The molecular structures of starch components and their contribution to the architecture of starch granules: A comprehensive review

Abstract Recent developments in methods and instrumentation have contributed to major advances in our understanding of the fine structure of amylose and amylopectin. The structure of the starch granule slowly unravels with new insight into key structural features. Following a brief presentation of the structural features common to all starches, the most recent findings for the structure of amylose and amylopectin are reported. The organization of different types of chains in amylopectin is discussed with a critical review of the ‘cluster’ model leading to the presentation of alternative models. The locations of molecular components in the starch granule are described according to a progress structural order.…