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Fennema's Food Chemistry · Chapter 3 · 6-hour Full Edition

Carbohydrates

From a single glucose to the texture of bread

Sugar Stereochemistry Maillard Browning Starch Gelatinization Food Hydrocolloids 26 slides · 6 minigames
Why does bread go stale?
Fresh bread is soft,
but in 2 days it's hard and dry,
even though moisture loss is minimal?

The answer lies in starch retrogradation — a physical re-arrangement of carbohydrate molecules.
To understand this, we must master sugar structure, reactions, and physical properties.

90%
of plant dry matter is carbohydrate
70–80%
of human global calories
2ⁿ
isomers from n chiral centers
DP 10⁷
amylopectin (largest molecule)
Chapter Map · From Monosaccharides to Hydrocolloids

Seven scales of increasing complexity

01

Monosaccharides

Stereochemistry, ring forms, anomers, mutarotation, reactions

⏱ ~60 min

02

Browning Reactions

Maillard · Caramel · Acrylamide

⏱ ~45 min

03

Oligosaccharides

Maltose, lactose, sucrose, trehalose, cyclodextrins

⏱ ~40 min

04

Polysaccharide Properties

DP, crystallinity, rheology, random coils

⏱ ~40 min

05

Starch

Amylose/amylopectin, gelatinization, retrogradation, modification

⏱ ~70 min

06

Cellulose + Hydrocolloids

CMC, MC/HPMC, xanthan, guar, carrageenan, pectin

⏱ ~70 min

07 · Dietary fiber + Prebiotics + Applications · ⏱ ~35 min
Topic 1a · Monosaccharide Classification

From trioses to nonoses, aldoses or ketoses; only 16 D-hexoses

C countAldoseKetose
3Triose (glyceraldehyde)Triulose
4Tetrose (erythrose)Tetrulose
5Pentose (ribose, xylose)Pentulose
6Hexose (Glc, Gal, Man)Hexulose (fructose)
7HeptoseHeptulose
Number of isomers = 2ⁿ, n = # of chiral C
Hexose aldose: n = 4 → 2⁴ = 16 isomers (8 D + 8 L)
  • aldose (-ose): C1 is aldehyde -CHO
  • ketose (-ulose): C2 is ketone C=O
  • Nature predominantly D-series (L-arabinose, L-galactose are exceptions)
D-Glucose (Fischer projection) H C =O C-1 aldehyde H– C –OH C-2 (chiral) HO– C –H C-3 (chiral) H– C –OH C-4 (chiral) H– C –OH C-5: D-config H– C –OH C-6 (achiral) CH₂OH Highest # chiral C OH on right = D
Topic 1b · Stereochemistry

D vs L: look at the highest-numbered chiral C

  • Chiral center: C with 4 different substituents
  • D sugar: OH of highest-# chiral C on the right (vs D-glyceraldehyde reference)
  • L sugar: OH on left (mirror image)
  • D and L are enantiomers: all chiral C inverted
  • Epimer: only 1 chiral C differs
    e.g., D-Glc vs D-Man (C2); D-Glc vs D-Gal (C4)

Important food sugars

SugarFormSource
D-GlucoseMost abundant freeHoney, grapes
D-FructoseOnly commercial ketoseFruits, HFCS 55%
D-GalactoseRarely freeLactose, pectin
D-MannoseIn polysaccharidesGalactomannans
D-XyloseFor xylitolBirch wood
D vs L: Mirror Enantiomers D-glucose CHO HOH HOH HOH HOH CH₂OH ↑ OH right mirror L-glucose CHO HOH HOH HOH HOH CH₂OH ↑ OH left Nature predominantly D-series
Topic 1c · Ring Forms & Anomeric Carbon

