PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF STARCH IN BRAN AND ENDOSPERM AND
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRAN STARCH AND BRAN CHARACTERISTICS OF
SELECTED SOFT WHEATS GROWN IN MICHIGAN
By
Ya Liu

A DISSERTATION
Submitted to
Michigan State University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of
Food Science – Doctor of Philosophy
2013

ABSTRACT
PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF STARCH IN BRAN AND ENDOSPERM AND
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRAN STARCH AND BRAN CHARACTERISTICS OF
SELECTED SOFT WHEATS GROWN IN MICHIGAN
By
Ya Liu
Wheat bran is a major source of fiber as an ingredient in cereal-based products. However
current utilization of bran represents only a small portion of total bran production as most is
actually sold for animal feed at a reduced price. During wheat milling, bran is separated from the
endosperm, though a clean separation is not possible and there is always some starch adherent to
the bran. This bran starch still remains one of the main components of the bran fraction.
Understanding the physicochemical properties of bran starch and its relationship with bran tissue
is required to maximize bran utilization. Bran starch was hypothesized to have different
properties than endosperm starch, and it was hypothesized that bran chemical composition and
bran thickness are each related to bran particle size and bran starch quantity. The hypotheses
were tested by following aims: (1) to develop methods of isolating bran starch and endosperm
starch from wheat bran and endosperm flour, respectively, and identify a common method to
isolate both types of starches to ensure comparability of results of further investigation, (2) to
characterize bran starch properties compared with those of endosperm starch from the same
wheat sample, (3) to determine bran particle thickness and biochemical composition of bran
tissue and their relationships with bran particle size and bran starch quantity, and (4) to
investigate the ultrastructure of milled bran particles and the starch morphology of isolated bran
starch and endosperm starch.

Significantly different physicochemical properties of bran starch compared with
endosperm starch were found. Bran starch was found to have higher percent B-type small
granules, higher amylose content, higher crystallinity, broader gelatinization temperature range,
higher enthalpy of gelatinization, lower retrogradation degree, and lower pasting peak and
setback viscosities than the counterpart endosperm starch. A-type X-ray diffraction patterns were
found for both bran starch and endosperm starch. Bran starch of variety Aubrey had highest
crystallinity and gelatinization temperature, while bran starch of variety D8006 had highest
percent B-type granules and lowest retrogradation degree. SEM images revealed that small sized
starch granules were not lost during isolation steps. For both bran and endosperm starches, the
A-type starch granules displayed a disk shape with diameters of 10-30 m, and the B-type
granules displayed a spherical shape with diameters of about 2 m. A greater proportion of small
granules was observed in bran starch than in endosperm starch. All granules seen in SEM images
had smooth surfaces and intact structure, which may indicate that the isolation procedure did not
damage the morphology of the starch granules.
Bran starch content was found to be negatively correlated with percent large bran
particles. The neutral saccharide profile of the wheat bran was dominated by arabinose, xylose,
and glucose, whereas mannose and galactose were present in small amounts. Bran thickness,
bound ferulic acid (BFA) content and BFA to xylose ratio showed significant correlations with
percent large bran particles and bran starch content. SEM images revealed that the outer layers of
wheat bran were deformed after milling and the aleurone layer was no longer visible. Milled bran
tissue was about twice as thick as intact outer layers of the wheat kernel. Observed relationship
between bran characteristics and bran starch content explained why there was correlation
between percent large bran particles and bran starch quantity.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am deeply indebted to my major advisor, Dr. Perry Ng, for his valuable guidance and
suggestions; and for his patience and support throughout my doctoral study and especially in the
preparation of this dissertation. His technical and editorial advice were essential for the
completion of this dissertation and I believe what I learnt from him will benefit my future career
as well. I am also thankful to my committee members, Dr. Karen Cichy, Dr. Ike Kang, Dr. Janet
Lewis, and Dr. Gale Strasburg, for their contributions, advising, encouragement, and kind
support throughout this dissertation work.
Sincere thanks are given to the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition for
offering me a teaching assistantship and several fellowships and travel funding that supported
my doctoral research without financial burden as well as giving me opportunities to attend
annual meetings of professional organizations.
Thanks are extended to my dear friends and coworkers Dr. Yulai Jin, Ms. Li Yang, Mr.
Sal DeSalvo, Dr. Grace Lai, and others, for providing valuable technical suggestions for my
dissertation.
Special thanks to my labmates, George, Derrick, Rico, Ken, Chonthira, Zeynep, Kevser,
and Dr. Xiyang Zhong, for their company, friendship, and support along the way.
Finally, I would like to express my great appreciation to my parents, Professor Yili Liu
and Ms. Yiping Lai for their love and constant encouragement.

iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES……………………………………………………………………………. viii
LIST OF FIGURES………………………………………………………………………….......x
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS………….……….……………………………………………...xii
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 1
LITERATURE CITED ................................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW .............................................................................. 9
2.1 CEREAL DIETARY FIBER AND ITS HEALTH BENEFITS ......................................... 10
2.2 COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES OF WHEAT BRAN TISSUES ............................. 12
2.2.1 Composition of wheat bran tissues ................................................................................ 12
2.2.2 Physical properties of wheat bran tissues ...................................................................... 15
2.2.3 Determination of non-cellulosic sugars in wheat bran .................................................. 16
2.2.4 Phenolic compounds in wheat bran ............................................................................... 20
2.3 DRY MILLING PROCESS ................................................................................................ 25
2.4 WHEAT ARABINOXYLANS (AX).................................................................................. 26
2.4.1 General features ............................................................................................................. 26
2.4.2 Interaction between AX through diferulic bridges ........................................................ 29
2.5 STARCH AND ITS MAJOR PROPERTIES ..................................................................... 29
2.5.1 Molecular structure ........................................................................................................ 30
2.5.2 General features of starch granules................................................................................ 35
2.5.3 Gelatinization and pasting ............................................................................................. 37
2.5.4 Retrogradation ............................................................................................................... 37
2.5.5 Starch damage................................................................................................................ 39
2.6 BRAN STARCH CHARACTERIZATION........................................................................ 40
LITERATURE CITED ................................................................................................................. 42
CHAPTER 3
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF WHEAT BRAN
STARCH AND ENDOSPERM STARCH OF SELECTED SOFT WHEATS GROWN
IN MICHIGAN AND COMPARISON OF THEIR PHYSICOCHEMICAL
PROPERTIES52
3.1 ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................ 53
3.2 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 54
3.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS ........................................................................................ 56
3.3.1 Materials and milling ..................................................................................................... 56
3.3.2 Isolation method development ....................................................................................... 57
3.3.3 Starch analyses............................................................................................................... 59
3.3.4 Proximate analyses ........................................................................................................ 60
3.3.5 Particle size distribution ................................................................................................ 61
3.3.6 Pasting properties........................................................................................................... 61

v

3.3.7 Crystalline structure of starches..................................................................................... 62
3.3.8 Thermal properties ......................................................................................................... 62
3.3.9 Amylopectin bran chain-length distribution .................................................................. 63
3.3.10 Morphology of starch granules .................................................................................... 63
3.3.11 Statistical analysis ........................................................................................................ 64
3.4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ......................................................................................... 64
3.4.1 Starch isolation and starch purity .................................................................................. 64
3.4.2 Granule size distribution ................................................................................................ 70
3.4.3 Pasting properties........................................................................................................... 73
3.4.4 Crystalline structure ....................................................................................................... 76
3.4.5 Thermal properties ......................................................................................................... 79
3.4.6 Amylopectin branch chain length .................................................................................. 83
3.4.7 Starch granule morphology............................................................................................ 88
3.5 CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................. 90
LITERATURE CITED ................................................................................................................. 92
CHAPTER 4
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRAN CHARACTERISTICS AND
BRAN STARCH OF SELECTED SOFT WHEATS GROWN IN MICHIGAN............. 96
4.1 ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................ 97
4.2 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 98
4.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS ...................................................................................... 101
4.3.1 Wheat samples ............................................................................................................. 101
4.3.2 Milling process and particle sizing .............................................................................. 102
4.3.3 Bran thickness .............................................................................................................. 103
4.3.4 Total starch content ..................................................................................................... 103
4.3.5 Non-cellulosic pentosan content in wheat bran ........................................................... 103
4.3.5.1 Defatting……...…………………………………………………………………..103
4.3.5.2 Destarching [adapted from total starch Megazyme kit (Megazyme International
Ireland Ltd. Co., Wicklow, Ireland)]…………………………………………………...104
4.3.5.3 Derivatization……...…………………………………………………………...…104
4.3.6 Bound ferulic acid........................................................................................................ 106
4.3.6.1 Preparation for free ferulic acid…………….………………………………...…..106
4.3.6.2 Preparation for total ferulic acid…………….……………………………………106
4.3.7 Microstructure of wheat bran by scanning electron microscope ................................. 107
4.3.8 Statistical analyses ....................................................................................................... 109
4.4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ....................................................................................... 109
4.4.1 Relationship between bran particle size and bran starch content ................................ 109
4.4.2 Bran thickness and bran starch content ....................................................................... 113
4.4.3 Noncellulosic sugar profile of wheat bran ................................................................... 116
4.4.4 Bound ferulic acid........................................................................................................ 120
4.4.5 Relationship among bran biochemical composition, bran thickness and bran starch
content…… .................................................................................................................. 124
4.4.6 Microstructure of outer layers of wheat kernel, milled bran and bran starch .............. 126
4.5 CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................... 132
LITERATURE CITED ............................................................................................................... 135

vi

CHAPTER 5

GENERAL CONCLUSIONS .................................................................... 139

CHAPTER 6

FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................... 144

APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................... 147
APPENDIX A
SOFTNESS EQUIVALENCE AND FLOUR YIELD OF SOFT
WHEAT VARIETIES GROWN IN MICHIGAN ............................................................ 148
APPENDIX B
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRAN STARCH AND PERCENT
LARGE BRAN PARTICLES IN SOFT WHEAT GROWN IN MICHIGAN ................. 152
APPENDIX C
EFFECT OF PRECONDITIONING GRAIN MOISTURE LEVEL ON
PRODUCTS OF A DRY MILLING PROCESS .............................................................. 160
APPENDIX D
AMYLOSE CONTENTS OF BRAN STARCH AND ENDOSPERM
STARCH ISOLATED BY DIFFERENT ISOLATION METHODS ............................... 162
APPENDIX E
RESISTANT STARCH CONTENTS IN BRAN STARCH AND
ENDOSPERM STARCH ISOLATED FROM THREE WHEAT VARIETIES .............. 164
LITERATURE CITED ............................................................................................................... 166

vii

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1 Ferulic Acid Contents of Different Histological Tissues and of Whole Grain of Durum
Wheat Variety cv.Ardente ............................................................................................................ 24
Table 2.2 Amylose Contents of Endosperm and Pericarp Starches at Different Developmental
Stages of Maize ............................................................................................................................. 34
Table 3.1 Starch Yield, Starch Recovery and Comparison of Purity of Wheat Bran Starch and
Endosperm Starch Isolated using Two Different Proceduresfrom Soft Wheat Variety Caledonia
Grown in 2010 .............................................................................................................................. 65
Table 3.2 Yield, Starch Recovery and Comparison of Purity of Bran Starch and Endosperm
Starch Isolated from Three Wheat Varieties for Starch Characterization .................................... 68
Table 3.3 Physicochemical Properties of Bran Starch and Endosperm Starch............................. 69
Table 3.4 Pasting Properties of Bran Starch and Endosperm Starch Isolated from Three Varieties
....................................................................................................................................................... 75
Table 3.5 Characteristics of Gelatinization Endotherms of Bran starch and Endosperm starch
Isolated from Three Wheat Varieties ............................................................................................ 80
Table 3.6 Characteristics of Retrogradation Endotherms of Bran Starch and Endosperm Starch
Isolated from Three Wheat Varieties after storage at 4° for 14 days ........................................ 81
C
Table 3.7 Branch Chain Length Distribution of Amylopectin from Bran Starch and Endosperm
Starch Isolated from Three Varieties ........................................................................................... 85
Table 4.1 Large Bran Particles (% of total milled bran fraction, w/w) of Three Soft Wheat
Varieties Grown in Three Crop Years ........................................................................................ 111
x

Table 4.2 Bran Starch Content (%, w/w) in Large Bran Particles of Three Soft Wheat Varieties
Grown in Three Crop Years ........................................................................................................ 112
x

Table 4.3 Bran Thickness (mm) of Large Bran Particles of Three Soft Wheat Varieties Grown
in Three Crop Years .................................................................................................................... 115
Table 4.4 Noncellulosic Sugar Composition of Large Bran Particles of Three Soft Wheat
x
Varieties Grown in Three Crop Years ...................................................................................... 118
Table 4.5 Comparison of Noncellulosic Sugar Composition of Large Bran Particles of Three
x
Soft Wheat Varieties ................................................................................................................. 119

viii

Table 4.6 Bound Ferulic Acid (ppm) in Large Bran Particles of Three Different Soft Wheat
x
Varieties Grown in Three Crop Years ...................................................................................... 121
Table 4.7 Bound Ferulic Acid to Xylose Ratio in Large Bran Particles of Three Different
x
Varieties of Soft Wheat Grown in Three Crop Years ............................................................... 123
x

Table 4.8 The P Values For Sets of Two Variables With Linear Correlations ......................... 125
Table A-1 Means of softness equivalent and flour yield of selected soft wheat varieties grown at
three locations in 2008 ................................................................................................................ 151
Table C-1 Effect of Tempering Moisture Level on Percent Large Bran Particles (LBP) in the
x
Milled Bran Fraction of Soft Wheat Variety Caledonia Grown at Allegan in 2010 ................. 161
Table D-1 Amylose Contents of Bran Starch and Endosperm Starch, Isolated using Two
x,y
z
Different Methods , from Soft Wheat Variety Caledonia Grown at Huron in 2010 .............. 163
Table E-1 Resistant Starch Content in Bran Starch and Endosperm Starch Isolated from Three
x
Soft Wheat Varieties ................................................................................................................. 165

ix

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1. Histological composition of wheat grain. Source: Suget and Barron (2005). ............ 13
Figure 2.2. Structures of monosaccharides in plant cell walls. Source: Melton and Smith (2001).
....................................................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 2.3. Phenolic compounds distribution in wheat bran cell walls. CWM: cell wall material;
NE: nucellar epidermis (hyaline layer); DiFA: dehydrodiferulic acid; BF: benzofuran form; AT:
aryltetralin form. Source: Klepacka and Fornal (2007). ............................................................... 22
Figure 2.4. Main structural features of AX from endosperm (A) and outer tissues (B) of cereal
grains. A: arabinose; X: xylose; G: galactose; Ga: glucuronic acid; F: ferulic acid; uX:
unsubstituted xylose; dX: di-substituted xylose; mX3: O-3 mono-substituted xylose; mX2: O-2
mono-substituted xylose (rare in wheat endosperm AX). Hydroxyl functional groups (-OH),
carboxyl functional group (-COOH), methoxy funtional groups (-OCH3), and acetyl group (COCH3) are denoted in AX structure. Reprinted from Saulnier et al (2007)............................... 28
Figure 2.5. Basic labeling of chains in amylopectin. Circles indicates glucosyl residues,
horizontal lines (1-4) and bent arrows (1-6) linkages. The reducing-end residue is on the right.
Source: Perez and Bertoft (2010). ................................................................................................. 32
Figure 3.1. Flow chart of a wet-milling process for isolation of wheat bran starch by alkaline
extraction [developed based on Xie et al (2008) and Verwimp et al (2004)]. .............................. 58
Figure 3.2. Representative granule size distribution of bran (Br) starch and endosperm (En)
starch isolated from variety D 8006. Three arrows show the three populations of En starch
granules [left to right: <1.9 m, 1.9–10 m, >10 m]. ................................................................ 72
Figure 3.3. Comparison of RVA pasting curves of bran (Br) starch and endosperm (En) starch
isolated from variety Aubrey. ....................................................................................................... 74
Figure 3.4. Comparison of X-ray diffraction patterns of bran (Br) starch and endosperm (En)
starch. A-Type X-ray diffraction patterns with peaks at 15, 17, 18, and 23 degrees (indicated by
arrows) are found. ......................................................................................................................... 78
Figure 3.5. Averaged amylopectin branch chain-length distributions of bran starches and the
counterpart endosperm starches from three different wheat varieties using a high-performance
anion-exchange chromatography system. DP: degree of polymerization. Br: bran starch; En:
endosperm starch. ......................................................................................................................... 86
Figure 3.6. Differential histograms of amylopectin branch chain-length distributions for bran
starch and endosperm starch isolated from wheat varieties (A) Aubrey, (B) Caledonia, and (C)
D8006. DP: degree of polymerization; Br: bran starch; En: endosperm starch............................ 87

x

Figure 3.7. Scanning electron micrographs of wheat bran starch (A) and its counterpart
endosperm starch isolated from variety D8006 (B). Scale bar=50m.
: B-type starch (small)
granule;
: A-type starch (large) granule. .............................................................................. 89
Figure 4.1. SEM image of transverse cross section disc of wheat kernel (left) and milled wheat
bran strip (right) from the same sample, placed side by side for comparison. ........................... 108
Figure 4.2. SEM images of representative (A) wheat outer layers of transverse cross section disc
of wheat kernel (variety D8006); (B) wheat endosperm of transverse cross section disk of wheat
kernel (variety D8006); (C) cross section of milled bran strip (variety Aubrey); and (D) cross
section of milled bran strip demonstrating peeled pericarp (variety D8006). ............................ 128
Figure 4.3. SEM images of representative wheat outer layers of transverse cross section disc of
wheat variety Aubrey (A), Caledonia (B), and D8006 (C). Double-headed arrows indicate the
thickness of outer layers (pericarp and seed coats layers). ......................................................... 130
Figure A-1. Relationship between milled large bran particles (LBP) and softness equivalent
value based on mean values of 44 soft wheat genotypes grown at three locations in 2008 and
milled on a Buhler laboratory mill MLU-202............................................................................. 149
Figure A-2. Relationship between large bran particles (LBP) and flour yield based on mean
values of 44 Soft Wheat Genotypes grown at three locations in 2008. ...................................... 150
Figure B-1. Percent large bran particles (LBP) for five studied soft wheat varieties. Error bars
represent standard errors. The treatments marked with the same letters are not significantly
different from each other (P > 0.05). .......................................................................................... 155
Figure B-2. Mean starch contents of large bran particles (LBP) for five milled soft wheat
varieties. Error bars represent standard errors. The treatments marked with the same letters are
not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05). ............................................................... 156
Figue B-3. Relationship between percent large bran particles (LBP) and LBP bran starch content
mean of five milled soft wheat varieties. .................................................................................... 157
Figure B-4. Percent insoluble fiber means of large bran particles (LBP) for five studied soft
wheat varieties. Error bars represent standard errors. The treatments marked with the same letters
are not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05). ......................................................... 158
Figure B-5. Percent soluble fiber means of large bran particles (LBP) for five studied soft wheat
varieties. Error bars represent standard errors. The treatments marked with the same letters are
not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05). ............................................................... 159

