. But promoted increase in amylose content, carboxyl, acidity, yellow color, leached amylose, water absorption and water solubility, and decrease in pH and paste viscosity. Gamma radiation induced degradation of the amylose and amylopectin molecules, but also generated crosslinks, which led the starches from different cultivars showed distinct behaviors for digestibility and relative crystallinity along the doses applied. For cv. IAC 202 occurred reducing the number of long chains and increasing short chains of amylopectin, whereas for cv. IRGA 417 occurred increasing long chain and reduction short chain, promoting an increase in gelatinization temperature of starch. Starch digestibility was found to be higher as the fraction slowly digestible starch (SDS), followed by rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and resistant starch (RS) in both cultivars for raw starch and grains. Starch gelatinization promoted increased RDS, reducing the SDS and RS. Cooking of the rice grains caused a reduction of RS, and this content was more preserved at the lowest dose (1 kGy). Irradiation also promoted a reduction in hardness and an increase in stickiness of cooked grains. However, sensory characterization by quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) showed minimal perception of the panelists in the alteration of these texture parameters. The QDA found development of differentiated odor and taste with increasing doses, making them less characteristic in both cultivars. Rice grains irradiated with 1 kGy showed good acceptability by the panelists. This was the best dose for rice, considering the highest RS content and minor changes in other physicochemical and sensory properties.

Collection of the author's previous publications / Includes bibliographies / 1 v. (various pagings) : / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (D. Sc.)--University of Adelaide, 1989

Chickpea grain contains a high amount of starch and valuable protein. Many grain legumes (pulses) can be processed by pin milling and air classification with high separation efficiency. However, chickpea exhibits low separation efficiency because it has a relatively high fat content compared to other pulses. Therefore, the main goal of this research was to improve the starch-protein separation from chickpea flour in order to increase the economic value of chickpea grain.<p>The chemical composition of pin-milled chickpea flour was determined. The functional and physical properties of chickpea flour affecting starch-protein separation were determined. No chemical interactive force was detected between starch granules and protein particles. Therefore, a physical separation technique, i.e. applying centrifugal force in a hydrocyclone, was employed to separate starch granules from protein particles. <p>Using a hydrocyclone, centrifugal force was applied to chickpea flour particles. Chickpea flour was suspended in two different media, isopropyl alcohol or deionized water. In both media, high inlet pressure resulted in smaller geometric mean diameter of particles collected in the overflow and underflow. Isopropyl alcohol as a medium resulted in particles with smaller geometric mean diameter than did deionized water. Starch and protein separation efficiencies were higher at greater inlet pressures. The application of a double-pass hydrocyclone process increased the purity of starch in the underflow and of protein in the overflow, although this process reduced separation efficiencies. Starch granules and protein particles were separated at higher purities in deionized water than in isopropyl alcohol. Separation in deionized water resulted in higher starch separation efficiency and lower protein separation efficiency than did separation in isopropyl alcohol. This difference was due to the difference in density and viscosity of the two media. The higher viscosity of isopropyl alcohol reduced the likelihood of starch granules reaching the inner hydrocyclone wall. Thus, some starch granules were retained in the overflow instead of in the underflow. Additionally, the centrifugal force and drag force applied to the chickpea flour particles differed between the two different media. Hydrocyclone operation resulted in higher centrifugal force and lower drag force in deionized water than in isopropyl alcohol. Since the drag force in isopropyl alcohol was higher than that in deionized water, some small starch granules were diverted to the overflow which caused reduction of protein purity. <p>The use of pH 9.0 and defatting of chickpea flour improved both starch and protein separation efficiencies. Chickpea flour in deionized water at a feed concentration of 5% yielded a pumpable slurry which was delivered efficiently to the hydrocyclone at an inlet pressure of 827 kPa Fractionation of starch and protein from chickpea flour in deionized water using an integrated separation process resulted in starch and protein fractions containing 75.0 and 81.9% (d.b.) starch and protein, respectively. This process resulted in starch and protein separation efficiencies of 99.7 and 89.3%, respectively. <p>Experiments were also conducted to determine the physical and functional properties of chickpea flour and starch and protein fractions. Thermal conductivity, specific heat, and thermal diffusivity were determined and the polynomial linear models were fitted very well to experimental data. Internal and external friction properties of chickpea flour and starch and protein fractions were determined. Samples were subjected to uniaxial compression testing to determine force-time relationships. The samples particles underwent rearrangement rather than deformation during compression. The asymptotic modulus of samples was also computed, and it was linearly related to maximum compressive pressure. The functional properties of fractionated products were highly affected by the separation process. The water hydration capacity of starch fraction increased, whereas the emulsion capacity and foaming capacity of starch and protein fractions were reduced, compared to that of chickpea flour.