In water, aldoses spontaneously cyclize into hemiacetals

  • Cyclization: C-1 aldehyde + C-5 OH → cyclic hemiacetal
  • 6-member pyranose (most common): C-5 OH attacks C-1
  • 5-member furanose: C-4 OH attacks C-1
  • After cyclization C-1 becomes a new chiral C → anomeric C
  • α-anomer: C-1 OH below ring (Haworth)
  • β-anomer: C-1 OH above ring
  • Glucose equilibrium @ 20°C (aqueous):
    α-pyranose 36.2% + β-pyranose 63.8% + open chain 0.003%
  • Fructose: β-pyranose 75% + β-furanose 21% + α-furanose 4%
Chair (⁴C₁): β-D-glucopyranose has all bulky groups (OH, CH₂OH) in equatorial → most stable! Why β prevails.
β-D-glucopyranose (Haworth) O C1 OH (β, up) C2 OH C3 OH C4 HO C5 CH₂OH α vs β anomers α (down) 36.2% β (up) 63.8% ↑↓ Mutarotation via open-chain intermediate [α]_D: α +112° → equilibrium +52.7°
Topic 1d · Mutarotation

Pure α crystals in water: optical rotation changes slowly

  • Phenomenon: α-D-glucose crystals in water: [α] drops from +112° to equilibrium +52.7°
  • Cause: α ↔ open chain ↔ β interconvert rapidly
  • At equilibrium: α 36.2% + β 63.8% + open 0.003%
  • Although the open form is tiny, fast replenishment lets aldoses react "as if all were open chain"
  • Acid/base catalyze mutarotation
⚠️ Food relevance: sugar solutions shift composition during storage — affects solubility, crystallization (candy graining), Maillard rate (β reacts slower).

"Reducing sugar" reactivity

  • Reduce Fehling, Tollens, Benedict reagents
  • Reactivity: aldoses > ketoses (ketose isomerizes first)
  • Sucrose has no free aldehyde end → non-reducing

Equilibrium distribution @ 20°C

Sugarα-pyrβ-pyrα-furβ-fur
Glucose36.263.800
Galactose296434
Mannose68.831.200
Arabinose6035.52.50.5
Ribose21.558.56.513.5
Xylose36.563<1<1
Fructose475021

Fructose: β-pyr 75% dominant, 21% β-fur — fructose in sucrose is in β-fur form!

Rule: distribution is set by "all bulky groups equatorial". Mannose C2 OH axial → α 68.8% prevails.
Topic 1e · Monosaccharide Reactions

Sugar's 5 key reactions: oxidation, reduction, ester, ether, glycoside

🔥 Oxidation

  • C1 aldehyde → carboxylic acid (aldonic acid)
    Glucose → gluconic acid
  • Commercial: glucose oxidase (GOX)
    Product: D-glucono-1,5-lactone (GDL)
  • GDL slowly hydrolyzes → slow acidification → meat, baking
  • C6 oxidation → uronic acid
    e.g., D-galacturonic acid (pectin backbone)

💧 Reduction

  • Carbonyl reduced → sugar alcohol (alditol), "-itol"
  • Glucose → sorbitol, humectant
  • Xylose → xylitol, negative heat of solution, cool sensation chewing gum
  • Fructose → sorbitol + mannitol
  • Sugar alcohols don't participate in Maillard (no carbonyl)

🔗 Ester, Ether, Glycoside

  • Esters: acetate, phosphate (starch, pectin)
  • Ethers: methyl, CMC, hydroxypropyl ← modified polysaccharides
  • Glycosides: C1 OH + alcohol → full acetal
  • e.g., methyl α-D-glucopyranoside
  • Non-reducing (C1 blocked)

Sugar alcohols: sweetness & calories

AlditolSweetness (sucrose=100)kcal/g
Xylitol1002.4 ★ non-cariogenic
Sorbitol602.6
Mannitol501.6 non-hygroscopic
Erythritol700.2 GI=0

★ Xylitol isn't metabolized by oral bacteria — FDA-recognized non-cariogenic.
★ Large doses → diarrhea (osmotic + colonic fermentation).
★ Sorbitol/mannitol industrially from hydrogenated fructose half of sucrose.