xi

KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS

AX: arabinoxylans
Ara/Xyl: arabinose to xylose ratio
BFA: bound ferulic acid
CVD: cardiovascular disease
CWM: cell wall material
DP: degree of polymerization
DiFA: dehydrodiferulic acid
DSC: differential scanning calorimetry
FA: ferulic acid
GC-MS: gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
LBP: large bran particles
NE: nucellar epidermis (hyaline layer)
RS: resistant starch
SEM: scanning electron microscope
TFA: trifluoroacetic acid

xii

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1

Wheat is the major cereal grain in the world and wheat-based industries hold a
multibillion dollar market. Evidence indicates that sufficient whole grain consumption has a
protective effect against development of diet-related disorders, such as cardiovascular disease
and type II diabetes, and also against cancers, such as digestive-tract cancer, hormone-related
cancers and pancreatic cancer (Seal and Brownlee 2010). Cereal dietary fiber includes non-starch
polysaccharides and resistant starch (ingested starch that cannot be digested in the small intestine
of humans), which are the major health-beneficial carbohydrates in cereal whole grains and
mainly found in the bran fraction (Collins et al 2010). Cereal DF provides benefits for colon
health through its physicochemical properties, effects on bacterial community in the colon (colon
microbiota), and colonic fermentation products.
During the dry milling process, wheat bran is removed from the endosperm in order to
recover white flour. However, the endosperm does not completely separate from the bran tissue,
and therefore bran starch still remains one of the main components of the milled bran fraction.
The bran fraction comprises about 11% (w/w) of the total products in dry milling. However, only
about 10% of commercial wheat bran is used as a source of insoluble dietary fiber for breakfast
cereals and bakery products. The remaining 90% is sold as animal feed at very low price (Xie et
al 2008). In order to add commercial value and benefit the food industry, bran utilization needs
to be maximized and developed. Understanding the physicochemical properties of major
components of the bran fraction is required to maximize its utilization.
It is well known that starch has many applications in foods and can also be processed into
other products, for food and nonfood applications. Starch is unique among carbohydrates
because it occurs naturally as discrete particles, called granules. There are two types of starch
granules, each with its own distinct shape and size: A-type granules, which are disc-like or

2

lenticular in shape with diameters greater than 10m; and B-type starch granules, which are
roughly spherical or polygonal in shape with diameters smaller than 10m (Whistler and
Bemiller 1997). Normally, the number of A-type granules is fewer than those of B-type, and Atype granules represent the majority of the mass of the starch. A- and B-types of starch granules
have different chemical compositions and functional properties, including differences in amylose
and lipid contents, pasting properties, and baking qualities (Maningat and Seib 1997).
Bran starch comprises about 20% (w/w) of the milled wheat bran fraction (Liu and Ng
2012). Previous studies have shown that the physicochemical properties of bran starch are
different from those of commercial wheat starch, with bran starch having higher resistant starch
content, lower starting gelatinization temperature, and slower retrogradation than commercial
wheat starch (Xie et al 2008). Furthermore, differences in bran starch quantity were found among
different wheat varieties (Liu and Ng 2012). Xie et al (2008) characterized wheat bran starch
compared to commercial starch, however there may have been some limitations in their sample
sources and preparations: (1) commercial starch was used as a control that was prepared from a
potentially different biological source (e.g., different wheat classes or varieties) than the isolated
bran starch; (2) wheats used to produce commercial starch and isolated bran starch could have
been from different locations and crop years and therefore subject to environmental effects; and
(3) the isolation process of the commercial starch could have been different from the isolation
process used for the bran starch. Different isolation processes have significant impact on starch
properties.
The bran physical properties could affect the separation between bran and endosperm,
and therefore the quantity of bran starch. It is known that the chemical composition of bran
[such as arabinoxylans (AX), dehydrodiferulic acid (DiFA), etc.] plays an important role in

3

determining bran’s physical properties, specifically extensibility. Bran thickness, the biochemical
composition and the degree of AX cross-linking in the cell walls have been proposed to be the
major factors controlling the physical properties of bran (Peyron 2002). The cross-linking of cell
wall AX reaction (ferulic acid dimerization) is an oxidative mechanism, probably mediated by
wheat bran endogenous peroxidases or phenol oxidases in vivo (Fry 2000 and Peyron et al 2001).
A strong positive correlation between extensibility of the wheat grain outer layers and the
proportion of larger size (> 2mm) coarse bran was reported by Greffeuille and coworkers (2006).
However, the physicochemical properties of isolated bran starch compared with those of
endosperm starch from the same wheat sample have not been determined and relationships
among chemical composition of bran, bran particle size, and bran starch quantity and type are
not known. Furthermore, the reasons why the characteristics of wheat bran starch are different
from commercial wheat starch and why there are differences regarding bran starch quantity for
bran samples from different wheat varieties are currently unclear.
The long term goals of this proposed study are to understand the benefits of bran starch
for human health, to examine potential usage of bran starch as a functional ingredient for the
food industry, and to increase bran utilization in cereal and food processing. The overall
objective of this research work was to enhance understanding of the physicochemical properties
of bran starch and its relationships with milled bran fractions. The central hypotheses for this
dissertation were: bran starch has different properties than endosperm starch; bran chemical
composition and bran thickness are each related to bran particle size and bran starch quantity.

4

The specific objectives of this research work were:
1.

To develop methods of isolating bran starch and endosperm starch from wheat bran and

endosperm flour, respectively, and identify a common method to isolate both types of starches to
ensure comparability of results of further investigation
2.

To characterize bran starch properties compared with those of endosperm starch from the

same wheat sample
3.

To determine the bran particle thickness and biochemical composition in bran tissue and

their relationships with bran particle size and bran starch quantity.
4.

To investigate the ultrastructure of milled bran particles of studied varieties and the starch

morphology of isolated bran starch and endosperm starch.
Collectively, it is expected that results from the proposed studies will provide
fundamental information on characteristics of bran starch and how these characteristics are
related to the bran tissue, and results will also reveal any varietal and environmental effects on
characteristics of wheat bran starch and wheat bran. Based on results of this research work, it is
anticipated that bran starch can be potentially utilized as a naturally-derived functional ingredient
which could benefit the food industry. In addition, this study will provide valuable comparative
information for wheat breeders interested in developing new wheat varieties that provide desired
bran starch quantity and type for different applications and bran with desired physical properties
for milling. The following dissertation is divided into: (1) Literature review, (2) Isolation and
characterization of wheat bran starch and endosperm starch of selected soft wheats grown in
Michigan, (3) Relationship between bran characteristics and bran starch of selected soft wheat
varieties grown in Michigan, (4) General conclusions, (5) Recommendation for future studies.

5

The chapters in this dissertation were written in the Cereal Chemistry journal paper format and
thus some of the information presented in certain chapters is similar.

6

LITERATURE CITED

7

LITERATURE CITED

Collins, H. M., Burton, R. A., Topping, D. L., Liao, M., Bacic, A., and Fincher, G. B. 2010.
Variability in fine structures of noncellulosic cell wall polysaccharides from cereal grains:
potential importance in human health and nutrition. Cereal Chem. 87:272-282.
Fry, S. C., Willis, S. C., and Paterson, A. E. J. 2000. Intraprotoplasmic and walllocalised
formation of arabinoxylan-bound diferulates and larger ferulate coupling-products in maize
cell-suspension cultures. Planta 211:679-692.
Greffeuille, V, Abecassis, J., Lapierre, C., and Lullien-Pellerine, V. 2006. Bran size distribution
at milling and mechanical and biochemical characterization of common wheat grain outer
layers: a relationship assessment. Cereal Chem. 83:641-646.
Liu, Y., and Ng, P. K. W. 2012. Physicochemical properties of bran starches and endosperm
starches of soft wheat grown in Michigan. AACC international annual meeting. Hollywood,
FL.
Maningat, C. C., and Seib, P. A. 1997. Update on wheat starch and its uses. Pages 261-284 in:
Proc. Int. Wheat Quality Conference. J. L. Steele and O. K. Chung, eds. Grain Industry
Alliance: Manhattan, KS.
Peyron, S., Chaurand, M., Rouau, X., Abecassis, J., 2002. Relationship between bran mechanical
properties and milling behaviour of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). Influence of tissue
thickness and cell wall structure. J. Cereal Sci. 36:377-386.
Seal, C. J., and Brownlee, I. A. 2010. Whole grains and health, evidence from observational and
intervention Studies. Cereal Chem. 87:167-174.
Whistler, R. L., and Bemiller, J. N. 1997 Chapter 6-starch. Pages 117-152 in: Carbohydrate
Chemistry for Food Scientist. AACC International: St. Paul, MN.
Xie, X., Cui, S. W., Li, W., and Tsao, R. 2008. Isolation and characterization of wheat bran
starch. Food Research Intl. 41:882-887.

8

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

9

2.1 CEREAL DIETARY FIBER AND ITS HEALTH BENEFITS
Cereal dietary fiber includes non-starch cereal polysaccharides and resistant starch, which
are the major functional carbohydrates in cereal whole grains and mainly found in the bran
fraction. Cereal dietary fiber could impact colon health through modulation of the bacterial
community (microbiota) in the colon (Zhang and Hamaker 2010). Non-starch cereal
polysaccharides consist of different groups of carbohydrates, including cellulose, hemicelluloses,
β-glucans, and a minor portion of pectin.
Resistant starch (RS) is the sum of dietary starch that cannot be digested in the upper
gastrointestinal tract due to inaccessibility to physical hindrance (RS1), ungelatinized starch
granules (RS2), amylose retrogradation (RS3), or chemical modification (RS4) (Sajilata et al
2006). The term “resistant starch” was first coined by Englyst et al (1982) to describe a small
fraction of starch that was resistant to hydrolysis by α-amylase and pullulanase treatment in vitro.
Subsequently resistant starch was defined as starch not hydrolyzed after 120 min of incubation
with the two enzymes (Englyst et al 1992). But these definitions were just based on in vitro study.
When starch reaches the large intestine, it can be fermented by the gut microflora to a certain
extent. After reaching the large intestine, the resistant starch fractions are fermented by the
colonic flora, and short-chain fatty acids are produced. The profiles of short-chain fatty acids
derived from resistant starch are lower in acetate and higher in butyrate than those of
conventional fibers (Sajilata et al 2006; Annison et al 2003).
Microbiota are the central link between dietary fiber and the health benefits related to
dietary fiber fermentation. There are 10

13-14

bacteria inside the adult colon representing over

1000 different species (Hooper 2004). The colon microbiota can digest the materials, including
some types of DF, coming from the small intestine for growth and to generate short-chain fatty

10

acids that are important for human health (such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate) (Zhang and
Hamaker 2010).
There is water-insoluble and water-soluble dietary fiber. Water-insoluble dietary fiber
includes cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and water-insoluble arabinoxylans. Cellulose is the
major structural component of plant cell walls, and has a high molecular weight. It is a linear
homopolymer of D-glucopyranosyl residues linked together in beta-1,4-glycosidic linkages
(Whistler and Bemiller 1997). Hemicellulose contains a variety of heteropolysaccharides in the
backbone and side chains. Xylose, mannose, and galactose usually make up the backbone, joined
with β-1,4-glycosidic linkages. Arabinose, galactose, and uronic acids are the most common side
chains. Arabinoxylans consist of a β-1,4 linked xylose backbone with branches of α-L-arabinose
residues attached at O-2 or O-3 positions; arabinose residues may also be linked to other groups
such as glucuronic acid, ferulic acid cross-links, and acetyl groups. Water-insoluble dietary fiber
can shorten transit time of feces in the colon due to water-holding or bulking properties and
produce a laxative effect that is beneficial to alleviate constipation. Lignin with its large
hydrophobic surface was found to be efficient in binding putative carcinogens and secondary bile
acids into the fiber matrix (Bingham 1990).
Water-soluble dietary fiber, such as β-glucans and pectin, have high water dispersibility,
facilitating their diffusion and promoting their degradation by microbes; this often results in high
fermentability of water-soluble DF (Zhang and Hamaker 2010). Water-soluble β-glucans are the
glucose polymers with β-(1, 3) and β-(1, 4) linkages. Pectins are considered the largest source of
soluble fiber in plant food materials. The pectin backbone consists of α-1,4 linked galacturonic
acid residues mixed with single α-1,2 linked rhamnose residues. The side chains of pectin consist
of galactose, glucose, rhamnose, and arabinose (Bemiller 1986).

11

The benefits of cereal dietary fiber in reducing risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and
cancer, and improving digestive health have been well documented (Seal and Browlee 2010).
Moreau et al (2003) reported RS3 ingested by rats produced high levels of butyrate and restored
the integrity of cecal-colonic mucosa. In a study by Qu et al (2005), wheat bran from different
cultivars showed differences in protection against colon cancer that were related to lignin content
through mediation of cytostatic and apoptotic mechanisms by lignan metabolites. Whole grains,
containing bran, endosperm, and germ, are an important source of cereal dietary fiber for humans.
Reports showed that CVD risk was dramatically reduced (about 30%) for the highest whole grain
consumers compared to the lowest whole grain consumers (Seal and Browlee 2010). Strong
protective effects of whole grain intake against colorectal and colon cancers, polyps, and gastric
and other digestive-tract cancers were reported. Increasing whole grain consumption also showed
strong associations with decreasing the risk of hormone-related cancers and pancreatic cancer
(Schatzkin et al 2007, and Chatenoud et al 1998).

2.2 COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES OF WHEAT BRAN TISSUES
2.2.1 Composition of wheat bran tissues
A wheat kernel is a multilayer system. Besides the embryo, from the center to the
periphery of the grain, wheat kernel consists of endosperm, aleurone layer, the seed coats
(composed of the hyaline layer and the testa), the outer pericarp (composed of the hypodermis
and the epidermis), inner pericarp (composed of the tube cells and the cross cells) (Fig.2.1). The
aleurone layer, the seed coats, and the pericarp are wheat outer layers, and called wheat bran.
Wheat grains normally contain 14.5% (w/w) bran, 83% (w/w) endosperm, and 2.5% (w/w) germ
(Hemery et al 2007; Antoine et al 2003; Martelli et al 2010).

12

Starchy endosperm

80-85%

Aleurone layer
Hyaline layer
Seed coats
Testa
Tube cells
Cross cells

Inner
pericarp

Germ

3%

Outer pericarp

Figure 2.1. Histological composition of wheat grain. Source: Suget and Barron (2005).
For interpretation of the references to color in this and all other figure, the reader is referred to
the electronic version of this dissertation.

13

The outermost layers of bran tissues are rich in insoluble fiber. They are composed of
thick cell walls formed of cellulose, cuticle materials, and complex xylans with high arabinose to
xylose ratios and substitution by dehydrodiferulic acid (DiFA), which act as cross-linkers
between polymer chains. Pericarp and testa layers also contain high amounts of lignin, which is a
phenolic polymer embedding the structural polysaccharides. The testa contains almost all of the
grain alkylresorcinols (Landberg et al 2007). Kozubek and Tyman (1999) reported antioxidant
properties and anticancer activity of alkylresorcinols. The aleurone layer is composed of living
cells including bioactive compounds, surrounded by thick cell walls composed of relatively
linear arabinoxylans with a low arabinose-to-xylose ratio (Saulnier et al 2007). The aleurone
layer contains high levels of β-glucans which are the major soluble dietary fiber, as mentioned
above, and certain amounts of ferulic acid, which is responsible for the antioxidant properties of
the aleurone layer. Compared to the other peripheral layers, the aleurone layer comprises about 7%
of the wheat grain dry mass. It has a high protein content with better balanced amino acids
compared to the proteins of endosperm (Buri et al 2004; Rhodes and Stone 2002), and it also
contains the major part of B vitamins, lignans (polyphenols that function as antioxidants,
anticarcinogens, and estrogen modulators), and about half of the total mineral content of the
wheat kernel (Buri et al 2004; Qu et al 2005).

