Extraction, purification, and processing of phytoglycogen

Abstract

Improved method for purifying extracts containing phytoglycogen or certain derivatives thereof which comprises the step of subjecting the extracts to ultrafiltration. Methods for providing a lower viscosity phytoglycogen material by subjecting an extract containing phytoglycogen (or purified phytoglycogen) to beta-amylase treatment. Methods for preparing beta-dextrins or derivatives thereof from phytoglycogens or derivatives thereof.

1 . A method for extracting soluble phytoglycogen from kernels or fractions of kernels of a maize mutant sugary-1 (su1) comprises: (1) contacting the kernels or fractions of kernels with water; (2) separating and removing solids from the combination of kernels or fractions of kernels and water to generate a water extract containing soluble phytoglycogen; (3) subjecting the water extract containing soluble phytoglycogen to tangential flow ultrafiltration to reduce saccharide impurities having molecular weight of 300,000 Daltons (Da) or less; and (4) collecting a fraction of ultrafiltration that comprises 10% or less by weight of impurities having molecular weight less than 1000 Da. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  in which step (4) comprises collecting the aqueous retentate fraction of ultrafiltration.