Chickpea grain contains a high amount of starch and valuable protein. Many grain legumes (pulses) can be processed by pin milling and air classification with high separation efficiency. However, chickpea exhibits low separation efficiency because it has a relatively high fat content compared to other pulses. Therefore, the main goal of this research was to improve the starch-protein separation from chickpea flour in order to increase the economic value of chickpea grain.<p>The chemical composition of pin-milled chickpea flour was determined. The functional and physical properties of chickpea flour affecting starch-protein separation were determined. No chemical interactive force was detected between starch granules and protein particles. Therefore, a physical separation technique, i.e. applying centrifugal force in a hydrocyclone, was employed to separate starch granules from protein particles. <p>Using a hydrocyclone, centrifugal force was applied to chickpea flour particles. Chickpea flour was suspended in two different media, isopropyl alcohol or deionized water. In both media, high inlet pressure resulted in smaller geometric mean diameter of particles collected in the overflow and underflow. Isopropyl alcohol as a medium resulted in particles with smaller geometric mean diameter than did deionized water. Starch and protein separation efficiencies were higher at greater inlet pressures. The application of a double-pass hydrocyclone process increased the purity of starch in the underflow and of protein in the overflow, although this process reduced separation efficiencies. Starch granules and protein particles were separated at higher purities in deionized water than in isopropyl alcohol. Separation in deionized water resulted in higher starch separation efficiency and lower protein separation efficiency than did separation in isopropyl alcohol. This difference was due to the difference in density and viscosity of the two media. The higher viscosity of isopropyl alcohol reduced the likelihood of starch granules reaching the inner hydrocyclone wall. Thus, some starch granules were retained in the overflow instead of in the underflow. Additionally, the centrifugal force and drag force applied to the chickpea flour particles differed between the two different media. Hydrocyclone operation resulted in higher centrifugal force and lower drag force in deionized water than in isopropyl alcohol. Since the drag force in isopropyl alcohol was higher than that in deionized water, some small starch granules were diverted to the overflow which caused reduction of protein purity. <p>The use of pH 9.0 and defatting of chickpea flour improved both starch and protein separation efficiencies. Chickpea flour in deionized water at a feed concentration of 5% yielded a pumpable slurry which was delivered efficiently to the hydrocyclone at an inlet pressure of 827 kPa Fractionation of starch and protein from chickpea flour in deionized water using an integrated separation process resulted in starch and protein fractions containing 75.0 and 81.9% (d.b.) starch and protein, respectively. This process resulted in starch and protein separation efficiencies of 99.7 and 89.3%, respectively. <p>Experiments were also conducted to determine the physical and functional properties of chickpea flour and starch and protein fractions. Thermal conductivity, specific heat, and thermal diffusivity were determined and the polynomial linear models were fitted very well to experimental data. Internal and external friction properties of chickpea flour and starch and protein fractions were determined. Samples were subjected to uniaxial compression testing to determine force-time relationships. The samples particles underwent rearrangement rather than deformation during compression. The asymptotic modulus of samples was also computed, and it was linearly related to maximum compressive pressure. The functional properties of fractionated products were highly affected by the separation process. The water hydration capacity of starch fraction increased, whereas the emulsion capacity and foaming capacity of starch and protein fractions were reduced, compared to that of chickpea flour.