Topic 1f · Relative Sweetness

"Sweet" relative strength — formulation key numbers

SweetenerSweetnessNotes
Sucrose100Standard
Fructose140-170Sweeter cold
Glucose70-80Low
Maltose30-40Low
Lactose15-20Low
Honey100≈ sucrose
HFCS 55~100Sucrose replacer
Sucralose60,000High-intensity
Saccharin30,000High-intensity

Fructose tastes sweeter in cold drinks (β-pyr fraction rises at low T → β-pyr is sweeter).

Topic 2a · Non-enzymatic Browning (Maillard)

Maillard's 3 stages: color, aroma, but losses lysine

Stage 1 · Initial

Reducing sugar + amine (lysine ε-NH₂)
Schiff base (imine)
Schiff base
Amadori product (1-amino-1-deoxy-fructose)

Stage 2 · Middle

  • Amadori → 1, 3, 4-deoxyosones
  • Further dehydration → HMF (5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde)
  • Pentoses → furfural
  • Strecker degradation: flavor aldehydes (methional, 3-methylbutanal)
  • Reductones: antioxidant intermediates

Stage 3 · Final

  • Form melanoidins (brown N-containing polymers)
  • Form flavors: maltol, isomaltol, furanones, pyrazines
  • 15-40% lysine loss in baked goods
Maillard Reaction Pathway Reducing sugar D-glucose Amine Lysine ε-NH₂ Schiff base Amadori product Deoxyosones HMF + furfural furanones, maltol Strecker methional, pyrazines Melanoidins (brown polymers) + volatile flavors
Topic 2b · Control Variables & Caramelization

Maillard 5 variables + pure sugar also browns

🎛️ Maillard Control

VariableEffect
TemperatureHigher = faster (high Ea)
pHAlkaline > acidic; max pH 6-8
Water activityMax a_w 0.6-0.7 (30% MC)
Sugar typeTriose > pentose > hexose > disaccharide
Amino acidLysine (ε-NH₂) most reactive
InhibitorSO₂, sulfites bind carbonyl
⭐ Industrial: French-fry / bread-crust browning is desired; milk-powder yellowing is a defect. Suppress at a_w 0.2-0.3.

🍯 Caramelization

  • No amine; sugars thermally degrade (>150°C)
  • Products: dehydration (anhydro rings) + isomerization + condensation
  • Unsaturated rings, furans, 3-deoxyosones
  • Also brown polymers, but no N

4 Commercial Caramels

ClassCatalystUse
I PlainNoneCandy, liquor
II Caustic sulfiteSO₂Beer
III AmmoniaNH₃Bakery, syrups, pudding
IV Sulfite-ammoniaNH₃+SO₂Cola, sauces

Classes III, IV contain pyrazine/imidazole derivatives — distinct flavors.

Topic 2c · Acrylamide (Food Safety)

Hidden by-product in fries and chips

  • Discovered in 2002 in high-T foods: acrylamide (CH₂=CH–CONH₂)
  • Source: reducing sugars + asparagine + T > 120°C (Maillard side path)
  • Animal: neurotoxic, possibly carcinogenic (IARC 2A)
  • Human epidemiology inconclusive at typical exposure
  • High-content foods: fries, chips, coffee, crackers, toast crust
  • Conditions:
  • → T > 120°C (only surface above boiling)
  • → Asparagine + dicarbonyl intermediates
  • → Higher pH → more (above 120°C, alkaline faster)

Mitigation strategies

  • Blanch potatoes to wash out sugar/asparagine
  • Add asparaginase enzyme (commercialized)
  • Lower pH (citric acid soak)
  • Oil < 175°C
  • Low-asparagine potato cultivars
FoodAcrylamide (ppb)
Potato chips117–2762
French fries109–1325
Crackers26–1540
Bread crust24–130
Cereal RTE11–1057
Chocolate0–74
Coffee (ground)64–319
Decaf coffee27–351
Veggie/sweet chips~1970

High-T deep-fried tubers are riskiest. EFSA: BMDL₁₀ = 0.17 mg/kg/day.