14

2.2.2 Physical properties of wheat bran tissues
The physical properties of wheat bran tissues and the characteristics of the interfaces
between these tissues may influence their behavior during milling and grinding. High milling
efficiency with low bran contamination in flour requires low friability (high extensibility). Bran
friability affects the extent of particle size reduction obtained in grinding. Bran particle size is
especially related to tissue extensibility (Peyron et al 2002a). A strong positive correlation
between extensibility of the wheat grain outer layers and the proportion of larger size (> 2mm)
coarse bran was reported by Greffeuille and coworkers (2006). Since bran starch content is
tightly related to the bran’s fractionation from endosperm during the milling process, physical
properties of wheat bran are expected to affect milling quality and therefore impact bran particle
size and bran starch quantity and type.
In aleurone walls, where arabinoxylans (AX) account for 70% of the polysaccharide
material, the degree of AX cross-linking controlled by DiFA in the aleurone layer significantly
influences the strength and extensibility of the bran. Thus, the degree of AX cross-linking is one
of the determinants of bran friability and must be taken into account in explaining bran physical
properties (Peyron et al 2002a). The modulation of tissue mechanical properties by polymer
cross-linking has also been suggested in other plant tissues such as rice and wheat seedlings (Tan
et al 1992; Wakabayashi et al 2005a, b).
The ratio of endosperm and bran is an intrinsic grain characteristic that influences milling
performance (Simmon and Meredith 1979; Evers and Withey 1989; Glenn and Johnston 1992).
Bran thickness is genetically controlled; it may affect the mechanical resistance of bran and
determines the ease of separation of the endosperm from bran. The plant tissue toughness and
strength varies with the cell wall relative density, which is the volume fraction of cell wall

15

(Gibson and Ashby 1988). Intrinsic toughness must depend on wall composition, that is, the
quantity of cellulose and lignin present. Toughness was found to correlate with thickness for
outer layer tissues, as thickness was increased, toughness increased until reaching a plateau at
about 1 mm in section thickness (Lucas et al 1995). The high toughness means the tissue has
high strength and rigidity.
There are wide variations to milling process since milling is tailored, depending on wheat
variety and food applications. It seems hard to relate bran chemical composition to milling
behavior. However, the mechanical force applied to the tissues during grinding is much higher
than the rupture strength of the bran layer and can be considered as a fixed stress force according
to Peyron (2001). In this case, the impact of tissue strength may not have as much effect as
extensibility on milling efficiency, thus bran particle size is more strongly related to tissue
extensibility. Bran thickness, the biochemical composition and the degree of AX cross-linking in
the cell walls have been proposed to be the major factors controlling the physical properties of
bran (Peyron et al 2001).

2.2.3 Determination of non-cellulosic sugars in wheat bran
Plant cell well tissue is composed of different proportions of the neutral monosaccharides,
such as rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, galactose and glucose, as well as the acidic
monosaccharides galacturonic acid, glucuronic acid (Melton and Smith 2001; Fig. 2.2.). Englyst
et al (1994) reported several methods to determine non-starch polysaccharides. They found good
agreement for a wide range of raw and processed food for three methods, which were gas
chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography, and spectrophotometric
measurements. The advantage of the GC method for measuring sugar alditol acetates is that the

16

procedure gives desired resolution without interference in a mixture of different sugars alditol
acetates. GC also has the advantage of being able to determine the identity of the reducing sugar
residues (Courtin et al 2000). The neutral monosaccharide composition of wheat bran can be
determined by first hydrolyzing the polysaccharides to constituent monosaccharides with acid
and then converting them to alditol acetates by reduction with sodium borohydride to the
corresponding alditol, followed by acetylation of alditol acetates on each alditol. The product of
sample preparation is volatile alditol acetates and can be identified and quantified by GC (Melton
and Smith 2001). The tested monosaccharides need to be identified by comparing their retention
times with the alditol acetates derivatized sugar standards such as D(+)-galactose, D(+)-glucose,
D(+)-xylose, L(+)-arabinose, L(+)-rhamnose, D(+)-mannose (Ramirez-Truque et al 2011).

17

CH2OH

CH2OH

CH2OH

β-D-glucose

β-D-galactose

β-D-mannose

CH3

L-fucose

α-L-rhamnose

COOH

β-D-glucuronic acid

α-D-galacturonic acid

MeO
4-O-methyl β-D-glucuronic acid
CH2OH

D-xylose

α-D-arabinose

Figure 2.2. Structures of monosaccharides in plant cell walls. Source: Melton and Smith (2001).

18

Different sample preparation procedures for determination of non-cellulosic sugars in
wheat bran by GC analysis were investigated in previous studies. Wheat bran sample was
pretreated by enzyme to remove starch and acid hydrolysis was performed before sugar
measurement (Englyst et al 1994; Brillouet and Mercier 1981). A defatting procedure by soaking
wheat bran in chloroform-methanol for 8h or acetone for 30 min has been reported (Brillouet and
Mercier 1981; Englyst and Cummings 1984). Several procedures have been used to hydrolyze
polysaccharides in cell walls. Hydrolyses with concentrated sulfuric acid (12 mol/L) for 60 min
(Englyst et al 1994) and 1 M sulfuric acid for 2 to 3 hr at 100° (Selvendran and Ryden 1990)
C
and 72% (w/w) sulfuric acid for 1 hour (Ramirez-Truque et al 2011) have been reported. One of
the simplest procedures is the hydrolysis achieved by incubating samples in 2 M trifluoroacetic
acid (TFA) at 121° for 1 hour (Albersheim et al 1967; Melton and Smith 2001). The
C
advantages of the TFA procedure is that it is fast and the TFA can be removed by evaporation in
nitrogen without residue. But it cannot hydrolyze cellulose, and is only suitable for noncellulosic sugar analysis. Both dichloromethane (Melton and Smith 2001) and ethyl acetate were
used as solvents to extract aditol acetates in previous studies (Englst and Cummings 1984).
Dichloromethane as an extraction solvent with (Melton and Smith 2001) or without (Courtin et al
2000) an evaporation step has been reported. Experiments comparing these two solvents of
derivatization gave identical results for cereal, vegetable and legume products (Englyst and
Cummings 1984). A more robust method using ethyl acetate rather than dichloromethane as a
solvent for alditol acetates was recommended. Different approaches have been reported to obtain
derivatization products of alditol acetates.

19

2.2.4 Phenolic compounds in wheat bran
In general, the term “phenol” chemically indicates a substance has an aromatic ring
bearing a hydroxyl substituent and functional derivatives. Most phenolic compounds are of plant
origin, although they are present in both plant and animal kingdoms. Phenylalanine and tyrosine
are their precursors (Kozubek 1999). Phenolic compounds were studied for their well-known
antioxidant feature at first. They function as free radical scavengers in many plants including
cereals (Onyeneho and Hettiarachchy 1992; Deighton et al 2000; Zielinski and Kozlowska 2000).
Because of valuable antioxidant functionality of phenolic compounds, whole grain products may
be a valuable source of phenolic compound that can be responsible for health benefits.
Phenolic compounds have very diverse chemical structures, and occur in both free and
bound form with other compound like saccharides and organic acids. Polyphenolic compounds
can be divided in three groups by the structure of their basic carbon skeleton: derivatives of
benzoic acid, e.g. gallic acid; derivatives of cinnamic acid, e.g., ferulic acid or caffeic acid; and
derivatives of flavonoids that includes flavones and flavonols, flavanones, flavanols,
anthocyanins, chalcones, and isoflavones and aurones (Klepacka and Fornal 2007). The
flavonoids group is by far the largest group of phenolics. Ferulic acid occurs in the highest
quantity in wheat grains (McKeehen 1999). The important groups of polyphenols that affect food
properties include the anthocyanins, which are responsible for the red color of fruits and flowers;
and phenolic acids, catechins, and proanthocyanidins. They are precursors of tanins and
substrates for enzymatic browning for coloring products (Klepacka and Fornal 2007). Phenolic
acids composition in wheat bran samples were analyzed by Klepacka and Fornal (2007) (Fig.
2.3). The results showed that ferulic acids accounts for about 95% of the cell wall-bound
esterified phenolics. About 39% of ferulic acids was in dimer form and responsible for a high

20

degree of cell wall cross-linking. The highest contents of total phenolic acids were found in
flours of winter wheat (1171 g/g) with average total phenolics levels of 658 g/g across all of
the wheat genotypes, based on a HEALTHGRAIN diversity screen study on phenolic acids in
wheat varieties (Li et al 2008).

21

-1

Concentration in cell wall (g g ) CWM

5-8’DiFA(BF)

8-O-4’DiFA

5-5’DiFA

cis-ferulic acid

5-8’DiFA

8-8’DiFA

trans-ferulic
acid

8-8’DiFA(AT)

trans-pcoumaric acid

Vanillin

p-OHbenzaldehyde

Vanillic acid

p-OH-benzoic acid

Protocatechuic
aldehyde

Phenolic components
intact wheat
beeswing
Testa +
Aleurone
cross
bran
bran
NE
cells
Figure 2.3. Phenolic compounds distribution in wheat bran cell walls. CWM: cell wall material; NE: nucellar epidermis (hyaline layer);
DiFA: dehydrodiferulic acid; BF: benzofuran form; AT: aryltetralin form. Source: Klepacka and Fornal (2007).

22

The composition in phenolic acids in different layers wheat bran tissue was studied and
was proved to be a useful as chemical marker for tissue separation and quantification to evaluate
the milling efficiency, particularly the separation between bran and endosperm. The
concentration of phenolic acids is more than 40 times higher in the aleurone layer than in the
starchy endosperm, as shown in Table 2.1, for ferulic acid, which was quantified in durum wheat
milling fractions (Lempereur et al 1997). High concentrations of ferulic acid esterified to cell
wall arabinoxylans were found in the Aleurone layer (69%), germ and seedcoat (26.6%).
Pericarp has the highest phenolic acid content among starchy endosperm, aleurone layer, and
pericarp tissues (Peyron et al 2002c). In the bran of durum and soft wheat, ferulic acid can occur
in bonds with polysaccharides and proteins (Saulinier et al 1999; Bartolome et al 2000). It can
function as an esterified cross-linker with hemicellulose chains, mainly with arabinoxylans
(Andreasen et al 2000; Hemery et al 2007). It may be bound with lignin via ether linkages as
well (Andreasen et al 2000; Lozovaya et al 1999). Ferulic acid and its dimers play an important
role in the formation and functional properties of dietary fiber (Bunzel et al 2000; Renger and
Steihart 2000). The dominant dehydrodiferulic acid (DiFA) in wheat bran are 8-0-4’, 5-8’- and
5-5’- DiFA (Bartolome et al 1997).

23

Table 2.1 Ferulic Acid (mg/g, dm) Contents of Different Histological Tissues and of Whole
Grain of Durum Wheat Variety cv. Ardente
Grain
FA (mg/g d.m.)

x

Percent of whole grain
Concentration of FA (% of
whole grain)
x

Endosperm Aleurone Pericarp Germ

0.87

0.17

8.82

3.71

0.08

100

80-84

6-7

7.5-9.5

2.5-3.5

100

1.4

69

29

0.6

mean of duplicates. FA: Ferulic acid. Source: Lempereur et al (1997).

24

2.3 DRY MILLING PROCESS
The Buhler laboratory mill (MLU-202) is a type of roller mill which has six mill streams,
three break and three reduction streams. Three breaks are arranged on one pair of rolls with
corrugated surfaces. The cutting action created by corrugation can detach the bran tissue from
the endosperm in the break system. Differential ratio (the difference in rpm of the rolls working
as a pair) can be used to control the level of cutting created by corrugation. Three reduction
stages are arranged on one pair of smooth rolls to minimize the cutting of bran particles and
make more flour. Smooth rolls tend to flake the large chunks and middlings of endosperm. The
objective of the break system is to open the wheat kernel and remove the endosperm and germ
from the bran with least contamination and to obtain large middlings with minimum of flour. In
the reduction system, large middlings are further reduced to flour while maintaining the desirable
baking quality of flour by minimizing the amount of bran particles passing through the sifters
into the flour (Posner and Hibbs 2005).
Increasing grain moisture by adding water followed by a rest period is called tempering.
The amount of water added depends on the original moisture content of the wheat, the relative
humidity and temperature in the milling room, and the desired final moisture content. The
preconditioning of wheat is based on a trade-off between reducing endosperm crumbliness and
decreasing outer layer friability (Mabille et al 2001). Water acts on wheat endosperm as a
plasticizer and toughen the bran. The extensibility and plasticity of the bran increase as grain
moisture increase. The outer layers with increased plasticity are believed to fuse and become
more difficult to separate individually. The moisture distribution in wheat grain is not uniform
during tempering (Song et al 1998). Water is highly accumulated in the germ and bran layers in

25

the early stages of tempering; the starch endosperm tissue hydrates unevenly as well upon
tempering.
Environmental factors and many additional pretreatments have been studied to
manipulate the milling performance of wheat. Gouveia (2002) reported that decreasing the
temperature of the grain during grinding influenced the physical properties of bran tissue and
produced smaller particle size of bran. Exposing durum wheat to UV radiation induced chemical
modifications such as a decrease in DiFA in wheat bran, and thereby an increase in material
stiffness and a decrease in extensibility of bran strips. As a result of that, the proportion of large
bran particles from milling decreased (Peyron et al 2002b). A method of removing outer layers
from cereal grain by preconditioning followed by a thermal shock using a cryogenic medium was
reported (Van Bommel 2002). Biochemical pretreatment by including enzymes (Haros et al 2002;
Moore et al 2006) and calcium chloride solution (Desvignes et al 2006) to a tempering solution
were studied. Effects of ozone treatments on mechanical properties of the outer layers and
milling behavior were reported by Desvignes et al (2007). The ozone treatment resulted in
decreased extensibility of the aleurone layers and reduced total energy consumption for milling.
The starch damage was minimized as well during milling.

2.4 WHEAT ARABINOXYLANS (AX)
2.4.1 General features
Wheat AX are the major polymer in the cell wall of grain. They are composed of a linear
backbone of 1-4-linked β-d-xylopyranosyl units. The xylose accounts for over 50% of the
constitutive sugars and a great diversity of side chains are present on the main chain on the O-2
or O-3 position. Single units of α-L-arabinofuranose and α-D-glucuronic acid are the most

26

frequent side-chains (Fig. 2.4). The arabinose to xylose ratio (Ara/Xyl) is often used to
characterize the structure of AX. In addition, acetic acid, hydroxycinnamic acids, and ferulic and
p-coumaric acids are found as esters. Ferulic and p-coumaric esters are linked to the O-5 of the
arabinofuranosyl units (Saulnier et al 2007). The AX in endosperm of wheat (recovered in flour)
are mostly composed of arabinose and xylose, and are found as water-extractable (WE-AX) and
water-unextractable (WU-AX) fractions with very low amounts of ferulic acid [0.2-0.4% of WEAX (w/w) and 0.6-0.9% of WU-AX] and DiFA present (10 to 15 times less than ferulic acid in
WE-AX and 4 times less than ferulic acid in WU-AX). Aleurone AX are mostly heavily estered
WU-AX containing 3.2% (w/w) of ferulic acid and 0.45% DiFA. Since wheat bran consists of
different tissues, the actual fine structure of bran AX is very diverse compared to AX in
endosperm. Glucuronic acid and galactose are also present in bran AX. Arabinose residues
associated with xylose and galactose are found as terminal side chains. Glucuronic acid and
xylose residues are also found as terminal side-chains (Brillouet and Joseleau 1987). The
Ara/Xyl ratio of WU-AX in bran is very high (close to 1), while the WE-AX in wheat bran are
minimally substituted (Ara/Xyl = 0.45) (Maes and Delcour 2002). Bran AX are mostly WU-AX.
Higher amounts of ferulic acid and DiFA are found in AX from wheat pericarp than those found
in aleurone AX (Peyron et al 2002a). A molecular weight of 293 kDa has been reported for
wheat bran AX (Saulnier et al 2007).

27

A
mX2

uX3

dX

mX3

Ga

Ac
B

uX3

X

G

X

Figure 2.4. Main structural features of AX from endosperm (A) and outer tissues (B) of cereal grains. A: arabinose; X: xylose; G:
galactose; Ga: glucuronic acid; F: ferulic acid; uX: unsubstituted xylose; dX: di-substituted xylose; mX3: O-3 mono-substituted xylose;
mX2: O-2 mono-substituted xylose (rare in wheat endosperm AX). Hydroxyl functional groups (-OH), carboxyl functional group (COOH), methoxy funtional groups (-OCH3), and acetyl group (-COCH3) are denoted in AX structure. Reprinted from Saulnier et al
(2007).

28

2.4.2 Interaction between AX through diferulic bridges
Ferulic acid contributes to wall assembly, promotes tissue cohesion, and restricts cell
expansion, and thereby influences the physical properties of tissues. The cross-linking reaction of
cell wall AX (ferulic acid dimerization) is an oxidative mechanism, probably mediated by wheat
bran endogenous peroxidases or phenol oxidases in vivo (Fry 2000 and Peyron et al 2001).
Ferulolylation of AX is an essential aspect of cell-wall development and contributes to tissue
properties. The outer tissues of the kernel and the aleurone layer are very rich in ferulic acid and
dehydrodimers (Antoine et al 2003).

2.5 STARCH AND ITS MAJOR PROPERTIES
Starch is the second most abundant carbohydrate in nature next to cellulose. Starch is
synthesized in a white and semi-crystalline granular form in special organelles and plastids.
Native starch is synthesized in chloroplasts or amyloplasts of plant organs including seeds, stems,
tubers, roots, and fruits as long-time energy storage over long periods (Robyt 1998).
Biosynthesis of starch granules in cereal is initiated at the hilum, which is the organic center of
the granule, and the granule grown by apposition, from the hilum towards the periphery (Yoshida
et al 1958). Therefore the core of the starch granule corresponds to the small granule synthesized
at the early stage of the starch granule development. The granules occur in all shapes and sizes
(spheres, ellipsoids, polygon, platelets and irregular tubules) depending upon the botanical
source (Perez and Bertoft 2010; Jane et al 1994; Gallant and Bouchet 1986). Starches are used in
their native form as well as modified form. Both can have enormous numbers of food uses,
including adhesion, binding, clouding, dusting, film-formation, foam strengthening, antistaling,
gelling, glazing, moisture retention, stabilizing, texturizing, and thickening applications

29

(Whistler and Bemiller 1997). Starch is unique among carbohydrates because it occurs naturally
as discrete particles, called granules. Starches vary in their inherent characteristics, such as
molecular structure, molecular organization of starch granules, gelatinization and pasting
properties, starch retrogradation, and starch damage (Jane 2004).