As high grade iron ore deposits are rapidly depleted, the minerals industry is increasingly obliged to enrich their ores and process lower grade iron ores. Production of large quantities of fine ores as tailings or by-products in mining operations and mineral liberation at fine particle sizes have led to the development of concentration methods employed to fine ores. Selective flocculation is one of the beneficial methods which can be used in recovering of very fine particles It is obvious that process water chemistry has a significant influence on the flocculation efficiency, and the water chemistry is deeply affected by carbon dioxide dissolution. Carbonate content of natural waters regulated by CO2, carbonicacid and solid carbonatesis known as &lsquo / carbonate alkalinity&rsquo / whichmay be an important factor in flocculation especially at alkaline pH. Selective flocculation of iron ores is usually run at around pH 11 where carbonate alkalinity could be rather high. There have been no reports in literature regarding the effect of carbonate alkalinity on the flocculation behavior of iron oxides, mainly hematite. In this study, the flocculation behavior of iron ores with starch under different alkalinities has been investigated. The extent of flocculation has been assessed by settling rate and suspended solid content measurements at different starch doses and pH values. Zeta potential measurements and starch adsorption studies were carried out to explain these effects by carbonate alkalinity. According to the results, flocculation is enhanced by addition of low amount of carbonate alkalinity, less than 2.4 mEq/L. However, adding the higher amount of alkalinity adversely affected the flocculation of hematite. Similar behavior was also observed during the starch adsorption tests, larger amount of starch wasadsorbed by hematite in low alkalinity compared to high alkalinity. Zeta potential measurements indicate that, by increasing the carbonate alkalinity of suspension, zeta potential values of solids will become more negativeleading to an increase in the stability of suspension and then adversely affecting flocculation. Therefore, as carbonate alkalinity has a significant effect on the flocculation of hematite, it should be seriously taken into account to optimize the selective flocculation of hematite ores.

As a low cost natural polymer, starch is widely used in paper, food, adhesive, and many other industries. In order to improve the performance of starch, crosslinking is often conducted either in the processes of starch modification or during the application processes. Many crosslinkers have been developed in the past for crosslinking starch. Ammonium zirconium carbonate (AZC) is one of the common crosslinkers for crosslinking starch in aqueous solutions, having been widely used as a starch crosslinking agent in paper surface coating for more than 20 years. However, the mechanisms of starch crosslinking with AZC have not been well studied. In order to optimize the crosslinking chemistry of starch and find new paths for the utilization of starch in papermaking, a better understanding of the starch crosslinking mechanism is necessary. This thesis focuses on the fundamental study of starch crosslinking in an aqueous solution and its applications in fiber surface grafting, filler modification, and starch nanoparticle formation. Particularly, the thesis contains three major parts: (1) Mechanism study of starch crosslinking induced by AZC: In this thesis, the crosslinking (or gelation) kinetics of starch/AZC blends were investigated by using rheological measurements. The evolution of viscoelastic properties of AZC solutions and the AZC-starch blends was characterized. It was found that for both AZC self-crosslinking and AZC-starch co-crosslinking, the initial bond formation rate and the gel strength had a strong power law relationship with the concentrations of both AZC and starch. It is suggested that the development of the crosslinking network is highly dependent on the AZC concentration, while the starch concentration effect is less significant. It was determined that the activation energy of AZC self-crosslinking was approximately 145-151 kJ/mol, while the activation energy of AZC-starch co-crosslinking was 139 kJ/mol. (2) Fiber and filler modifications with starch and crosslinkers: Besides reacting with starch, AZC can react with cellulose which also contains hydroxyl groups. Theoretically, it is possible to use AZC as a crosslinker / coupling agent to graft starch onto cellulose fibers. It is believed that the grafted starch on fiber surfaces can improve the fiber bonding capability. In this thesis, a facile method to graft starch onto cellulose fiber surfaces through the hydrogen bond formation among cellulose, starch and AZC was developed. Compared with the paper sheets made of fibers with an industry refining level (420 ml CSF), the paper sheets made of fibers with a much lower refining degree but with grafted starch showed higher paper