Topic 3a · Disaccharide Comparison (180-min break)

Four key disaccharides: linkage matters most

DisaccharideCompositionLinkageReducing?SourceFood function
MaltoseGlc + Glcα-1,4YesMalted barley (starch hydrolysis)Mild sweet, malt flavor
LactoseGal + Glcβ-1,4YesCow milk 4.5-4.8%, breast 7%Infant energy, lactose intolerance
SucroseGlc + Fruα-1,β-2 (head-to-head)NoCane, sugar beetStandard sweet, preservative, humectant
TrehaloseGlc + Glcα-1,α-1NoFungi, yeastCryoprotectant, retro-inhibitor
CellobioseGlc + Glcβ-1,4YesCellulose hydrolysisIndigestible to humans

🧬 Linkage = reducing status

Maltose head-to-tail (one end still hemiacetal) → reducing
Sucrose head-to-head (both hemiacetals used) → non-reducing

🥛 Lactose intolerance

No lactase → lactose to colon → lactic acid + gas → diarrhea, bloating. 70% of adult Asians.

🍬 Invert sugar

Sucrose hydrolysis → equimolar Glc + Fru (fructose sweeter) → invert sugar is sweeter. Used in honey substitutes, candy (anti-graining).

Topic 3b · Sucrose Deep-dive

Why is sucrose the "universal sugar" of food science?

  • High solubility: 67% w/w @ 25°C (honey concentration); high osmolality inhibits microbes
  • Non-reducing: no Maillard (unless hydrolyzed) → long shelf life without browning
  • Controllable crystallization: candy, chocolate basis
  • Retains water + shape: in baking competes with protein for water → keeps soft
  • Cryoprotection: concentrated sucrose vitrifies → prevents ice crystal growth
  • BP elevation: T tracks concentration (softball 110°C, hardball 121°C, hardcrack 154°C)
  • α-Glc-1,β-2-Fru: both hemiacetals locked → fully non-reducing
  • [α]_D = +66.5° → after hydrolysis −33.3° (invert sugar)

Sucrose hydrolysis → invert sugar

Sucrose (+66.5°) + H₂O / acid / enzyme
→ D-glucose + D-fructose (mixture −33.3°)
"Invert" ← name origin
  • Commercial enzyme: sucrase / invertase
  • Sweeter (fructose 1.5× sweeter than sucrose)
  • Won't crystallize (mixed sugars don't supersaturate-nucleate)
  • Used: candy (anti-graining), jams, bread (fermentable sugar)

Sucralose

Replace 3 OH with Cl → 600× sweetness, zero calorie, heat-stable.

Topic 3c · Cyclodextrins

Cyclic sugars: hydrophilic outside, hydrophobic inside — food "nano-capsules"

β-Cyclodextrin (7 glucose) 2°OH (wide rim) 1°OH (narrow rim) Hydrophobic cavity ∅ 6-6.5 Å nonpolar guest hydro philic hydro philic "Truncated cone" geometry
CDUnits∅ (Å)Sol (g/100mL)Food use
α-CD64.7–5.314.5Few
β-CD76.0–6.51.9 ← lowest!Main
γ-CD87.5–8.323.2Some

β-CD's low solubility is from tight outer H-bonds — yet cheapest, dominant.

Food applications

  • Inclusion complex: trap insoluble / volatile compounds in cavity
  • Encapsulate flavors: shield from oxidation
  • Masking: remove bitterness, off-odor
  • Decholesterolize: β-CD binds cholesterol → remove from dairy
  • Controlled release: heat or moisture triggers
Topic 4a · Polysaccharide Overview

DP 200–15,000+, not uniform

  • DP (Degree of polymerization): chain length
  • Polysaccharides = single or mixed monosaccharides joined by glycosidic bonds
  • homoglycan: single sugar (starch, cellulose)
  • heteroglycan: mixed (pectin, xanthan)
  • Polydisperse: MW distribution wide
  • Polymolecular: structural heterogeneity
  • No template-driven synthesis (unlike proteins)

Hydration & cryoprotection

  • ~3 OH per sugar unit → strongly hydrophilic
  • Non-freezable water = tightly-bound hydration shell
  • Polysaccharides don't depress freezing point much (large MW, colligative)
  • Cryostabilization: high concentration glassy state → limits ice growth
Crystalline + Amorphous regions Crystalline Crystalline Amorphous Linear polysaccharides (cellulose, amylose) Crystalline = enzyme-resistant; amorphous = loose/reactive
Topic 4b · Polysaccharide Rheology

Why does ketchup thin out when shaken?

