Starch gelatinization has been widely studied previously, but there is still a lack of systematical research on the relationship between the degree of starch gelatinization (DSG) and its physicochemical and structural properties. In this study, potato starch samples with DSG ranging from 39.41% to 90.56% were obtained by hydrothermal treatment. The thermal, rheological, and structural properties, as well as the water-binding capacity of samples were investigated. A starch solution with a DSG of 39.41% was partially sedimented at room temperature, while starch with a DSG of 56.11% can form a stable paste with a fine shear-thinning property, as well as samples with a DSG larger than 56.11%. The endothermic enthalpy, gelatinization range, and short-range ordered structure of starch were negatively correlated with DSG, whereas onset gelatinization temperature, apparent viscosity, and water-binding capacity were positively correlated. The viscoelasticity of starch gels was negatively correlated with the DSG after full gelatinization (DSG > 39.41%). Starch granules gradually lose their typical shape and less birefringence can be observed with increasing DSG. Hydrothermal treatment has a more significant effect on the amount of exposed hydroxyl groups than the ordered and amorphous structures of partially gelatinized starch. This study built linear correlations between starch physicochemical properties and the DSG and provided comprehensive insight into the characteristics of partially gelatinized potato starch.

It is expected to improve the utilization of potatoes and enhance the nutritional value of traditional staple food by adding a certain proportion of potato granules to wheat flour in developing noodles and bread. This research aimed to investigate the effects of potato granules on the rheological properties and microstructure of wheat flour dough samples. The rheological properties of dough samples with various proportions of potato granules (0, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 wt%) were determined using a rheometer. The typical steady flow curves of the dough samples exhibited shear-thinning behaviour. Frequency sweep tests revealed that the addition of the potato granules increased the storage and loss moduli (G′ and G′′) but decreased tanδ (G′′/G′). The creep-recovery curves indicated that the deformation of the dough samples decreased significantly as the proportions of potato granules increased. Compared with the control sample, the blended potato granule samples showed a delay in the dough gelatinization temperature, as demonstrated by temperature sweep tests. The rheological behaviour of the dough samples was correlated with the results obtained through scanning electron microscopy. Noodles added with 20% potato granules was suggested as the most appropriate recipe considering the textural analysis.

Rigor mortis occurs in a relatively early postmortem period and is a complex biochemical process in the conversion of muscle to meat. Understanding the quality changes and biomarkers during rigor mortis can provide a theoretical basis for maintaining and improving meat quality. Herein, a tandem mass tag proteomic method is used to investigate the effects of differentially expressed proteins on the meat quality of cattle Longissimus lumborum muscle postmortem (0, 6, and 24 h). The pH, total sulfhydryl content and sarcomere length decrease significantly during storage. In contrast, meat color values (L*, a*, and b*) and the myofibril fragmentation index increase significantly. Altogether, 147 differentially expressed proteins are identified, most being categorized as metabolic enzymes, mitochondrial proteins, necroptosis and ferroptosis proteins and structural proteins. The results also reveal additional proteins that are potentially involved in rigor mortis, such as cardiac phospholamban, acetyl-coenzyme A acyltransferase, and ankyrin repeat domain 2. The current results provide proteomic insights into the changes in meat quality during rigor mortis.