2.5.1 Molecular structure
Starch is composed of a mixture of two polymers: amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is
essentially a linear polymer of α-(1→4) linked D-glucose units with a few α-(1→6) branches
(0.3-0.5%), either very long or short, separated by large distances (Takeda et al 1989; Takeda et
al 1986; Takeda et al 1993). The average molecular weights of high-amylose maize starches
5

5

range from 1.5 × 10 to 10.4 × 10 Da (Li et al 2008). Amylopectin is a very large branched
polymer with many α-(1→6) linked glucose side chains attached to the main α-(1→4) polymer;
7

9

its MW is about 7.0 × 10 to 5.7 × 10 Da (French 1984;Yoo and Jane 2002). Normal starch
consists of 15-30% (w/w) amylose, depending on the botanical sources, degree of maturity,
growing conditions and the determination method (Chung et al 2009; Hasjim et al 2009; Jane et
al 1999; Li et al 2007; Lu et al 1996; Onoet al 1998; Reddy and Seib 1999; Srichuwong et al
2005; Wu et al 2007; Yoo et al 2009). The amylose content of waxy starches is low, about 1%-8%
(Yoo and Jane 2002; Perez and Bertoft 2010). High amylose starch contains more than 50% and
up to 80% (w/w) amylose (Campbel et al 2007; Li et al 2008; Regina et al 2006; Shi et al 1998).
In order to distinguish and describe the unit chain composition of amylopectin, the chains
are grouped into certain categories (Fig 2.5). The structure of amylopectin was depicted as a
cluster model by Hizukuri (1985), with a number of branch chains (A, B, and C chains) making
up the clusters. Short A chains possess degrees of polymerization (DP) from 6-12. The A chains

30

have reducing ends attached to B or C chains but do not carry any other chains. The B chains
have reducing ends attached to B or C chains and also carry A or other B chains. The C chains
possess a reducing end and carry A or B chains. Hizukuri (1986) found that the chains of
amylopectin possessed a characteristic periodicity in length, and subdivided B chains into B1, B2
and B3 chains. B1 chains range from DP 13-24, B2 chains range from 25-36, and B3 and longer
chains possess DP greater than 36. A and B1 chains dominate the distribution of branch chains of
amylopectin molecules. Amylose molecules are linear molecules and tend to form double helical
inclusion complexes with lipids (French and Murphy 1977; Gidley 1989; Zobel 1988).

31

B2-chain
(long B)

A-chain

Internal
segments

B1-chain
(short B)

External
segments

C-chain

Figure 2.5. Basic labeling of chains in amylopectin. Circles indicates glucosyl residues,
horizontal lines (1-4) and bent arrows (1-6) linkages. The reducing-end residue is on the right.
Source: Perez and Bertoft (2010).

32

Starch molecules are synthesized in chloroplast or amyloplast by a series of enzymes.
Four major enzymes include ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, granule-bound starch synthase
(GBSS), soluble starch synthases, branching enzymes (BE) and debranching enzymes (DBE).
During starch synthesis, each starch biosynthetic enzyme exist in several isoforms (James et al
2003; Morell and Myers 2005; Myers et al 2000; Smith 2001; Li 2007), even in the same tissue.
The express patterns of different enzyme isoforms are different during seed development. Li et al
(2007) found that the amylose contents of the endosperm and pericarp starches have different
amylose content (Table 2.2). Amylose content of small granules in early development was much
lower than in mature granules. As mentioned earlier, starch granules are synthesized via
apposition, from hilum towards the periphery. The core of the starch granule corresponds to the
small granule synthesized during the early stage of starch granule development and has been
found to be lower in amylose content. However, amylose content of starch in pericarp was found
to have little increase during starch granule development. The different amylose contents of the
endosperm and pericarp starches were due to different isoforms of granule-bound starch
synthases present in the endosperm and the pericarp tissues (Li et al 2007).

33

x

Table 2.2 Amylose Contents of Endosperm and Pericarp Starches of Maize at Different
Developmental Stages
Days after
Endosperm
pollination
(%, w/w)
Pericarp (%, w/w)
0
6
8
10
12
14
20
30
45 (mature and
dried)
x
y

y

nd
nd
nd
nd
9.2 ±0.8
11.1 ±0.6
21.4 ±0.9
24.2 ±0.8

19.6 ±0.8
19.7 ±1.9
19.0 ±1.3
14.7 ±0.9
14.4 ±1.4
16.2 ±3.5
18.3 ±1.2
19.3 ±2.3

24.4 ±0.7

nd

Values given are means ±standard deviation obtained from two replicates.
Not determined. Source: Li et al (2007)

34

2.5.2 General features of starch granules
Amylopectin and amylose are organized in semi-crystalline structures of double helices,
which are comprised of crystalline and non-crystalline lamellae. Starch granules are made up of
alternating amorphous and semi-cystalline shells which are between 100 and 400 nm thick
(Gallant et al 1997). These structures are called growth rings. The radial organization of the
amylopectin within this structure causes optical polarization (Perez and Bertoft 2010), therefore
most native starch granules exhibit a Maltese cross when observed under polarized light (Jane et
al 1994). The birefringence indicates a radial orientation of the principle axis of the crystallites.
The branch chains of amylopectin molecules form double helices and contribute to starch
crystallinity, while amylose molecules are in an amorphous form (Jane et al 1992). The amylose
content is greater at the periphery than at the core of the starch granule, and amylopectin
molecules at the center of the granule have greater proportions of the long B-chains than those at
the periphery of the granule (Jane and Shen 1993; Pan and Jane 2000).
All native starches have one of three X-ray diffraction patterns for the packing of the
double helices in the granules: A-, B-, and C-types (Jane 2004). The crystalline amylose-lipid
complex displays a V-type X-ray diffraction pattern with 2 peaks at 8° 13° and 20°(Zobel
,
,
1988). Starches with amylopectins of relatively short average branch chain lengths, such as
maize, rice, wheat, tapioca, and sweet potato, display the A-type X-ray diffraction pattern with
peaks at 2θ = 15° 17° 18°and 23°(Jane et al 1997). Other starches that have amylopectins with
,
,
long branch chains, such as potato, canna, and high amylose maize, display the B-type X-ray
pattern with peaks at 2θ = 5.5° 15° 17° 22° and 24° Starches with amylopectins of branch
,
,
,
,
.
chain length in between the above two groups display the C-type X-ray pattern which is a
mixture of the A- and B-type crystalline structures (Jane et al 1997). The branch chain-length of

35

amylopectin has been confirmed to be an important factor in determining the crystalline
diffraction pattern (Hizukuri et al 1983). In general, starch granules are confirmed to have a
semi-crystalline character based on X-ray diffraction experiments. About 70% of the mass of
starch granules is regarded as amorphous and about 30% as crystalline. The amorphous regions
mainly consist of amylose but also a considerable part of the amylopectin molecules.
Amylopectin is mainly responsible for the crystallinity of starch granules (Sajilata et al 2006).
Water content, temperature and the presence of other solutes and solvents can affect crystallinity.
There are two types of starch granules, each with its own distinct shape and size: A-type
granules, which are disc-like or lenticular in shape with diameters greater than 10 m; and Btype starch granules, which are roughly spherical or polygonal in shape with diameters smaller
than 10 m (Whistler and Bemiller 1997). Normally, the numbers of A-type granules are fewer
than those of B-type, and A-type granules represent the majority of the mass of the starch.
A- and B-types of starch granules have different chemical compositions and functional
properties, including differences in amylose and lipid contents, pasting properties, and baking
qualities (Maningat and Seib 1997). Published reports differ on types of granules, amylose
content, and starch crystallinity in A-type granule starch (starch with a high A-type granule
concentration) and B-type granule starch. Some researchers (Raeker et al 1998, Chiotelli and
Lemeste 2002) indicated that A-type granule starch is more crystalline (higher in amylose
content) than B-type granule starch. Others reported there was no statistical difference in
amylose contents of A- type versus B-types starch granules (Dengate et al 1984). Xie and
coworkers (2008) found that wheat bran starch containing a higher content of B-type granules
exhibited higher crystallinity and amylose content compared with commercial wheat starch.

36

2.5.3 Gelatinization and pasting
Native starch is not soluble in cold water, but can imbibe water during heating.
Gelatinization is a process of disruption of molecular order within starch granules when they are
heated in the presence of water. There is evidence for the loss of native structure during this
process, such as irreversible granule swelling, solubilization of starch granules, loss of
birefringence, and loss of crystallinity (Jane 2004). Amylose leaches out of the starch granules
during gelatinization. When shear force is applied during gelatinization, starch granules can be
disrupted and a paste is formed. Factors such as the composition of amylose and amylopectin in
the starch, pH of the medium, type of mixing during heating, and other ingredients in the mixture
will result in different types of pasting profiles for starches. Starch gelatinization is an energyabsorbing process; temperature and enthalpy of gelatinization can be determined by differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC) (Whistler and Bemiller 1997), from which, gelatinization onset
temperature (To), peak temperature (Tp), and conclusion temperature (Tc) can be obtained. The
gelatinization properties are affected by the starch structures and components present in the
starch granules, which are determined by botanical origin of the starch (Jane 2004). Starch
consisting of a larger proportion of the short branch-chain (DP 6-9) amylopectin molecules has a
lower gelatinization temperature. This is attributed to defects in the crystalline structure of the
granule. That occurs since it is difficult for very short branch-chain amylopectin molecules to
form double helix structures (Jane et al 1997).

2.5.4 Retrogradation
Cooking or processing of a starch with water normally causes starch gelatinization. The
behavior of gelatinized starches upon cooling and storage, is generally termed retrogradation.

37

Retrogradation is a process in which solubilized polymers and insoluble fragments in gelatinized
starch, such as amylose, will reassociate during cooling. Precipitation, gelation, and changes in
consistency and opacity of gelatinized starch will occur. Crystallites begin to form, and this is
accompanied by gradual increases in rigidity of the pastes or gels and phase separation between
polymer and water or solvent, this separation process is termed syneresis (Karim et al 2000).
Retrogradation is important to food scientists since it greatly affects quality, acceptability,
texture, and shelf-life of starch-based foods (Biliaderis 1991). For example, retrogradation is
highly related to many food quality deteriorations such as bread staling, loss of viscosity of soups,
and texture changes of sauces (Whistler and Bemiller 1997).
The rate of retrogradation depends on several variables, including the structures of
amylose and amylopectin, molecular ratio of amylose to amylopectin within the starch, starch
concentration in the solution, cooling temperature and time, and other ingredients present, such
as surfactants and salts. Although amylose is mainly responsible for starch retrogradation,
amylopectin with long branch-chain length also has a high percent retrogradation. Amylopectin
molecules with branched structures can be equally effective for crystalline structure formation,
depending on the structure of the branch chains (Jane et al 1999). Retrogradation can be
considered as a time and temperature dependent polymer recrystallization process (Biliaderis
1990; Slade and Levine 1991). Short-term development of retrogradation is driven by amylose
crystallization, whereas long-term reordering of amylopectin during retrogradation is a much
slower process involving recrystallization of the outer branches of amylopectin (Miles et al 1985;
Ring et al 1987). A previous study found that after 15 days storage at 5° native waxy starch
C,
retrogradation enthalpy change (∆H) reached a near-contant final value (Aytunga Arik Kidar et
al 2011).

38

Methods to study starch retrogradation can be classified into two types: macroscopic
techniques and molecular techniques. Macroscopic techniques monitor changes in physical
properties as a result of retrogradation such as mechanical or textural changes in the paste.
Molecular techniques are methods that study changes in starch polymer conformation or water
mobility in starch gels at the molecular level. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), light
scattering, turbidometry, and measurement of syneresis are approaches to study the macroscopic
manifestations of retrogradation. While X-ray diffractometry, nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy, and fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy are among the molecular techniques
utilized (Karim et al 2000). DSC has proven to be one of the most useful methods for providing
basic information on starch retrogradation. In the case of retrograded starch, the value of
enthalpy change (∆H) provides a quantitative measure of the energy transformation that occurs
during the melting of recrystallized amylopectin as well as precise measurements of the
transition temperatures (i.e., onset, To; peak, Tp; and conclusion, Tc) of this endothermic process.
The percentage retrogradation can be calculated by the ratio of the gelatinization enthalpy of the
starch after storage to that of the original starch (Xie et al 2008).

2.5.5 Starch damage
The dry milling of wheat causes physical damage to a proportion of the starch granules of
flour. Damaged starch can rapidly hydrate and swell, even in cold water, and thus has increased
water absorption. Greater amounts of water need to be added to a dough to maintain adequate
handling properties. During dough fermentation, damaged starch is more susceptible to
enzymatic hydrolysis than native starch, thus more carbohydrate in the form of maltose will be
produced. This provides an additional supply of substrate for yeast in the later stages of dough

39

processing and, as a result, more gas will be produced and a higher bread loaf volume may be
obtained (Evers and Stevens 1985). A modest level of starch damage is therefore beneficial for
breadmaking. However, too much damaged starch results in a sticky dough that is difficult to
handle and has reduced water holding capacity and gas retention (Gibson et al 1992). Starch
damage causes great changes to a starch granular structure and amylopectin molecules, so the
rheological and functional properties of gelatinized starch paste made from damaged starch are
different than those of the counterpart paste made from undamaged starch. Previous studies have
shown that extensive starch damage can decrease the viscosity of pastes (Han et al 2002).

2.6 BRAN STARCH CHARACTERIZATION
Xie and coworkers (2008) isolated and characterized wheat bran starch and compared
the findings with those from commercial wheat starch. The number of B-type granules (small
granules) in bran starch was found to be 45% (w/w), which was greater than the 15% (w/w)
found in the commercial wheat starch sample. The differences in the proportions of A- and Btype granules in bran starch contribute to the difference in swelling power, since B-type granules
have a larger total surface area per unit volume of granules than that of A-type granule, and
therefore have higher swelling power. Wheat bran starch exhibited higher crystallinity (16.4%)
than commercial wheat starch (14.7%). A positive correlation was observed between crystallinity
and percent amylose content in starch. Wheat bran starch contained more amylose than
commercial starch. Compared with commercial wheat starch, bran starch also had lower starting
gelatinization temperatures, pasting peaks, and final viscosities (Xie et al 2008).
In Xie et al’s (2008) study, wheat bran starch was found to have slower retrogradation
(retrogradation rate of 17.8%) during storage at 4° for 2 weeks compared to that of commercial
C

40

wheat starch (retrogradation rate of 40.7%). The rate of digestibility of wheat bran starch by αamylase was slightly slower than the digestibility rate of commercial starch; wheat bran starch
contained higher resistant starch content than commercial starch. The grinding steps during
isolation caused little or no starch damage, since the starch damage level in bran starch was very
low (1.03  0.15%). While the above research is relevant, it has several key limitations. First of
all, the above authors used a commercial starch as a control that could have come from a
different biological source (i.e., different wheat classes or varieties) than the bran starch.
Secondly, many milling factors could have affected the results obtained from characterization of
the bran and commercial starch, such as different types of mills and milling procedures for
preparation of the two types of starches. Wheats used to produce commercial starch and isolated
bran starch could have been from different locations and crop years and therefore subject to
environmental effects. The isolation of the commercial starch could have been different from the
isolation process used for bran starch. Different isolation processes have significant impact on
starch properties. Accordingly, more detailed research studies were planned in this dissertation to
address these limitations.

41

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42

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Whistler, R. L. and Bemiller, J. N. 1997. Chapter 6-starch. Pages 117-152 in: Carbohydrate
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51

CHAPTER 3 ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF WHEAT BRAN STARCH
AND ENDOSPERM STARCH OF SELECTED SOFT WHEATS GROWN IN
MICHIGAN AND COMPARISON OF THEIR PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES

52

3.1 ABSTRACT
During wheat milling, bran is separated from the endosperm, although a clean separation
is not possible and there is always some starch adherent to the bran. Understanding the
physicochemical properties of bran starch and its relationship with bran tissue is required to
maximize bran utilization. The objective of this study was to characterize bran starch properties
compared with those of its counterpart endosperm starch from the same wheat sample. Three
varieties (Aubrey, Caledonia, and D8006) with relatively high crop yield and different levels of
milling softness equivalence were chosen for this study. Bran starch and its counterpart
endosperm starch were isolated by an alkaline extraction method, and their morphology,
crystalline structures and properties were analyzed. Chain length distribution of debranched
amylopectins by HPAEC-PAD showed that bran starch had more short chains (A and B1 chains)
than endosperm starch; SEM images revealed morphology of starch granules present in both
bran starch and endosperm starch after starch isolation and a greater proportion of small granules
in bran starch. Bran starch was found to have higher percent B-type granules, higher amylose
content, higher crystallinity, broader gelatinization temperature range, higher enthalpy of
gelatinization, lower retrogradation degree, and lower pasting peak and setback viscosities than
the counterpart endosperm starch. A-type X-ray diffraction patterns were found for both bran
starch and endosperm starch. Bran starch of variety Aubrey had highest crystallinity (21.75%)
and gelatinization temperature (62.9° While bran starch of variety D 8006 had highest percent
C).
B-type granules and lowest retrogradation degree (21.7%). Results of this study provide a
foundation for a better utilization of bran starch during whole grain food processing.