  • Linear polysaccharides sweep large volume → high viscosity
  • Branched polysaccharides occupy less space, lower viscosity at same DP
  • Charged polysaccharides (pectin, alginate) extend via charge repulsion → even higher viscosity
  • Shear-thinning (Pseudoplastic): ↑shear → ↓viscosity (instant, reversible)
  • e.g., ketchup, xanthan, CMC
  • Thixotropic: ↑shear → ↓viscosity (time-dependent)
  • Recovers viscosity over time at rest
⭐ Why this matters in foods:
① Pour easily (high shear)
② Mouthfeel thick (low shear)
③ No "sliminess" in throat
Xanthan is the ideal shear-thinner (1000:1 ratio at 0.1%).
Topic 5a · Starch Granules

Starch = two molecules + granule structure

📏 Linear Amylose

  • α-1,4 linked linear D-glucose (rare 1,6 branches)
  • Right-handed helix (6 glucose per turn)
  • Hydrophobic interior binds fatty acids, iodine (→ blue!)
  • MW 10⁵–10⁶ (DP 1000-6000)
  • ~25% of common corn starch
  • Fast retrogradation (minutes-hours)

🌳 Branched Amylopectin

  • α-1,4 backbone + 4-6% α-1,6 branches (every 20-25 glucose)
  • Clusters → double helices → granule crystallinity
  • MW 8×10⁵–6×10⁹ (DP 5000–37,000,000, largest natural molecule!)
  • ~75% of common starch
  • Slow retrogradation (days-months)
  • Waxy maize ~100% amylopectin
StarchGranule μm% amyT_gel °CPaste clarityRetro
Common corn2–302862–80OpaqueHigh
Waxy corn2–30<263–72SlightVery low
High-amy corn2–2450–7566–170OpaqueVery high
Potato5–1002158–65ClearMed
Tapioca4–351752–65ClearMed
Wheat2–552852–85OpaqueHigh
Rice1–917–2561–80SlightMed

Potato is special: phosphate esters (0.08%) carry negative charge → clear paste, high viscosity, slow retrogradation, Ca²⁺ bridging.

Topic 5b · Gelatinization

Heat + water: crystalline → swollen → ruptured → paste

  • Native granule: cold water reversible uptake (10-30%), birefringent
  • Onset (T_gel ~55-65°C):
  • → Irreversible swelling (10×)
  • Crystalline melting (double helices dissociate)
  • → Loss of birefringence
  • Amylose leaches into water phase
  • Conclusion: granule fully disrupts, forms paste
  • Pasting curve: viscosity rises to T_p peak, then falls (granule breakdown)
  • Cooling → viscosity rises again → gel
DSC observation: endothermic peak (onset, peak, end T)
With excess water ΔH ~10-20 J/g

Gelatinization is a composite event of T_g (glass→rubber) + crystallite melting. Water plays plasticizer role.

Topic 5c · Retrogradation

Bread staling: the "reverse" of gelatinization

  • Definition: after gelatinization and cooling, starch chains re-associate → partial recrystallization
  • Amylose retrogradation (min-hours):
  • → Double helix reformation
  • → Initial gel hardening
  • → Early staling driver
  • Amylopectin retrogradation (days-months):
  • → Outer branches slowly recrystallize
  • → Long-term staling driver
  • Variables:
  • → Amylose/amylopectin ratio (waxy → almost no retro)
  • → Temperature (4°C fastest, −18°C stops)
  • → MC (moderate fastest)

