This review is dedicated to exploring recent advancements in the study of amaranth grain and presents research primarily on Amaranthus species such as Amaranthus cruentus, Amaranthus hypochondriacus, and Amaranthus caudatus, and to a lesser extent Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus mantegazzianus, Amaranthus muricatus, Amaranthus tuberculatus, Amaranthus viridis, Amaranthus spinosus, and Amaranthus tenuifoliu. Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is a promising, high-yield pseudocereal crop with significant commercial potential for developing functional food products. It contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, including squalene, tocopherols, phenolic compounds, phytates, and vitamins, which possess important physiological properties. Amaranth grain is characterized by high levels of starch, proteins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Moreover, amaranth proteins are distinguished by a balanced amino acid composition and exhibit greater resistance to external factors compared to animal-derived proteins. Grains of amaranth are free of gliadin, making it a valuable nutritional source for individuals with celiac disease, an immune-mediated disorder. Unlike traditional cereals, where prolamins and glutelins dominate the protein composition, the proteins of pseudocereals like amaranth primarily consist of albumins and globulins. The processing methods of amaranth grain influence their quantitative and qualitative composition, often significantly improving their physicochemical, antioxidant, functional, and rheological properties. This work provides a detailed analysis of amaranth’s chemical composition and bioactive components, along with its evaluation of therapeutic and preventive properties. Amaranth protein fractions (albumin, globulin, and glutelin) and squalene exhibit increased antioxidant activity, contributing to notable resistance to radiation and X-ray exposure. Bioactive compounds such as phytol, α-tocopherol, and a lunasin-like peptide (AhLun) with potential anticancer properties have also been identified in amaranth. Furthermore, six bioactive peptides were isolated and identified from amaranth, which, according to predictive models, demonstrate a high capacity to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, suggesting potential hypotensive effects. Certain amaranth peptides are considered promising functional food ingredients for the prevention and comprehensive treatment of conditions such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Amaranthus spp. and its processed products hold significant interest for the development of innovative food products, contributing to the expansion of their range and enhancement of nutritional value.

Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato virus S (PVS), and Potato virus M (PVM) infection of potato plants leads to decreased dry matter and starch content in tubers. Starch samples from potato tubers infected with PVY, PVS, and PVM had higher amylose content. Granules of starch isolated from potato tubers infected by PVS exhibit larger granules than starch granules isolated from tubers of healthy plants. In contrast, in the case of PVM and PVY infection, starch granules were significantly smaller in diameter. A decrease in the degree of crystallinity has been observed in all samples of starches obtained from the tubers of infected plants compared to starch isolated from tubers of healthy plants. A slight decrease in gelatinization temperature was noted for starch samples isolated from tubers infected by PVY and PVM, and a slight increase in gelatinization temperature for starch samples isolated from tubers infected by PVS compared to starch isolated from tubers of healthy plants. In all samples of starch obtained from tubers of infected plants, an increase in the value of gelatinization enthalpy was observed. Thus, it can be concluded that damage to potato plants by PVM and PVY leads to a significant decrease in the quality of starch in tubers. At the same time, infection by PVS had practically no considerable effect.

Germination is a biotechnological process that activates enzymatic reactions and alters the chemical content of grain, improving its nutritional and functional value. However, the duration of the germination process significantly affects grain composition and properties. Prolonged and uncontrolled germination can lead to undesirable changes, such as excessive enzymatic activity, microbial contamination of sprouted grains, and loss of dry matter. While short-term germination is preferable for producing various food products, including whole-grain porridge, this article analyzed the impact of short-term germination of triticale grain (for 18, 20, 22, and 24 h) on its biochemical indicators and functional-technological properties. This research established that changes in biochemical values accompany the germination of triticale grain. The most significant increase in protein content was observed after 20 h of germination (GT 20), which increased by 4.43%. In contrast, after 24 h (GT 24), a decrease of 3.27% was noted compared to the original content in the whole grain (WGT). The contents of fats, carbohydrates, and ash tended to decrease. Germination promoted an increase in the amount of essential amino acids and improved the amino acid profile, particularly during the 20 and 22 h germination intervals. At 24 h of germination, the highest increase in total phenolic compounds (28.6%) and antioxidant activity (20.8%) was recorded. B-group vitamins, thiamine, and riboflavin, were detected in the sprouts only after 22 and 24 h of germination. The highest thiamine content (0.17 mg/kg) was observed at the 22nd hour, and the highest riboflavin content (2.51 mg/kg) was observed at the 24th hour. Niacin content showed a steady increase throughout the germination period. The maximum magnesium (0.200%) and molybdenum (0.589%) contents were recorded after 24 h of germination, while the calcium content increased at all germination intervals. The functional and technological properties of sprouted triticale grain improved, while the pasting (gelatinization) properties tended to decrease. Thus, it has been established that short-term germination enhances the biochemical indicators and functional-technological properties of triticale grains, indicating their potential for use in the production of whole-grain porridge.

This study aimed to design and optimize an edible antimicrobial film incorporating thermally modified starches using a systematic experimental approach. A comprehensive analysis of six starch types—both native and dry heat–modified—was conducted to evaluate their gelatinization clarity, freeze–thaw stability, microstructure (CLSM), and in vitro digestibility. Corn and cassava starches were selected as optimal components based on their physicochemical performance. A series of single-factor experiments and a Box–Behnken design were employed to assess the influence of starch concentration, gelatinization time, glycerol, and chitosan content on film properties including tensile strength, elongation at break, water vapor permeability (WVP), and transparency. The optimized formulation (5.0% starch, 28.2 min gelatinization, 2.6% glycerol, 1.4% chitosan) yielded a transparent (77.64%), mechanically stable (10.92 MPa tensile strength; 50.0% elongation), and moisture-resistant film. Structural and thermal analyses (SEM, AFM, DSC, TGA) confirmed the film’s homogeneity and stability. Furthermore, the film exhibited moderate antioxidant activity and antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using dry heat–modified Kazakhstani starches to develop sustainable antimicrobial packaging materials. However, further studies are needed to explore sensory attributes, long-term storage performance, and compatibility with different food matrices.

This study evaluates the potential of natural and thermally modified starches from Kazakhstan, including cassava, potato, wheat, corn, pea, and rice, for the production of biodegradable films. Key physicochemical properties were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and a Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA). The results show that cassava starch, with the highest magnesium content (43.07 mg/100 g) and peak viscosity (1300 RVU), exhibits superior mechanical strength and elasticity, making it ideal for durable agricultural films. Corn starch, with high crystallinity and moderate viscosity (1150 RVU), exhibits excellent stability for long-term applications. In contrast, wheat and rice starches, with lower viscosities (750 and 650 RVU, respectively) and high biodegradability, are more suitable for short-term eco-friendly applications. Modification processes improved moisture resistance and reduced retrogradation tendencies, particularly in cassava and corn starches. SEM analysis revealed that modified starches from cassava and corn have dense and uniform surface structures, enhancing film durability and flexibility. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing Kazakhstan’s starch resources for localized biodegradable film production, reducing reliance on imports while promoting sustainable agriculture.