53

3.2 INTRODUCTION
Wheat flour is the major product from a dry milling process and has been fully utilized by
the grain industry. However, most commercial wheat bran is sold as animal feed at a very low
price (Xie et al 2008). In order to add commercial value and benefits for the food industry, bran
utilization needs to be maximized and developed. Previous research has confirmed that wheat
bran contains a number of high value components, such as phenolic compounds, starches, watersoluble and water-insoluble dietary fibers, and proteins (Peng et al 1999). Cereal dietary fibers
(non-starch polysaccharides and resistant starch) are the major health-beneficial carbohydrates in
cereal whole grains, and mainly found in their bran fractions. Sufficient consumption of dietary
fibers has a protective effect against development of diet-related disorders, such as
cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes, and also against cancers, such as digestive-tract
cancer, hormone-related cancers and pancreatic cancer (Seal and Brownlee 2010).
In the milled bran fraction of wheat, starch still remains one of the main components (Liu
and Ng 2012). Wheat bran starch is the starch adherent to bran tissue after the dry milling
process. Bran starch comprises about 20% (w/w) of the milled wheat bran fraction (Liu and Ng
2012). Bran starch was reported to be higher in resistant starch content (starch or a fraction of
starch that is not digested by amylolytic enzymes in the digestive tract), and have lower starting
gelatinization temperature and slower retrogradation than commercial wheat starch (Xie et al
2008). Thus, bran starch can potentially be used as a functional ingredient together with bran for
food product development. Starch is unique among carbohydrates because it occurs naturally as
discrete granules and is composed of a mixture of two polymers, amylose and amylopectin.
There are two types of starch granules, each with its own distinct shape and size: A-type starch
granules, which are disk-like or lenticular in shape with diameters greater than 10 m; and B-

54

type starch granules, which are roughly spherical or polygonal in shape with diameters smaller
than 10 m (Whistler and Bemiller 1997).
The structure of amylopectin was depicted as a cluster model by Hizukuri (1985), with a
number of branch chains making up the clusters. Short A chains possess degrees of
polymerization (DP) from 6-12, B1 chains range from DP 13-24, B2 chains range from 25-36,
and B3 and longer chains possess DP greater than 36. A and B1 chains dominate the distribution
of amylopectin branch chains. Amylopectin branch chain-length has been confirmed to relate
with starch crystalline structure (Hizukuri 1985; Gidley and Bulpin 1987), gelatinization,
retrogradation (Miles et al 1985; Gudmundsson and Eliasson 1990; Jan et al 1992), and pasting
properties of starch (Wang et al 1993; Jane and Chen 1992). The branch short chains of
amylopectin molecules form double helics structure and therefore contribute to starch
crystallinity. Understanding the physicochemical properties of bran starch is needed to maximize
bran utilization. However, the physicochemical properties of isolated bran starch compared with
those of endosperm starch from the same wheat sample have not been reported, and thus the
reason for different functional properties is not clear.
Wheat starch has been produced by a wet-milling process from flour or whole kernels,
but limited publications have reported isolation of starch from wheat bran. Developing a
common method of isolating both wheat bran starch and its counterpart endosperm starch is
necessary to ensure compatibility of results of further investigation since many processing
conditions can change the properties of starch. For example, starch isolated with a strongalkaline method showed a significantly higher gelatinization temperature than starch isolated
from the same sample by a mild alkaline and enzymatic method; the pasting viscosities also were
significantly different (Jane et al 1999).

55

Xie et al (2008) characterized wheat bran starch compared to commercial starch, however
there may have been some limitations in their sample sources and preparations, as follows: (1)
commercial starch was used as a control that was prepared from a potentially different biological
source (e.g., different wheat classes or varieties) than the isolated bran starch; (2) wheats used to
produce commercial bran and isolated bran starch could have been from different locations and
crop years and therefore subject to environmental effects; and (3) the isolation of the commercial
starch could have been different from the isolation process used for bran starch and, as discussed
above, different isolation processes have significant impact on starch properties. Accordingly,
the aims of this study were (1) to develop a starch isolation procedure feasible for both bran
starch from milled bran fractions and endosperm starch from milled flour fractions; and (2) to
characterize and compare bran starch properties and the counterpart endosperm starch properties
from the same wheat sample.

3.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.3.1 Materials and milling
Wheat variety Caledonia harvested at Huron in 2010 was used for isolation procedure
development. Wheat varieties Aubrey, Caledonia, and D8006 harvested at Lenawee in 2011
were used for starch characterization. All three wheat varieties are soft white wheat grown in
Michigan. Bran fractions and flour fractions from all three varieties were obtained with a Buhler
laboratory mill (MLU-202) (Buhler, INC, Uzwil, Switzerland) according to AACCI Method 2631. Wheat grain samples were all tempered at 14.5% grain moisture and preconditioned for 18 hr
before milling.

56

3.3.2 Isolation method development
An alkaline extraction isolation method was developed (Fig. 3.1) based on Xie et al (2008)
and Verwimp et al (2004) for obtaining bran starch from the milled wheat bran fraction.

57

Wheat bran (100g, d.b.) mixed with 70% EtOH (800ml)
Soak at room temperature overnight,
drain the steep liquor
Soaked bran
Add 200 ml water, then grind in
Waring blender at speed 8 for 5 min

Slurry
Filter through 150 µm then 75 µm
nylon screens; wash the overs with
about 2 L of distilled
water
Throughs after filtering
Centrifuge (5000 × g for 10 min)
Sediment
Remove with a spatula and discard the
upper dark brown mucilage layer; and
then add 200 ml 0.25% NaOH, stir
with magnetic stirrer for 1hr, and then
centrifuge as above
Sediment
Add 100 ml distilled water, stir for 30
min, centrifuge as above
Sediment
Add 50 ml distilled water, stir for 15
min, centrifuge as above
Sediment
Add 30 ml distilled water, stir for 10
min, neutralize with 1 M HCl,
centrifuge as above
Starch isolate
Figure 3.1. Flow chart of a wet-milling process for isolation of wheat bran starch by alkaline
extraction [developed based on Xie et al (2008) and Verwimp et al (2004)].

58

Endosperm starch was obtained from the milled wheat flour fraction based on a method
published by Verwimp et al (2004) with some modifications. The modifications were as follows:
centrifugation steps were at 5000× (10 min, 20° wheat flour (100 g) was suspended in 700
g
C);
ml 0.25% (w/v) NaOH solution with stirring for 60 min; the slurry was centrifuged, then the
sediment was washed with 350 ml of water by stirring for 30 min; after centrifugation, the
sediment was washed with 160 ml water for 15 min followed by centrifugation; the sediment
was suspended in 80 ml water and stirred for 10 min and neutralized by 1.0 M HCl solution,
followed by centrifugation; the white starch was suspended in 200 ml water and passed through a
75 μm nylon screen; about 300 ml water was used to wash the overs; the throughs were
centrifuged and sediment was the endosperm starch isolate.
All starch isolates were freeze-dried and gently ground using a mortar and pestle, sieved
through a 425 μm stainless steel screen (40US), and stored at 4°C until further analyses. Starch
isolation yields were recorded.

3.3.3 Starch analyses
Total starch content of milled bran fraction and flour fraction were determined in
triplicate according to the procedure in the Total Starch Assay Kit (Megazyme International
Ireland Ltd. Co., Wicklow, Ireland). Milled bran fraction was ground into powder using a
Cyclone Sample Mill (UDY Corp., Fort Collins, Co) equipped with 0.5 mm screen. Ground bran
(100 mg) was mixed with 0.2 ml of 80% (v/v) ethanol in a glass tube. Three ml of diluted alpha
amylase [alpha amylase (3000 U/ml of Ceralpha reagent): sodium acetate buffer (pH 5, 100 mM)
= 1:30 (v/v)] was added to each tube, followed by incubation in a boiling water bath for 6 min
with vortexing at 2, 4, and 6 min. The tubes were placed in another water bath at 50° and 0.1
C

59

ml of amyloglucosidase (3300 U/ml of soluble starch) was immediately added. After incubation
for 30 min, the content of each tube was transferred to 100 ml volumetric flasks to adjust volume
to 100 ml with distilled water. The contents of the volumetric flasks were then transferred to 150
ml beakers and 3 ml aliquot of slurry was transferred to a centrifuge tube and centrifuged at 3200
× g for 10 min at 25° To 0.1 ml aliquot of supernatant, 3 ml of glucose oxidase-peroxidaseC.
aminoantipyrine (GOPOD) reagent was added. Samples were incubated at 50° for 20 min. A
C
spectrophotometer (Spectronic 5, Spectronic Instruments Inc., Rochester, NY, USA) was used to
measure the absorbance for each sample at 510 nm against the reagent blank (0.1 ml of deionized
water and 3 ml of GOPOD reagent). Total starch (%) on a dry weight basis was calculated.
Milled flour (100 mg) was analyzed as above for total starch content.
Amylose content, damaged starch content, and resistant starch content were determined
in triplicate according to Megazyme kit methods (Megazyme International Ireland Ltd. Co.,
Wicklow, Ireland, 2006) for each sample of endosperm starch and bran starch with the following
modifications: for resistant starch determination, centrifugation at 12900 × g was used to recover
resistant starch after adding 99% ethanol to terminate hydrolysis by enzymes (amylase and
amyloglucosidase) as well as after adding 50% ethanol in washing steps; for amylose content
determination, centrifugation at 5440 × g was used to precipitate starch in ethanol and recovering
the precipitated starch.

3.3.4 Proximate analyses
Total lipid content in starch was determined based on the method of Morrison et al
(1980). Each sample (500-750 mg) was accurately weighed into screw-cap tubes and 2 ml
methanol was added. Each tube was flushed thoroughly with nitrogen and 1.8 ml concentrated

60

HCl was added. The tubes were vortex mixed, heated in a 100° heating block for 1 h (with
C
vortexing every 5 min), and cooled to room temperature. After hydrolysis, chloroform (2 ml)
was added, the tubes were vortexed, then centrifuged (1000× g, 15 min). About 2 ml chloroform
was withdrawn from the bottom layer in the tube and the solvent was removed under nitrogen.
Hexane (2 ml) was added into the dried tube to solubilize lipid, and then the solution was
transferred to a clean pre-weighed tube (dried at 100° for 1 hr). The solvent was removed again
C
under nitrogen. The tube with lipid was re-weighed and total lipid content was calculated.
Protein content of starch isolate was determined by Leco nitrogen analyzer (LECO Corp., St.
Joseph, MI, USA) (AACCI Method 46-30).

3.3.5 Particle size distribution
Granule size distribution of a starch was determined on a laser-diffraction particle
analyzer (Malvern, Hydro 2000 SM). The instrument is based on the principle of laser-lightscattering and capable of measuring sizes down to 0.01 m. The starch suspension was
transferred into the dispersion tank containing isopropyl alcohol and the starch granule particle
size was measured. Each starch sample (25-30 mg) was slurried with 3-5ml of distilled water in a
glass vial, and was vortexed for 10 s and sonicated for 30 s. The size distribution was expressed
in terms of the volumes of equivalent spheres.

3.3.6 Pasting properties
Pasting properties of bran starch and endosperm starch at a concentration of 8% (w/w,
dry starch basis) were determined using a Rapid Visco Analyzer RVA-4 (Newport Scientific Pty.

61

Ltd, Warriewood, NSW, Australia) (AACCI Method 76-21). Each sample was analyzed in at
least duplicate.

3.3.7 Crystalline structure of starches
X-ray diffraction patterns of the starch samples were obtained using a diffractometer
(XDS 2000, Scintag Inc, CA) with copper K-alpha emission radiation. The X-ray source was
operated at 35 mA and 35 kV. Two theta scans with an angular range from 5°to 43°at a scan
speed of 0.02 deg/min in continuous mode were performed. Starch samples were equilibrated in
a 98% humidity chamber for 24 h at 25° The crystallinity (%) was calculated by equation:
C.
Crystallinity (%) = 100 × Ac/ (Ac + Aa), where Ac is the crystalline area on the X-ray
diffractogram and Aa is the amorphous area.

3.3.8 Thermal properties
Thermal properties of starches were determined using a differential scanning calorimeter
(DSC) (Q100 Differential Scanning Calorimeter; TA Instruments, New Castle, DE) for
evaluating starch gelatinization and retrogradation. Starches were weighed into aluminum
hermetic pans and distilled water was added to make suspensions containing 70% moisture. Pans
were sealed and equilibrated for 2 h at room temperature before testing. The scanning
temperature range and heating rate were 20-120° and 5°
C
C/min, respectively. An empty pan of
the same size was used as a reference. The enthalpy of gelatinization (∆H), onset temperature
(To), peak temperature (Tp) and the conclusion temperature (Tc) were measured from the
endotherm in DSC thermograms using a software (Universal Analysis, TA Instruments). Each
sample was analyzed in triplicate. For retrogradation, DSC-gelatinized samples in the pans were

62

stored at 4° for 14 days and subsequently rescanned with the same heating rate and temperature
C
range.
3.3.9 Amylopectin bran chain-length distribution
Starch polymer was debranched using isoamylase and incubation at 40° for 24 hr. The
C
amylopectin branch chain-length distributions were analyzed by a high performance anion
exchange chromatography system (HPAEC, Dionex Co., Sunnyvale, CA). A Carbopac PA200
(3×
250 mm) column and a Carbopac guard column (3× mm) were employed. The eluents A
50
and B were 100 mM sodium hydroxide, and 100 mM sodium hydroxide in 500 mM sodium
acetate solution, respectively. The gradient of eluent B was 0% at 0 min, 30% at 2 min, 40% at 5
min, 55% at 20 min, 60% at 25 min, and 80% at 45 min. The eluent gradient was operated at a
0.4 ml/min flow rate. The results were obtained from at triplicates of HPAEC for each
amylopectin sample.

3.3.10 Morphology of starch granules
The scanning electron micrographs of wheat bran starch compared with endosperm starch
were taken with a Hitachi tabletop microscope TM 3000 (Hitachi Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Starch
samples were affixed onto the center of conducting double-sided tape which was then attached to
the specimen stub. Specimen stub was placed on the specimen height gauge to adjust its height.
Hitachi TM 3000 application software was used for observation and data recording. Visual
observation was conducted with ×
1500 magnifications. The scale bar indicates 50 m is noted in
each image.

63

3.3.11 Statistical analysis
A completely randomized design was used for all experiments. The data were analyzed
using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) in Statistical Analysis System (SAS, Inc, 2006).
When differences among results for starch type (bran starch or endosperm starch) and variety
(Aubrey, Caledonia, and D8006) were found to be statistically significant (α = 0.05),
comparisons were conducted using Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) procedure.

3.4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.4.1 Starch isolation and starch purity
An isolation procedure using NaCl and toluene for wheat bran starch (Xie et al 2008) was
initially attempted for current study. Bran starch can be isolated by this procedure with 86.77%
starch recovery and 0.17% protein content, however, starch recovery for endosperm starch
isolated by this procedure was extremely low (Table 3.1).

64

Table 3.1 Starch Yield, Starch Recovery and Comparison of Purity of Wheat Bran Starch and
x,y
Endosperm Starch Isolated using Two Different Methods from Soft Wheat Variety Caledonia
z

Grown at Huron in 2010
Starch
Starch Yield
Total Starch (%)
Recovery
(%)
(%)

Sample
Br Starch
Br Starch
En Starch
En Starch
x
y
z

x
y
x
y

Protein
Content
(%)

Starch
Damage (%)

15.96 ±0.12

13.85 ±0.54

86.77 ±2.73

0.17 ±0.01

1.03 ±0.15

15.88 ±0.25

13.49 ±0.03

84.97 ±0.17

0.19 ±0.08

80.22 ±2.53

6.38 ±1.08

7.95 ±1.35

0.68 ±0.43

1.68 ±0.17
────

77.08 ±4.44

70.64 ±1.11

91.75 ±3.84

0.16 ±0.05

1.51 ±0.20

Starch isolated by 0.5 M NaCl and toluene according to Xie et al (2008).
Starch isolated by alkaline extraction described in section 3.3.2.
Values are means ±standard deviation. Br: bran; En: endosperm.

65

An isolation procedure by alkaline extraction was then developed (Fig. 3.1) based on
Verwimp et al (2004) and Xie et al (2008) with modifications. This alkaline extraction procedure
proved to be suitable for both bran starch and endosperm starch isolation (Table 3.1). The
modifications were made based previous studies showing that alcohol helps to solubilize alcoholsoluble protein in bran and is removed by centrifugation through the supernatant (Karlsson et al
1983), and that alkaline solution disperses protein matrix and leaves the starch free of protein
(Mistry et al 1992).
The starch yield varied between bran starch and endosperm starch isolation using the two
different procedures (Table 3.1). Starch recovery was the highest (91.75%) for endosperm starch
isolated by alkaline procedure. Protein contents of isolated starch samples were less than 0.2%
for both extraction procedures. Starch purity was acceptable for either of the tested procedures.
In addition, the levels of starch damage were less than 1.68%, revealing the grinding steps did
not cause further starch damage. According to the results obtained, bran starch isolated by 0.5 M
NaCl and toluene had lower protein residue than that from the alkaline extraction method, and
starch recovery was a little higher than what was obtained by the alkaline method (Table 3.1).
However, starch recovery for endosperm starch isolated by 0.5 M NaCl and toluene was
extremely low (7.95%), thus no starch analyses were conducted. The toluene to water ratio (1:4,
Xie et al 2008) probably was not adequate to separate substantial protein from the starch in
endosperm flour. A higher toluene to aqueous solvent ratio might be needed to dissolve
endosperm protein (Lopez-Ahumada et al 2010). In order to compare bran starch with
endosperm starch isolated under the same conditions, alkaline extraction was then chosen for all
starch isolations in the remainder of this study for consistent recovery and testified feasibility.

66

In the samples isolated for starch characterization and comparison studies, a higher
recovery of starch was obtained from endosperm than from bran (Table 3.2). Protein contents for
all isolated samples were less than 0.36%. Starch damage levels were less than 2.5%, which
means the grinding step during isolation did not cause further starch damage. The differences in
percent starch damage and protein content of Caledonia samples between isolations for starch
characterization (Table 3.2) and isolation procedure development (Table 3.1) may be attributed
to different growing environments (crop year 2010 vs 2011). Total lipid contents were generally
less than 0.45% (w/w) (Table 3.3) and were not significantly different from each other, thus it is
unlikely they had a significant impact on the studied starch properties.

