Process and method for hydroxyalkylation of starch and hydroxyalkyl starch prepared accordingly

摘要

Disclosed are a method and process for preparing a hydroxyalkyl starch. In accordance with the disclosed invention, the starch is treated with an enzyme under conditions to increase the susceptibility of the starch to hydroxyalkylation by a hydroxyalkylating agent. After the starch is so treated, the starch is hydroxyalkylated with a hydroxyalkylating agent. The hydroxyalkylation reaction can proceed to provide a starch having an MS greater than about 0.2, while still remaining in granular form in the aqueous suspension. The method of the invention thus provides a granular starch having a higher MS than is otherwise attainable via a reaction in aqueous media.