strengths, including the tensile strength, stiffness and z direction tensile; meanwhile, a faster drainage rate during web formation could also be achieved. Not only can the fiber-fiber bonding be improved by grafting starch onto fiber surfaces, but the filler-fiber bonding can also be improved if starch can be effectively coated on the filler surface. This concept has been supported by the early studies. In this thesis, the effects of the crosslinking of starch in the filler modification for the papermaking application were also studied. (3) Mechanism of starch nanoparticle formation during extrusion with crosslinkers: It was reported that starch crosslinking could facilitate the reduction of starch particle size during reactive extrusion. However, the mechanism of the particle size reduction by starch crosslinking was not illustrated. The reason that the crosslinking can cause the particle size reduction of starch during extrusion is fundamentally interesting. In this thesis, the mechanism of starch particle size reduction during extrusion with and without crosslinkers was investigated by identifying the contributions of thermal and mechanical effects. The effects of extrusion conditions, including temperature, screw speed, torque, starch water content and crosslinker addition, on the particle size were studied. It was found that the addition of crosslinkers could significantly increase the shear force (torque), and consequently facilitate the reduction of the particle size. The results indicate that for extrusion without a crosslinker, the starch particle size decreased with the increase of temperature. At 100 degree Celsius, the starch particles with a size of 300 nm could be obtained. With the addition of appropriate crosslinkers (glyoxal), the starch particle size could be reduced to around 160 nm, even at a lower extrusion temperature of 75 degree Celsius .

Master of Science / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Yong Cheng Shi / Waxy wheat starch (WWS) containing little or no amylose has unique properties for food and industrial uses. Hydroxypropylation, a widely used means for modifying starches, could enhance functionalities of starch by substituting hydroxyl groups in starch. There are limited numbers of literatures regarding hydroxypropylation of WWS. WWS hydroxypropylated with 3.0-9.0% propylene oxide (PO) were prepared and compared to hydroxypropylated normal wheat starch (NWS) and hydroxypropylated waxy maize starch (WMS). The molar substitution (MS) of the resulting hydroxypropylated NWS, WWS and WMS was 0.055-0.151, 0.048-0.133, and 0.049-0.139, respectively. Gelatinization temperatures and enthalpy of hydroxypropylated starches were significantly lower than those of their unmodified counterparts and the extent of decrease was positively correlated to the MS. Differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) results showed that hydroxypropylation reduced the retrogradation of the starches during the storage after gelatinization but there were differences between the starches. For the same level of PO reaction (3 and 5% PO), hydroxypropylated WWS retrogradated less than hydroxypropylated WMS, suggesting that for the same level of cold storage stability, less PO is needed for WWS. After reacted with 6% PO, MS was 0.092 and 0.094, respectively, for WWS and WMS, and no retrogradation was observed for those hydroxypropylated starches, indicating that at MS ~0.094, hydroxypropyl groups prevents amylopectin chains from re-associating and forming crystalline structures. In contrast, a higher level of PO (9%) was needed to react with NWS to achieve the hydroxypropylated starch with an MS of 0.151 that gave no retrogradation. Consistent with microscopic observation results, Micro-Visco-Amylograph (MVA) analysis showed hydroxypropylated starches developed viscosity at lower temperatures and had improved hot and cold viscosities. The specific characteristics of hydroxypropylated starches are related to the degree of hydroxypropylation. Therefore, it is critical to determine the level of hydroxypropylation in modified starches. 1H NMR is a simple and rapid means of determining hydroxypropyl (HP) group in modified starches. In this study, a method to prepare a HP starch for NMR analysis was improved. The optimum parameters proposed to hydrolyze HP starches were 10% starch solid content, 3.5% (wt.%) DCl in D2O as the solvent, sodium acetate as an internal standard, heating at 90oC for 1 h. Optionally, 6% (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid-d as the water-peak shifting reagent. Six hydroxypropylated starch samples and two commercial cross-linked and hydroxypropylated starch samples were hydrolyzed with this modified method before 1H NMR analysis, and the results of HP group content in the samples were in agreement with the results from an enzyme-catalyzed method, which indicate that the improved acid hydrolysis method is applicable for both hydroxypropylated starch and cross-linked and hydroxypropylated starch.