67

Table 3.2 Yield, Starch Recovery and Comparison of Purity of Bran Starch and Endosperm
x
Starch Isolated from Three Wheat Varieties for Starch Characterization
y

Total Starch
(%)

Starch
Yield
(%)

Starch
Damage
(%)

Total Lipid
Content (%)

Br-Aubrey

21.64 ±0.67

19.47

89.97

0.36 ±1.85

1.67 ±0.04

0.37 ±0.02

En-Aubrey

76.30 ±1.87

70.06

91.82

0.29 ±1.90

2.48 ±0.03

0.42 ±0.01

Br-Caledonia

20.39 ±0.45

17.93

87.94

0.27 ±0.99

1.71 ±0.02

0.35 ±0.02

En-Caledonia 77.62 ±0.30
Br-D8006
20.51 ±0.27

73.42

94.58

0.36 ±1.07

2.34 ±0.08

0.39 ±0.03

19.16

93.42

0.31 ±1.29

1.86 ±0.07

0.45 ±0.02

En-D8006

72.62

93.78

0.34 ±0.68

2.48 ±0.03

0.41 ±0.03

Sample

x
y

77.44 ±0.56

Starch
Protein
Recovery
Content (%)
(%)

Values are means ±standard deviation.
Br: bran starch; En: endosperm starch.

68

x

Table 3.3 Physicochemical Properties of Bran Starch and Endosperm Starch
Isolated from Three Wheat Varieties
Small
Amylose
Total Lipid
Sample
Granule
Content
Crystallinity (%)
Content (%)
(%)
(%)
Br-Aubrey
En-Aubrey
Br-Caledonia
En-Caledonia
Br-D8006
En-D8006

34.59b
30.90a
32.02b
29.17a
37.88b
26.20a

24.63b
23.67a
25.87b
23.03a
25.16b
23.02a

x

0.37a
0.42a
0.35a
0.39a
0.45a
0.41a

21.75b
18.71a
21.39b
19.99a
21.06b
18.69a

Values marked with the same letters are not significantly different from each other (α = 0.05).
Comparisons were conducted between Br and En starches within the same variety. Br: bran
starch; En: endosperm starch.

69

3.4.2 Granule size distribution
It is widely acknowledged that wheat contains two types of starch granules at maturity:
large A-type granules (>10 m) small B-type granules (≤10 m) (Ever et al 1974; Eliasson and
Karlsson 1983; Karlsson et al 1983; Dengate and Meredith 1984; and Soulaka and Morrison
1985). Different granule types are developed in the endosperm during different periods of grain
development. The A-type granules appear four days after anthesis and then continuously increase
in size throughout the grain-filling period, whereas the B-type granules started being synthesized
at 12-14 days after anthesis and remain relatively small in size (Karlsson et al 1983 and Parker
1985). Bechtel et al (1990) reported the existence of another distinct class of small granules (Ctype) that was synthesized 21 days after flowering. A-, B-, and C-type granules are more a
function of when their syntheses were initiated rather than their final size. Results in the present
study confirmed a trimodal distribution of wheat starch according to Bechtel et al (1990) and
Raeker et al (1998). However, cutoff points for differentiating three populations of granules of
present study were different from Bechtel et al (1990) and Raeker et al (1998). Bechtel et al
(1990) reported cutoff points 5 and 16 m, Raeker et al (1998) reported cutoff points 2.8 and 9.9
m, whereas cutoff points for endosperm starch (control) found in current study were about 1.9
and 10 m. This could be attributed to different techniques used during starch isolation, particle
size determination, wheat varieties assessed, spherical equivalent, or the different methods used
to calculate particle size. Starch granules smaller than 10 m were labeled as small granules in
Table 3.3. Bran starch contained significantly greater amounts of small starch granules than does
its counterpart endosperm starch (Table 3.3). A representative granule size distribution graph of
bran starch and endosperm starch isolated from variety D8006 is shown in Fig. 3.2. The granule
size distribution graph by volume depicts the basic three populations of starch granules for both

70

bran starch and endosperm starch. However, the large-granule peak of bran starch shifts towards
left side of the scale and peak started at smaller granule size than endosperm starch (Fig. 3.2).
Also bran starch shows a much broader peak than endosperm starch for second size population
(1.9-10 m). The second peak for bran starch is more like a shoulder to the major large granule
population. Normally, the numbers of A-type large granules are fewer than those of B-type small
granules, and they represent the majority of the mass of the starch. A and B-type starch granules
have different chemical compositions and functional properties, including different amylose and
lipid contents, pasting properties, and baking qualities (Maningat and Seib 1997). Granule size
and starch granule morphology affect the physicochemical properties of starch, such as pasting
viscosity, gelatinization and retrogradation properties. Different sizes and shapes of the A- and
B-type granules determine their commercial applications (Ao and Jane 2007). The findings from
the current study suggest that the starch granules close to the wheat kernel’s outer tissue
developed later than starch granules located in the inner core of the wheat kernel, resulting in the
presence of more small granules in the bran fraction upon milling.

71

10.00
9.00

Br starch

8.00

En starch

Volume (%)

7.00
6.00
5.00
4.00
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
0.10

1.00
10.00
Particle size (m)

100.00

Figure 3.2. Representative granule size distribution of bran (Br) starch and endosperm (En)
starch isolated from variety D 8006. Three arrows show the three populations of En starch
granules [left to right: <1.9 m, 1.9–10 m, >10 m].

72

3.4.3 Pasting properties
A typical rapid viscosity analyzer (RVA) pasting profile of bran starch compared to
endosperm starch is shown in Fig.3.3. Results of the studies varieties are summarized in Table
3.4. Generally, bran starch had lower peak, setback and final viscosities than its counterpart
endosperm starch. Pasting properties of starch are affected by amylose content, granule size,
lipid content and branch chain-length distribution of amylopectin (Jane et al 1999). Starch
rheology is mainly influenced by particle size: suspensions of large-size particles tend to be more
viscous (Wong et al 1982). As shown in Table 3.3, bran starch had more small B-type granules
than did endosperm starch, and was less viscous and had a lower pasting viscosity. These
phenomena are also consistent with previous findings that B-type granules (small granules)
significantly decreased the viscosity of the starch (Ao and Jane 2007). During heating in water,
amylopectin in starch contributes to swelling of the starch granules and starch paste formation,
while amylose and lipids inhibit the swelling process (Tester and Morrison 1990). Bran starch
had higher amylose content than endosperm starch (Table 3.3); this was associated with a
smaller degree of swelling during heating, which could explain the lower viscosity as well. It
also confirms the very low level of lipid present in the samples had minimal effect on granule
swelling.

73

4500

120
Br starch

Viscosity (cP)

Temperature

En starch

3500

100

3000

80

2500
60
2000
1500

40

Temperature (°C)

4000

1000
20
500
0

0
0

2

4

6
8
Time (min)

10

12

14

Figure 3.3. Comparison of RVA pasting curves of bran (Br) starch and endosperm (En) starch
isolated from variety Aubrey.

74

Table 3.4 Pasting Properties of Bran Starch and Endosperm Starch Isolated from Three
x
Varieties
Sample

Viscosity (cP)
Peak

Breakdown

Final

Setback

Br-Aubrey

457.0

3222.5

785.0

En-Aubrey

3003.0

508.0

3986.5

983.5

Br-Caledonia

2311.5

506.9

3147.0

835.5

En-Caledonia

2522.5

454.0

3509.0

986.5

Br-D8006

2417.5

580.5

3188.0

770.5

En-D8006
x

2437.5

3056.5

554.0

4071.0

1014.5

Values are means of triplicated results. Br: bran starch; En: endosperm starch.

75

3.4.4 Crystalline structure
Bran starch and endosperm starch both displayed typical A-type X-ray diffraction
patterns, with peaks found at 2θ = 15° 17° 18° and 23°(Fig.3.4). Starches with amylopectins of
,
,
,
relatively short average branch chain lengths, such as maize, rice, wheat, tapioca, and sweet
potato, display the A-type X-ray diffraction pattern with peaks at 2θ = 15° 17° 18°and 23°
,
,
(Jane et al 1997). Other starches that have amylopectins with long branch chains, such as potato,
canna, and high amylose maize, display the B-type X-ray pattern with peaks at 2θ = 5.5° 15°
,
,
17° 22° and 24°. Starches with amylopectins of branch chain length in between the above two
,
,
groups display the C-type X-ray pattern which is a mixture of the A- and B-type crystalline
structures (Jane et al 1997). Bran starch in the present study with a higher percent of B-type
granules and higher amylose content was found to have higher crystallinity than its counterpart
endosperm starch (Table 3.3). Previous reports have differed on types of granules, amylose
content, and starch crystallinity in starch with a high A-type granule concentration and starch
with a high B-type granule concentration. Some researchers (Raeker et al 1998, Chiotelli and
Lemeste 2002) indicated that A-type granule starch is more crystalline (higher in amylose
content) than B-type granule starch. Others reported less crystallinity was found in small
granules than in large granules (Li et al 2007). There was no statistical difference found in
amylose contents of A- and B-types of granule starch (Dengate et al 1984). Xie and coworkers
(2008) reported that wheat bran starch containing a higher content of B-type granules exhibited
higher crystallinity and amylose content compared with commercial wheat starch. These results
are in agreement with the present findings. The crystalline property of the granules of common
starches arises from the organization of the amylopectin molecules within the granules, while
amylose largely makes up the amorphous regions which are randomly distributed between the

76

amylopectin clusters (Ao and Jane 2007). But in the present study, bran starch had a higher
percent B- type granules and higher amylose content, and subsequently a higher crystallinity than
the counterpart endosperm starch for each of the three studied varieties (Table 3.3). These results
indicate that the B-type granules isolated from wheat bran could be different in composition and
properties compared to those isolated from the representative endosperm. The findings may be
attributed to the amylopectin branch chain length distribution resulting in differences in
crystallinity (Jane et al 1999).

77

Intensity, arbitrary unit

Br starch

En starch

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Two-Theta (Degrees)
Figure 3.4. Comparison of X-ray diffraction patterns of bran (Br) starch and endosperm (En)
starch. A-Type X-ray diffraction patterns with peaks at 15, 17, 18, and 23 degrees (indicated by
arrows) are found.

78

3.4.5 Thermal properties
Gelatinization and retrogradation endotherm of studied starches are shown in Table 3.5
and 3.6. Enthalpy change (ΔH), gelatinization onset temperature (To), peak temperature (Tp),
conclusion temperature (Tc) and gelatinization temperature ranges (Tc-To) were computed. Bran
starch samples had broader gelatinization temperature range (lower onset temperature and higher
conclusion temperature), and higher enthalpy change (ΔH) than their counterpart endosperm
starch samples (Table V). These results are consistent with the observation that wheat bran starch
had a higher crystallinity (Table 3.3) and required more energy for gelatinization than the
endosperm starch. Bran starch was found to have a greater amount of small B-type granules in
this study and showed broader ranges of gelatinization temperatures than those of endosperm
starch samples. These findings are in general agreement with previous findings that small
granule starch had a broader gelatinization temperature range than large granule starch (Ao and
Jane 2007; Eliason and Karlson 1983).

79

Table 3.5 Characteristics of Gelatinization Endotherms of Bran starch and Endosperm starch
x
Isolated from Three Wheat Varieties
Sample
Br-Aubrey
En-Aubrey
Br-Caledonia
En-Caledonia
Br-D8006
En-D8006

To
57.2 ±0.0
58.0 ±0.1
56.0 ±0.3
56.6 ±0.1
56.2 ±0.0
56.7 ±0.2

Tp
62.9 ±0.4
62.6 ±0.3
61.9 ±0.0
61.4 ±0.1
61.6 ±0.2
61.4 ±0.1

Tc
75.7 ±0.86
72.3 ±0.78
74.7 ±0.00
71.6 ±0.86
74.6 ±0.35
71.8 ±0.28

x

Tc-To
18.5 ±0.8
14.3 ±0.9
18.7 ±0.3
15.0 ±0.8
18.4 ±0.3
15.2 ±0.4

∆H (J/g)
10.3 ±0.1
8.4 ±0.7
10.4 ±0.2
8.9 ±0.0
11.3 ±0.3
9.2 ±0.1

Values are means ± standard deviation. To, Tp and Tc = onset, peak and conclusion
temperatures (° respectively, of endotherms. ΔH = enthalpy change of gelatinization. Br: bran
C),
starch; En: endosperm starch

80

Table 3.6 Characteristics of Retrogradation Endotherms of Bran Starch and Endosperm Starch
x
Isolated from Three Wheat Varieties after storage at 4° for 14 days
C
Retrogradation
Sample
To
Tp
Tc
∆H (J/g)
y
(%)
Br-Aubrey
45.0 ±0.4 54.7 ±0.4 64.9 ±0.8 3.8 ±0.0
36.4
En-Aubrey
46.0 ±0.6 56.4 ±0.2 64.2 ±0.8 3.1 ±0.1
37.4
Br-Caledonia 43.9 ±0.1 52.3 ±0.1 59.8 ±0.1 2.5 ±0.2
24.0
En-Caledonia 45.9 ±0.0 54.8 ±1.6 62.0 ±1.0 2.2 ±0.0
24.5
Br-D8006
45.8 ±2.9 53.5 ±2.2 60.7 ±1.9 2.4 ±0.4
21.7
En-D8006
45.8 ±2.0 54.0 ±1.1 61.1 ±0.6 3.0 ±0.3
33.2
x

Values are means ± standard deviation. To, Tp and Tc = onset, peak and conclusion
temperatures (° of endotherm. Δ H = enthalpy change of dissociation of retrograded starch. Br:
C)
bran starch; En: endosperm starch
y
% Retrogradation = 100 × (enthalpy change of retrograded starch/enthalpy change of native
starch).

81

For the retrogradation study, DSC-gelatinized starches were retrograded for 14 days at
4° Thermal property results are shown in Table 3.6. This can be considered as long-term
C.
storage, and both amylose and amylopectin recrystallize and contribute to the retrogradation
process. During native starch retrogradation, both amylose and amylopectin eventually play their
parts: swollen amylopectin-enriched granules with interpenetrating amylose gel matrix form a
composite gel network (Miles et al 1985). However, there is short-term development of gel
structure via amylose crystallization, and long-term reordering of amylopectin which is a much
slower process involving recrystallization of the outer branches (DP 15) of amylopectin (Miles et
al 1985; Ring et al 1987). A previous study found that after 15 days storage at 5° native waxy
C,
starch retrogradation enthalpy reaches a near-constant final value (Liu et al 2010). In the present
study, during storage with conditions of 14 days at a low temperature (4° amylopectin was
C),
expected to recrystallize extensively and contribute to the retrogradation. During long-term
storage, the recrystallization of amylopectin causes increasing rigidity of the swollen granules,
thereby reinforcing the continuous amylose phase (Liu et al 2010). It is known that amylose
molecules and long-branch chains of amylopectin retrograde quickly (Li et al 2007). The
retrogradation values (%) of the bran starch samples studied were lower than those of their
counterpart endosperm starch samples. This could be attributed to the fact that bran starch had
greater quantities of small B-type granules, which have fewer long branch chains (DP > 25) and
more short branch chains (DP 6-12) than endosperm starch. The trend for retrogradation among
different varieties and types of starch (Table 3.6) followed the same trend of setback viscosity
measured via RVA (Table 3.4), since setback is an index of retrogradation tendency in starch
paste (Ancona et al 2001). Bran starch of Br-D8006, with the highest percent small granules

82

(Table 3.3), had the lowest setback viscosity and lowest retrogradation degree (%) of all ban and
endosperm starch samples studied (Table 3.4 and 3.6).

3.4.6 Amylopectin branch chain length
In order to compare the amylopectin molecules between bran starch samples and their
respective endosperm starch samples, the distributions of the amylopectin chain length of bran
starch and endosperm starch from the three varieties were measured (Table 3.7). The averaged
distribution of amylopectins side chain lengths of the three varieties is shown in histogram in Fig.
3.5. The average amylopectin molecule of bran starch had more branch chains of DP 6-12 and
fewer branch chains of DP 25-36 than did the amylopectin of the counterpart endosperm starch.
Bran starch of Caledonia and D8006 had fewer long B2 chains (DP > 37) than their counterpart
endosperm starches (Table 3.7). Details of the chain length differences are shown in the
differential histograms of the chain-length distribution between bran starch and endosperm starch
for three different varieties (Fig.3.6A-C). Bran starch contained more short branch chains for
varieties Aubrey (DP 6-20) and Caledonia (DP 9-19) than did the counterpart endosperm starch
samples. Variety D8006 bran starch had more short chains of DP 6-20 than its counterpart
endosperm starch. These results showed that bran starch generally consists of more A (DP: 6-12)
chains than endosperm starch for the studied varieties. According to the retrogradation results
(Table 3.6), bran starch of variety D8006 was found to have the lower retrogradation (%) than
bran starches of the other two studied varieties, correspondingly, had wider range of short branch
chains in which bran starch had more distribution than their counterpart endosperm starch. These
results confirm that amylopectin side chain length distribution play an important role in
retrogradation in bran starch. Bran starch samples in the present study was found to have more

83

short branch chains of DP 6-12 (Table 3.7) and tended to have lower degree of retrogradation (%)
than their respective endosperm starch (Table 3.6), which is in agreement with previous reported
results that retrogradation rates of starches were inversely correlated with the proportion of short
chains (Shi and Seib 1992).

84

Table 3.7 Branch Chain Length Distribution of Amylopectin from Bran Starch and Endosperm
x
Starch Isolated from Three Varieties
Distribution (%)
Sample
DP 6-12
DP 13-24
DP 25-36
DP ≥ 37
Br-Aubrey
22.0 ±1.2 48.2 ±1.5 16.7 ±0.8 11.0 ±1.0
En-Aubrey
21.4 ±0.9 49.2 ±0.5
19.5 ±0.3 10.9 ±0.8
Br-Caledonia 21.3 ±0.0 49.8 ±0.4
19.3 ±0.5
9.9 ±0.6
En-Caledonia 20.0 ±0.7 49.3 ±0.3
20.8 ±0.5 10.8 ±0.3
Br-D8006
21.3 ±0.5 49.5 ±0.8
19.2 ±0.2
8.5 ±0.2
En-D8006
20.2 ±0.7 49.5 ±0.7
20.7 ±0.9
9.1 ±0.6
x

Values are means ±standard deviation. Br: bran starch; En: endosperm starch

85

6
Br Starch
5

Peak Area%

En Starch
4
3
2
1
0
6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63 66 69 72 75
DP

Figure 3.5. Averaged amylopectin branch chain-length distributions of bran starches and the
counterpart endosperm starches from three different wheat varieties using a high-performance
anion-exchange chromatography system. DP: degree of polymerization. Br: bran starch; En:
endosperm starch.