Anti-staling strategies

  • Surfactants: GMP, SSL form complex with amylose → block reassociation
  • Use waxy starch (low amylose)
  • Add trehalose or hydroxypropyl starch
  • Bread: α-amylase partially hydrolyze amylose
Gelatinization ↔ Retrogradation Cycle Native granule Crystalline + double helix Heat + water Gelatinize Swollen paste Amorphous, amylose leached Cool Store Retrograded gel Amylose double helix reformation Re- heat Why steamed bread softens again
Topic 5d · Modified Starches

Native starch's three defects → chemical/physical modifications

Defects

  • ① Thin cold paste (corn)
  • ② Freeze-thaw syneresis
  • ③ Retrogradation hardens
  • ④ Unstable in shear/low pH

Stabilization

  • Add "bumps" to block re-crystallization
  • Hydroxypropyl starch (most used)
  • Starch acetate (DS < 0.09)
  • Octenyl-succinate (also emulsifies)
  • → Better freeze-thaw, paste clarity

Cross-linking

  • Distarch phosphate (most common)
  • Adipate
  • → Stronger granule; resists shear, acid, heat
  • Used in canned/baby foods (long shelf-life)
  • Often combined with stabilization

Hydrolysis products

  • Maltodextrin (DE <20): filler, body
  • Corn syrup (DE 42): candy stabilizer
  • HFCS 55: 55% fructose, beverages
  • Glucose (DE 100): candy base

Physical mods

  • Pregelatinized: cold-water-soluble
  • Cold-water-swelling: retains granule
  • For instant pudding, soup mixes

Enzyme hydrolysis

  • α-amylase (endo, → oligo)
  • β-amylase (exo, → maltose)
  • Glucoamylase → glucose
  • Glucose isomerase → HFCS
Topic 5e · Cellulose & Derivatives

Same Glc, one bond different → worlds apart

  • Cellulose: β-1,4 D-Glc, flat linear
  • Strong inter-chain H-bonds → crystalline bundles → water-insoluble
  • Humans lack cellulase → indigestible, but dietary fiber
  • vs starch: α-1,4 → helical, digestible

Food-grade derivatives

DerivativeSubstituentProperty
CMC-O-CH₂-COO⁻Na⁺Negative, high viscosity, stable
MCCNoneCrystalline particles, emulsifier, bulker
MC-O-CH₃Thermogels (heat→gel, cool→liquid)
HPMC-O-CH₃ + -O-CH₂-CHOH-CH₃Thermogel + surface-active
MC / HPMC are anomalous thermogels:
Soluble cold → on heating (50-90°C) gels reversibly!
Cause: hydration shell strips → chain contact → hydrophobic interaction
Cooling reverses → solution
Application: oil-uptake reduction in frying (gel barrier), vegan meat binder

MCC (microcrystalline)

  • From wood-pulp acid hydrolysis + separation
  • White powder, 2 types:
  • → Powdered MCC: anti-caking (shredded cheese)
  • → Colloidal MCC: emulsion, foam, low-fat ice cream
  • Often combined with CMC for stable colloid
Topic 6a · Hydrocolloids (300 min · final hour)

Six key hydrocolloids compared

GumSourceBackboneKey propertyTypical use
XanthanMicrobial (X. campestris)Cellulose + triose sideExcellent shear-thin; salt/acid stableSalad dressing, GF baking
Guar gumGuar seedGalactomannan (Man:Gal=2:1)Cold-water-soluble, high viscosityIce cream, baking
LBG (locust bean)Carob seedGalactomannan (Man:Gal=4:1)Need heat to dissolve; synergy with xanthan/κ-carrIce cream, dairy
Gum arabicAcacia exudateBranched + polypeptideLow viscosity, water-soluble, great emulsifierBeverage flavor emulsion
InulinChicory rootβ-2,1 D-fructosePrebiotic, low-calorie, fat replacerLow-cal foods
Konjac glucomannanKonjac tuberβ-1,4 Glc-ManMassive water uptake (200×)Low-cal noodles, jelly

⭐ Xanthan synergy

Xanthan + LBG form synergistic gel (neither alone).
LBG's "naked chain" inserts into xanthan double helix.