86

0.4

A

Peak Area %

0.3
0.2

Br ─ En starch Aubrey

0.1
0
-0.1
-0.2
-0.3

0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
-0.1
-0.2
-0.3
-0.4

Pear Area %

Peak Area %

6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74
DP

B
Br ─ En Starch Caledonia

0.6 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74
DP
C
0.5
0.4
Br ─ En Starch D8006
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
-0.1
-0.2
-0.3
-0.4
6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74
DP

Figure 3.6. Differential histograms of amylopectin branch chain-length distributions for bran
starch and endosperm starch isolated from wheat varieties (A) Aubrey, (B) Caledonia, and (C)
D8006. DP: degree of polymerization; Br: bran starch; En: endosperm starch.

87

3.4.7 Starch granule morphology
The isolated bran starch and its counterpart endosperm starch granules had bimodal size
distributions (Fig.3.2). Representative SEM images of variety D8006 (Fig.3.7) confirmed this
finding, and also confirmed that small sized starch granules were not lost during isolation steps.
The A-type starch granules displayed a disk shape with diameters of 10-30 m, and the B-type
granules displayed a spherical shape with diameters of about 2 m. The morphology of the
starch was in agreement with published results (Jane et al 1997; Van de Velde et al 2002). Small
granules in bran starch were roughly spherical or polygonal in shape with diameters smaller than
10 m; large granules in bran starch were disc-like and lenticular with size greater than 10 m
(Fig.3.7). The scanning electron micrographs of the starch samples generally showed a greater
proportion of small granules in bran starch than in endosperm starch. All granules seen in SEM
images had smooth surfaces and intact structure which indicates the isolation procedure did not
change the morphology of the starch granules.

88

A

50 m
B

50 m
Figure 3.7. Scanning electron micrographs of wheat bran starch (A) and its counterpart
endosperm starch isolated from variety D8006 (B). Scale bar=50m.
: B-type starch (small)
granule;
: A-type starch (large) granule.

89

3.5 CONCLUSIONS
Isolation methods by alkaline extraction were developed to obtain bran starch and
endosperm starch from milled bran fraction and milled flour fraction respectively. A higher
starch recovery was obtained from endosperm flour than from milled bran. Protein contents for
all isolated samples were less than 0.36%. Starch damage content was less than 2.5%, which
indicates that the grinding step during isolation did not cause further starch damage. The findings
of current study showed that the structures and properties of bran starch samples of three studied
varieties and their counterpart endosperm are distinct. Bran starch was found to have higher
percent small granules, higher amylose content, higher crystallinity, broader gelatinization
temperature range, higher enthalpy of gelatinization, lower retrogradation, and lower pasting
peak and setback viscosity than its counterpart endosperm starch. A-type X-ray diffraction
patterns were found for both bran starch and endosperm starch. Bran starch of variety Aubrey
had the highest crystallinity (21.75%) and gelatinization temperature (62.9° Bran starch of
C).
variety D 8006 had the highest percent B-type granules and lowest retrogradation (21.7%). The
bran starch consisted of amylopectin that had more short branch chains than did the counterpart
endosperm starch. Bran starch had broader gelatinization temperature range which is related to
presence of a greater proportion of small granules. Bran starch had lower degree of
retrogradation than endosperm starch may be due to a higher percent of short branch chains and
less long-branch chains. SEM images revealed small and large starch granules present in bran
starch after starch isolation and a greater proportion of small granules in bran starch. Bran starch
had lower peak, breakdown and setback viscosities than endosperm starch, which may be due to
the greater proportion of small granules present in bran starch considering there were no
significant differences in lipid content among the different starches. This may be also because

90

that higher amylose content is associated with less granule swelling. Amylopectin molecules of
bran starch had more branch chains of DP 6-12 and fewer branch chains of DP 25-36 than did
the amylopectin of the counterpart endosperm starch, which may explain the lower degree of
retrogradation of bran starch compared to endosperm starch. Results showed that the structures
and properties of bran starches and their counterpart endosperm starches were distinct, which
suggests that considering their commercial end-use applications should be different.

91

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92

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amylose and added surfactants/emulsifier. Carbohydr. Polym. 13:295-315.
Hizukuri, S. 1985. Relationship between the distribution of the chain length of amylopectin and
the crystalline structure of starch granules. Carbohydr. Res. 141:295-206.
Jane, J., Shen, L., Lim, S., Kasemsuwan, T., and Nip, W. K. 1992. Physical and chemical studies
of taro starches and flours. Cereal Chem. 69:528-535.
Jane, J., Wong, K., and McPherson, E. 1997. Branch-structure difference in starches of A- and
B-type X-ray patterns revealed by their Naegeli dextrins. Carbohydr. Res. 300: 219-227.

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Jane, J., Chen, Y. Y., Lee, L. F., McPherson, A.E., Wong, K. S., Radosavljevic, M., and
Kasemsuwan, T. 1999. Effects of amylopectin branch chain length and amylose content on
the gelatinization and pasting properties of starch. Cereal Chem. 76:629-637.
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and starch gelatinization properties during development and maturation of wheat, barley and
rye. Starch 35:335-340.
Li. L., Blanco, M., and Jane, J. 2007. Physicochemical properties of endosperm and pericarp
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starches of soft wheat grown in Michigan. AACC international annual meeting. Hollywood,
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characteristics of starch from bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) with “yellow berry”. Starch
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Miles, M. J., Morris, V. J., Orford, P. D., and Ring, S. G. 1985. The roles of amylose and
amylopectin in the gelatinisation and retrogradation of starch. Carbohydr. Res. 135:271-281.
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chemical composition of starches from 12 soft wheat cultivars. Cereal Chem. 75:721-728.
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Shi, Y. C., and Seib, P. A. 1995. Fine structure of maize starches from four wx-containing
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CHAPTER 4 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRAN CHARACTERISTICS AND BRAN
STARCH OF SELECTED SOFT WHEATS GROWN IN MICHIGAN

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4.1 ABSTRACT
The aim of wheat dry milling is to separate the kernel’s starchy endosperm from the outer
layers, which are collectively called the bran. Wheat bran is a multi-layer system consisting of
pericarp, seed coats, and the aleurone layer with some attached remnants of starchy endosperm.
Bran starch, the starch attached to the bran, exhibits significantly different characteristics than its
counterpart endosperm starch. However, its relationship to bran tissue has not been studied. The
aims of this study were to investigate differences among chosen wheat varieties in their bran
starch quantity, bran particle size, and bran thickness, and to investigate the relationship between
bran characteristics and bran starch content. Wheat grain samples were milled to obtain the
milled bran fraction. Bran particles larger than 2 mm were obtained by sizing with a US10 screen.
Bran starch content was determined by Megazyme kit and bran thickness was measured after
conditioning the bran. Non-cellulosic sugar profile in wheat bran was investigated by derivitizing
sugar to sugar alditol acetates that were then injected into GC-MS. Total and free ferulic acid
contents were determined by HPLC. Microstructure of outer layers of kernels and milled bran
particles was examined on SEM.
Results showed that bran starch content was negatively correlated with percent large bran
particles (> 2 mm). The neutral saccharide profile of the wheat bran was dominated by arabinose,
xylose, and glucose, whereas mannose and galactose were present in small amounts. Variety
D8006 had lower levels of arabinose and xylose in year 2009 than two other crop years studied.
Bran thickness was found to have a positive correlation with bran starch content. Bound ferulic
acid (BFA) and BFA to xylose ratio showed positive correlations with percent large bran
particles, and therefore negative correlations with bran starch content. SEM images revealed that
outer layers of wheat bran were deformed and the aleurone layer was no longer apparent after

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milling. Milled bran particles were about twice as thick as intact outer layers of a wheat kernel in
the present study. Bran characteristics can explain the variation seen in bran starch content and
percent large bran particles of various wheat varieties. BFA to xylose ratio and bran thickness
could both play roles in the mechanical properties of bran, and therefore change the percent of
large bran particle produced during milling. The information on studied bran characteristics
could be helpful for breeders to gain more precise control over the milling quality of wheat
varieties with regard to their specific food applications.

4.2 INTRODUCTION
A wheat kernel is a multilayer system. Besides the embryo, from the center to the
periphery of the grain, the wheat kernel consists of the endosperm, aleurone layer, the seed coats
(composed of the nucellar epidermis and the testa), and the pericarp (composed of the tube cells,
the cross cells, the hypodermis, and the epidermis). The aleurone layer, seed coats and pericarp
are wheat outer layers, and collectively called the wheat bran. Wheat grains normally contain
14.5% (w/w) bran, 83% (w/w) endosperm, and 2.5% (w/w) germ. Wheat flour is the major
product from a dry milling process and is fully used by the grain industry. However, most
commercial wheat bran is sold as animal feed at a very low price. In order to improve the
commercial value of wheat bran, bran utilization needs to be maximized and developed.
Previous research has confirmed that wheat bran contains a number of high-value
components, such as phenolic compounds, starches, water-soluble and water-insoluble dietary
fibers, and proteins (Peng et al 1999). Cereal dietary fiber, non-starch polysaccharides and
resistant starch, are the major health-beneficial carbohydrates in cereal whole grain food
products, and mainly found in the bran fraction. Sufficient consumption of dietary fiber has a

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protective effect against development of diet-related disorders, such as cardiovascular disease
and type II diabetes, and also against cancers, such as digestive-tract cancer, hormone-related
cancers and pancreatic cancer (Seal and Brownlee 2010). Wheat bran is a major source of cereal
dietary fiber which is believed to be beneficial for human health. In the milled bran fraction,
starch remains one of the main components. Bran starch is the starch adherent to bran tissue after
a dry milling process. Bran starch comprises about 20% (w/w) of the milled wheat bran fraction,
and the physicochemical properties of bran starch have been compared to its counterpart
endosperm starch (Liu and Ng 2012). However, the relationships between bran starch and bran
characteristics have not been investigated for soft wheat grown in Michigan.
Softness equivalent is a measurement that indicates friability of the endosperm of the
kernel and is an indicator of break flour yield and ease of separation between endosperm and
outer layer tissues (Anonymous 2011). If milled flour has smaller particle size and greater break
flour yield, it will have a greater softness equivalent. In other words, high friability of a wheat
kernel’s endosperm indicates better milling efficiency and reduced energy requirements to
recover flour (Anonymous 2011). On the other hand, high milling efficiency with low bran
contamination of the resulting flour requires bran with low friability (high extensibility). Peyron
et al (2002a) found that polymers in bran tissue with low friability can slide and reorient during
material deformation. Reducing this polymer mobility in the cell wall network could result in a
reduction in extensibility and an increase in bran friability.
The physical properties of wheat bran tissues and the characteristics of the interface layer
between these tissues may influence their behavior during milling and grinding. Bran friability
affects the extent of particle size reduction obtained in grinding. Bran particle size is especially
related to tissue extensibility (Peyron et al 2002a). A strong positive correlation between

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extensibility of the wheat grain outer layers and the proportion of larger size coarse bran (> 2mm)
was reported by Greffeuille and coworkers (2006). The large bran particles (LBP) are easily
separated from recovered fine flour during the milling process, and assure low bran
contamination.

Since bran starch content is tightly related to the bran fractionation from

endosperm during the milling process (Peyron et al 2002c), physical properties of wheat bran are
expected to affect milling quality and therefore impact bran particle size and bran starch quantity
and type.
In aleurone walls, where arabinoxylans (AX) account for 70% (w/w) of the
polysaccharide material, the degree of AX cross-linking controlled by phenolic acids in the
aleurone layer significantly influences the strength and extensibility of the bran (Renger and
Steihart 2000; Bunzel et al 2000). Thus, the degree of AX cross-linking is one of the
determinants of bran friability and must be taken into account in explaining bran physical
properties (Peyron et al 2002a). The cross-linking of cell wall AX occurs as a result of a reaction
(ferulic acid dimerization) that has an oxidative mechanism, probably mediated by endogenous
peroxidases or phenol oxidases in wheat bran (Fry 2000 and Peyron et al 2001). Bran thickness,
its biochemical composition and the degree of AX cross-linking in the cell walls have been
proposed to be the major factors controlling the physical properties of bran (Peyron et al 2002a).
A previous study confirmed that ferulic acid predominated among the phenolic acids
found in different varieties of wheat and barley (Klepacka and Fornal 2006). Parker et al (2005)
found that ferulic acid accounted for approximately 95% (w/w) of the cell wall-bound esterified
phenolics in mature wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Avalon). Phenolic acids present in the cell
wall are thought to play an important part in the cross-linking of polysaccharides with other cellwall components, including lignin through ester and ether bonds, and also in the cross-linking of

100

polysaccharide chains such as AX. It was suggested that the ferulic acid released by
concentrations of NaOH of up to 2N are esterified to the terminal arabinosyl units of AX (Parker
et al 2005; Dupont and Selvendran 1987; Rombouts and Thibault 1986) and that the ferulic acid
released by 4 N NaOH is probably ether-linked with the matrix polymers and/or with lignin
(Dupont and Selvendran 1987). Based on these findings, the concentration of NaOH used in the
process of hydrolysis for ferulic acid analysis determines which type of bound ferulic acid will
be measured. In order to compare among studied wheat varieties and growing environments,
bound ferulic acid (BFA) to xylose ratio was used to indicate degree of AX cross-linking in
wheat bran.
Although the relationships of biochemical composition and bran thickness to bran
mechanical properties are known, and the relationships between bran particle size and its
mechanical properties have been reported, the relationship between bran characteristics and bran
starch is not clear. Furthermore, the relationship between bran particle size and bran starch
content in soft white wheat has not been investigated. The aims of this study were to investigate:
(1) Soft wheat varietal and environmental differences on bran starch quantity, bran particle size,
bran thickness and bran chemical composition, (2) the relationship between bran characteristics
and bran starch quantity, and (3) the differences in microstructure of the wheat kernels and
milled bran among chosen varieties.

4.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS
4.3.1 Wheat samples
Soft wheat grain samples of varieties Aubrey, Caledonia, and D8006 harvested in the
year of 2009, 2010 and 2011 were used for this study. These varieties were selected to represent

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the spectrum of softness equivalence of 16 varieties of previously studied soft wheat grown in
Michigan (Liu et al 2011).

4.3.2 Milling process and particle sizing
All soft wheat grain samples were tempered to 14.5% grain moisture for 18 hr prior to
milling. Wheat samples were milled using a Buhler laboratory mill MLU-202 (Buhler, Inc,
Uzwil, Switzerland) according to AACCI Method 26-10A. After milling, eight fractions were
obtained: three break stream flours, three reduction stream flours, bran, and shorts. Large bran
particles (LBP: bran particles larger than 2 mm) were collected using a mechanical shaker (Great
Western Manufacturing. Co., Inc. Kansas, USA) equipped with a US 10 (2 mm mesh) stainless
steel screen and weighed. The whole milled bran fraction from each milling was used for particle
sizing, considering small particles tend to settle and migrate to the bottom of the container
through the voids between large pieces of bran particles. If only part of the milled bran fraction
had been sized, the results of percent LBP and bran starch content might have been shifted due to
non-homogeneous blending of bran particles and starch particles.
For each milled bran sample, a 100 g portion at a time was weighed and then screened on
the shaker for 10 sec, overs were collected as LBP, throughs were collected separately from LBP
as bran particles less than 2 mm, and this was repeated until all milled bran portions from each
sample were sifted. Sum of the weights of LBP collected from all siftings of the bran portion of
one milled wheat sample were used to calculate percent LBP of the milled bran fraction (total
weight of LBP and bran particles less than 2 mm) for that sample.

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4.3.3 Bran thickness
Thicknesses of LBP (> 2 mm) collected from the previous step were measured. The
moisture content of LBP was first adjusted to 17% by conditioning in saturated NaCl solution for
24 h at 30° according to Peyron et al (2002a). The thicknesses of three randomly selected
C
pieces of bran tissue from the LBP bran fraction of each wheat sample were measured using a
micrometer (Peyron et al 2002a). Thickness values from five micrometer readings of each of the
three selected bran particles were recorded. Averaged values (5 × 3 = 15 values per wheat
sample) were reported.

4.3.4 Total starch content
For each wheat sample, a portion of each collected LBP fraction was ground into powder
using a Cyclone Sample Mill (UDY Corp., Fort Collins, Co) equipped with a 0.5 mm screen.
Finely ground bran (100 mg) was weighed to determine bran starch content in duplicate using a
Megazyme Total Starch Kit (Megazyme International Ireland Ltd. Co., Wicklow, Ireland).

4.3.5 Non-cellulosic pentosan content in wheat bran
Arabinoxylan and non-cellulosic pentose contents of ground LBP of studied wheat
samples (obtained in section 4.3.4) were estimated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
(GC-MS) of methylated sugar derivatives as follows:

4.3.5.1 Defatting
For each studied wheat sample, a ground LBP sample (100 mg in each screw capped
tube) was defatted with hexane (5 ml) for 1 hr at 35° with rotary shaking (40 rev/min). After
C

103

centrifugation (5 min, 3800 × g, 20° the defatted pellets were dried for 24 h at room
C),
temperature (Brillouet and Mercier 1981).

4.3.5.2 Destarching [adapted from total starch Megazyme kit (Megazyme International Ireland
Ltd. Co., Wicklow, Ireland)]
The dried defatted bran pellets from the defatting step were weighed into glass tubes
(100 mg in each tube). In the last step, the mixture of glucose solution and bran particles were
centrifuged at 5440 × g for 10 min. Supernatant was discarded. Four ml of 99% ethanol was
added to each tube, followed by centrifugation (5440 × g, 10 min). The precipitate was washed
twice with 8 ml of 50% ethanol. Bran sample was centrifuged, and freeze dried overnight.