⭐ Xanthan T-independence

Viscosity nearly unchanged 0–100°C, no retrogradation, no crystallization. A rare single-do-it-all gum.

Topic 6b · Gelling Hydrocolloids

Four gel-forming food hydrocolloids

🌊 Carrageenan (κ, ι, λ)

  • From red seaweed; sulfated galactan
  • κ-carrageenan: hard/brittle gel with K⁺/Ca²⁺, thermoreversible
  • ι-carrageenan: soft/elastic gel with Ca²⁺, freeze-thaw stable
  • λ-carrageenan: no gel, only thickening
  • Use: ice cream, cheese, meat water-holding

🟢 Pectin

  • α-1,4 D-galacturonic acid (partially methyl-esterified)
  • HM pectin (DM > 50%): gels with sugar + acid (pH 3)
  • LM pectin (DM < 50%): gels with Ca²⁺ (low-sugar jams)
  • Source: citrus peel, apple pomace

🟫 Alginate

  • β-D-mannuronic + α-L-guluronic acid (block copolymer)
  • + Ca²⁺ → "egg-box" gel (G blocks chelate Ca²⁺)
  • No heat needed, cold gel
  • Used: artificial fish roe, 3D-printed food, drug encapsulation
  • Precipitates at low pH (<3, COOH protonated)

🍮 Agar

  • From red seaweed, agarose + agaropectin
  • Thermoreversible: gel @ 35°C, melt @ 85°C (hysteresis)
  • Low concentration (0.5%) → firm gel
  • Used: jellies, microbial agar, traditional confections
💡 Four gelation mechanisms: ① Cool → double helix (agar, κ-carr) ② Ca²⁺ bridge (alginate, LM pectin) ③ Sugar + acid dehydration (HM pectin) ④ Heat (MC/HPMC, xanthan-LBG).
Topic 7 · Dietary Fiber + Prebiotics

"Indigestible" carbs are important

📏 Dietary fiber definition

  • Carbohydrates not hydrolyzed by human digestive enzymes
  • Two categories:
TypeExamplesEffects
InsolubleCellulose, hemicellulose, ligninBulks stool, accelerates transit
Solubleβ-glucan, pectin, guar, inulinLowers cholesterol & blood sugar

Recommended intake

  • Female 25 g/day, Male 38 g/day
  • Actual usually < 15 g/day (refined Asian diet)

🦠 Prebiotics

  • Indigestible carbs that selectively promote beneficial gut microbes
  • Main prebiotics:
  • Inulin (chicory, onion, banana)
  • FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides)
  • GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides, dairy)
  • → Resistant starch (cooled rice/potato)
  • Colon fermentation → SCFAs (acetate, propionate, butyrate)
  • Butyrate is the main energy source for colonocytes
⭐ Prebiotic ≠ Probiotic: prebiotic is "food", probiotic is "microbe". Combined = synbiotic.
Chapter Wrap-up · 360 minutes covered

From monosaccharide stereochemistry,
to the fate of a loaf of bread

What you learned

• D/L, α/β, mutarotation
• Maillard 3 stages, 5 variables
• 4 caramel classes, acrylamide safety
• Sucrose invert, cyclodextrin encapsulation
• Amylose vs amylopectin
• Gelatinization → retrogradation
• Xanthan, pectin, carrageenan

Apply it

Baking: sugar, starch, modification, Maillard
Beverages: thickening, emulsification, sweetness
Dairy: carrageenan, LBG, xanthan
Candy: crystallization control, invert sugar
Low-cal: fiber, alditols, prebiotics
Safety: acrylamide control

Next chapters

• Ch.2 Water & Ice (gelatinization plasticization)
• Ch.4 Lipids (amylose-lipid complex)
• Ch.5 Proteins (Maillard's Lys)
• Ch.7 Enzymes (amylase, lactase)

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