4.3.5.3 Derivatization
Alditol acetates were obtained based on methods of Melton and Smith (2001), Delcour et
al (1999) and Englyst et al (1994). All analyses were done in triplicate. Twenty mg of defatted
destarched bran from each bran sample were hydrolyzed by 5 ml 2 M trifluoroacetic acid in the
presence of nitrogen at 110° for 2 hr in glass tubes. To 3 ml of filtered hydrolysates (using a
C
glass syringe fitted with a stainless steel 13-mm filter unit and a 0.45 m PTFE filter), 1 ml of
internal standard (1 mg of β-D allose in 1 ml 50% saturated benzoic acid) was added. The tubes
were placed in ice-water and 1 ml of NH3•H2O (25% NH3 in H2O) was added. Alkalinity of the
mixture was tested using a pH indicator strip. Forty l of 2-octanol and 0.2 ml of 2 M NH3
containing NaBH4 (200 mg NaBH4/ml 2 M NH3) were added. The tubes were capped and
vortexed followed by incubation in a 40° water bath for 1 hr, after which 0.4 ml glacial acetic
C

104

acid was added to each tube. To 0.5 ml aliquots of this last mixture, 0.5 ml 1-methylimidazole
and 5 ml acetic anhydride were added. After 10 min, the solution in each tube was mixed with
0.9 ml ethanol, left for 5 min, and then mixed with 10 ml distilled water. 0.5 mL (0.04%, w/w)
bromophenol blue was added to each tube dye the hydrophilic layer. The tubes were placed in an
ice-water bath, and 5 ml of 7.5 M KOH was added twice within a 5-minute period. One ml ethyl
acetate was then added to extract alditol acetates. The tubes were mixed by inverting 20 times
and were left for phase separation for 30 min in the ice water bath. The upper phase was
transferred to a small glass test tube. Sufficient anhydrous sodium sulfate was added into the
small glass tube until white particles were observed in the tube. The clear phase was collected
into a GC vial.
Separation of the alditol acetates was on a SP-2380 fused silica capillary column (30 m
length, 0.25 mm ID, 0.2 m film thickness), in the split mode (Supelco, Bellefonte, PA). The
GC-MS system consisted of a Clarus 680 Gas Chromatograph and Clarus 600S Mass
Spectrometer (Perkin Elmer, Inc. Shelton, Connecticut, US). The GC temperature program was
set to the following sequence: (1) 2 min at an initial temperature of 80° (2) increasing to 200°
C,
C
-1

-1

at a rate of 45° min , (3) increasing to 240° at a rate of 5° min , and (4) holding at 240°
C
C
C
C
for 7.3 min. The GC injector temperature was set at 250° The split flow rate and helium carrier
C.
-1

-1

gas flow rate were at 10 ml min and 1 ml min , respectively.
A retention time chromatogram of alditol acetates of each neutral sugar standard was
constructed. Sugar composition was identified by comparing retention time to the retention time
map and by mass spectra of each alditol acetate of each sugar standard. Total non-cellulosic
sugars were calculated by the equation noted in Maes and Delcour (2002): non-cellulosic sugars
= 0.88 × (% Ara + % Xyl) + 0.9 × (% Man + % Gal + % Glu); arabinoxylan was calculated as:

105

arabinoxylan = 0.88 × (% Xyl + % Ara – 0.7 × % Gal). [Ara: arabinose; Xyl: xylose; Man:
mannose; Gal: galactose; Glu: non-cellulosic glucose]
4.3.6 Bound ferulic acid
The remaining ground LBP samples from section 4.3.4 were used for bound ferulic acid
analyses, in duplicate, utilizing a modified method based on Hartman et al (2005). Bound ferulic
acid was obtained by calculating the difference between total and free ferulic acid. Free and total
ferulic acid of ground LBP samples were determined as follows:

4.3.6.1 Preparation for free ferulic acid
Ground bran (250 ± 10 mg) was weighed into a 20 ml screw-topped tube. Two ml of
hydrochloric acid (0.1 M) and 0.5 ml internal standard solution 1000 ppm ο-coumaric acid were
added.

4.3.6.2 Preparation for total ferulic acid
Ground bran (40 mg ± 1 mg) of each sample was saponified by 2ml of 2N NaOH in the
presence of nitrogen, vortexed for 30 sec and centrifuged at 510 × g for 5 sec. Samples were
mixed on a multi-tube vortex mixer for 52 rad/sec and mixed for 18 hours. Then solutions were
neutralized by 0.5 ml 4 N hydrochloric acid and internal standard was added.
The free and total ferulic acid in their prepared mixtures, obtained from the procedures
above, were extracted using 3 ml ethyl acetate three times by centrifugation at 800 × g for 10
min. The ethyl acetate phases were collected in test tubes and evaporated to dryness in the
presence of nitrogen. The dry extract was dissolved in 1 ml methanol; the dissolved extract was
injected onto the HPLC system consisting of a Waters Alliance 2690 separation module and a

106

Waters 996 photodiode array detector (Waters Corp., Milford, MA) equipped with a Hyper
Clone HPLC column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5-micron; Phenomenex, Torrance, CA) and eluted at 0.8
ml/min with the following gradient profile: 35-55% B for 15 min, 55-95% B for 15 min; 95-35%
B for 3 min and then 35% B for 2 min (solvent B: 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid in methanol; solvent
A: 0.1% trifluroacetic acid in distilled water). Detection was done at 310 nm.

4.3.7 Microstructure of wheat bran by scanning electron microscope
For each wheat variety studied, scanning electron micrographs of milled wheat bran were
compared with wheat grain micrographs with a Hitachi tabletop microscope TM 3000 (Hitachi
Corp. Tokyo, Japan) with principle of under low-vacuum observation. A scalpel was used to
dissect wheat grain and bran particles. For wheat grain dissection, two kernels were randomly
selected for each wheat sample; the apical extremity of the grain was eliminated and a 2 mmthick disc in cross-section of the grain was obtained from each kernel. For each wheat sample,
two milled LBP were randomly selected, and full thickness strips of bran, about 2 mm in width,
were cut off of the large bran particles using a scalpel. Each bran strip was affixed onto a piece
of conducting double-sided tape which was attached to the specimen stub. Each bran strip was
affixed on one cut edge, with the parallel longitudinal cut strip edge facing upward. A transverse
section of counterpart wheat grain sample (control) was place beside it on the tape (see Fig.4.1).
The specimen stub was placed on the specimen height gauge to adjust its height. Hitachi TM
3000 application software was used for observation and data recording. Visual observation was
conducted with × 600, × 800 and × 1000 magnifications. The scale bar indicating 100 m is
noted in each image.

107

4 mm
Figure 4.1. SEM image of transverse cross section disc of wheat kernel (left) and milled wheat
bran strip (right) from the same sample, placed side by side for comparison.

108

4.3.8 Statistical analyses
A completely randomized design was used for all experiments. The data was analyzed
using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SAS (SAS, Inc, 2006). When statistically
significant differences (P < 0.05) were found among crop year and variety for a particular
parameter studied, comparisons were conducted using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) ttest procedure. Linear correlation was used to investigate relationships between variables. A
multiple regression model was used to explain variation of bran starch content and percent large
bran particles.

4.4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.4.1 Relationship between bran particle size and bran starch content
Percent bran particles larger than 2 mm (LBP) and bran starch content of these LBP of
studied samples varieties are listed in Table 4.1 and Table 4.2. There were statistically significant
differences among varieties for percent LBP and for bran starch content. A negative correlation
(r = 0.939) was found between percent LBP and bran starch content for LBP of studied bran
samples, which was in agreement with previous finding of Liu et al (2011), who reported an R2
value of 0.8637. Variety Aubrey had the lowest percent of LBP and the highest LBP bran starch
content among the three studied varieties, while variety Caledonia had the highest proportion of
LBP in its milled bran fraction and the lowest bran starch present in LBP. Varieties Aubrey and
Caledonia had the highest percent LBP in 2010 while variety D8006 had the highest percent LBP
in 2009 (Table 4.1). Varieties Aubrey and Caledonia had the lowest bran starch contents in 2011,
but variety D8006 had the lowest bran starch content in 2010 (Table 4.2). Varieties Aubrey and
D8006 had generally similar bran starch contents in LBP for 2009 and 2011, however, bran

109

starch content of variety Caledonia gradually decreased from 2009 to 2011. Thus, it appears that
environment had different effects on the studied parameters of different soft wheat varieties. The
findings could be useful for breeders to study particular environmental factors that would result
in differences in wheat bran particle size and bran starch content in LBP for a specific wheat
variety.

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Table 4.1 Large Bran Particles (% of total milled bran fraction, w/w) of Three Soft Wheat
Varieties Grown in Three Crop Years
Aubrey Caledonia
D8006
2009
25.50
32.30
30.23
2010
30.78
34.91
29.80
2011
21.67
33.56
29.93
x
Average
25.98c
33.59a
29.99b
x

Values in this row marked with the same letters are not significantly different from each other (P >
0.05).

111

x

Table 4.2 Bran Starch Content (%, w/w) in Large Bran Particles of Three Soft Wheat Varieties
Grown in Three Crop Years
Aubrey
Caledonia
D8006
2009
17.85 ±0.17
16.34 ±0.05
16.04 ±0.10
2010
18.73 ±1.25
15.00 ±0.10
14.94 ±0.09
2011
17.54 ±0.85
14.87 ±0.52
16.65 ±0.27
y
Average
18.04c
15.40a
15.88b
x
y

Values are means ±standard deviation.
Values in this row marked with the same letters are not significantly different from each other
(P > 0.05).

112

Bran characteristics were confirmed to relate with bran particle size upon milling.
Abecassis et al (1993) reported that differences in large particle distribution after milling were
related to bran mechanical properties. Friability of outer layer bran tissues is an important factor
in milling because more friable outer tissues of a wheat sample result in greater incorporation of
fine bran particles in the relevant flours. Large bran particles are more easily separated from
endosperm particles and thus reduce bran contamination in flours (Greffeuille et al 2006). In the
present study, lower bran starch content found in wheat bran contained higher percent LBP is
aligned with Greffeuille et al’s finding, indicating a clean separation between bran tissue and
endosperm particles, since starch is mainly an endosperm component in wheat grain. The
information about the environmental conditions that are associated with low bran starch content
in LBP will be valuable to study the environmental effect on dissociation between wheat outer
layers and endosperm.

4.4.2 Bran thickness and bran starch content
Milled wheat bran particles of varieties Aubrey, Caledonia and D8006 were significantly
different in bran thickness (Table 4.3). The results showed that bran thickness of LBP of Aubrey
was highest among the three varieties studied. Variety Aubrey was found to have the highest
bran starch content in LBP (Table 4.2). Caledonia had the lowest value of bran thickness (Table
4.3) and the lowest bran starch content in LBP (Table 4.2). These relationships will be
investigated later to explain the variation of bran starch content in different varieties. Differences
in bran thickness were found among crop years as well; LBP of varieties Aubrey and D8006
grown in 2011 were 20-30 m thinner than LBP of these two varieties in 2009 and 2010. In a
previous study, it was found that production of proportionately more wheat LBP required low

113

toughness but high extensibility of the bran tissue (Peyron et al 2002a). In the current study, soft
wheat bran thickness was found to be negatively correlated with percent large bran particles.
Thin bran tissue in the present study was associated with a higher percent of LBP upon milling,
and this bran tissue could thus possess lower tissue toughness and stiffness. Lucas et al (1995)
revealed that intrinsic toughness of plant tissue is positively correlated with outer layer tissue
thickness. The outer layers of the wheat samples in the present study will be discussed in section
4.4.6 based on observations in SEM micrographs.

114

x

Table 4.3 Bran Thickness (mm) of Large Bran Particles of Three Soft Wheat Varieties Grown
in Three Crop Years
Aubrey
Caledonia
D8006
2009
0.138 ±0.000 0.114 ±0.002
0.118 ±0.012
2010
0.131 ±0.003 0.092 ±0.001
0.127 ±0.003
2011
0.111 ±0.010 0.100 ±0.001
0.098 ±0.009
y
Average
0.126c
0.102a
0.114b
x

Values are means ±standard deviation.

y

Values marked with the same letter in this row are not significantly different from each other
(P > 0.05). Comparisons were conducted among the averaged values of three varieties across
crop years.

115

4.4.3 Noncellulosic sugar profile of wheat bran
A number of studies have underlined the involvement of cell wall biochemical
composition and structure to explain the mechanical properties of plant tissues (Darley et al 2001;
Shopfer et al 2001). Noncellulosic sugar compositions of the studied wheat bran samples are
reported in Tables 4.4 and 4.5. The arabinose to xylose ratio (Ara/Xyl) is used to characterize the
structure of AX, indicating the substitution pattern of the xylose backbone by arabinose residues.
It is important to investigate the biochemical components in bran of the studied wheat varieties
and relationships of these components to bran starch and percent LBP. The degree of
arabinoxylan cross-linking was reported to significantly influence bran extensibility and
therefore a promising marker of bran friability (Peyron et al 2002b).
The neutral saccharide profile of the wheat bran in the present study was dominated by
arabinose, xylose and glucose, while mannose and galactose were minor. This finding is in
agreement with published results (Maes and Delour 2002). The distributions of sugars in bran
samples from the same wheat variety varied among the three crop years. Variety Caledonia had a
drop in arabinose content in year 2011. Variety D8006 had much lower levels of arabinose and
xylose in year 2009 than the other years, with total noncellulosic sugars of D8006 in year 2009
being the lowest among the three years (Table 4.4). These findings are useful for breeders to
investigate environmental effects on distributions of functional neutral sugars in wheat bran
samples.
The amounts of arabinose and glucose and the ratio of arabinose to xylose were found to
be statistically significantly different among the three varieties (Table 4.5). Variety D8006 had
the lowest amount of arabinose and highest amount of glucose for each studied crop year. The
ratio of arabinose to xylose for D8006 was lower than the other two varieties for each crop year,

116

which indicates that the AX in the bran of variety D8006 were less branched than AX in the bran
of varieties Aubrey and Caledonia. When comparing results of studied neutral sugar contents
with percent LBP among the three varieties, there was no linear relationship between AX content
and percent LBP or between Ara/Xyl and percent LBP (data not shown).

117

x

Table 4.4 Noncellulosic Sugar Composition of Large Bran Particles of Three Soft Wheat Varieties Grown in Three Crop Years
Ara (g/100g)

Xyl (g/100g)

Man
(g/100g)

Gal
(g/100g)

Glu
(g/100g)

AX (g/100g)

Ara/Xyl

Total noncellulosic
sugars
(g/100g)

2009
Aubrey
Caledonia
D8006

14.90 ±0.20
13.87 ±0.29
10.85 ±0.14

24.21 ±1.17
23.35 ±0.10
21.81 ±0.10

0.11 ±0.01
0.20 ±0.01
0.32 ±0.06

0.63 ±0.03
0.78 ±0.00
0.59 ±0.09

2.86 ±0.03
3.06 ±0.04
4.05 ±0.13

33.48 ±1.56
32.35 ±0.45
28.38 ±0.15

0.59 ±0.00
0.59 ±0.01
0.50 ±0.00

39.46 ±1.57
36.07 ±0.13
33.19 ±0.22

2010
Aubrey
Caledonia
D8006

13.60 ±1.19
13.55 ±0.61
12.31 ±0.64

25.25 ±0.19
24.19 ±0.45
24.33 ±1.36

0.20 ±0.02
0.23 ±0.00
0.21 ±0.00

0.55 ±0.00
0.67 ±0.02
0.74 ±0.13

3.37 ±0.06
3.41 ±0.09
3.76 ±0.16

33.85 ±1.21
32.80 ±0.94
33.10 ±1.68

0.54 ±0.04
0.56 ±0.01
0.51 ±0.00

37.90 ±1.24
37.09 ±0.83
36.02 ±1.09

2011
Aubrey
Caledonia
D8006

14.97 ±1.21
12.55 ±0.42
12.14 ±0.12

22.87 ±1.55
23.16 ±0.83
24.18 ±0.37

0.26 ±0.07
0.15 ±0.01
0.26 ±0.01

0.44 ±0.02
0.50 ±0.02
0.68 ±0.01

2.60 ±0.55
3.08 ±0.25
4.19 ±0.19

31.77 ±2.07
31.09 ±1.09
31.53 ±0.42

0.59 ±0.00
0.54 ±0.00
0.50 ±0.00

35.01 ±2.53
34.83 ±1.34
36.57 ±0.58

x

Values are means ±standard deviation. Ara: arabinose; Xyl: xylose; Man: mannose; Gal: galactose; Glu: glucose;
AX (arabinoxylans) = 0.88 × (% Xyl + % Ara – 0.7 × % Gal); Ara/Xyl = the arabinose to xylose ratio. Total non-cellulosic sugars =
0.88 × (% Ara + % Xyl) + 0.9 × (% Man + % Gal + % Glu)

118

x

Table 4.5 Comparison of Noncellulosic Sugar Composition of Large Bran Particles of Three Soft Wheat Varieties
Ara
(g/100g)
Aubrey
Caledonia
D8006
x

Xyl
(g/100g)

Man
(g/100g)

14.49 ±0.77b
13.32 ±0.69b
11.77 ±0.80a

24.11 ±1.19a
23.57 ±0.55a
23.44 ±1.41a

0.19 ±0.08a
0.19 ±0.04a
0.26 ±0.06a

Gal
(g/100g)

Glu
(g/100g)

0.54 ±0.10a
0.65 ±0.14a
0.67 ±0.08a

AX (g/100g)

Ara/Xyl

2.94 ±0.39a
3.18 ±0.20a
4.00 ±0.22b

33.03 ±1.11a
32.08 ±0.89a
31.00 ±2.40a

0.57 ±0.03b
0.56 ±0.03b
0.50 ±0.01a

Total noncellulosic sugars
37.46 ±2.26a
36.00 ±1.13a
35.26 ±1.81a

Values are means across three crop years ±standard deviation; within a column, means followed by the same letter are not
significantly different (P > 0.05). Ara: arabinose; Xyl: xylose; Man: mannose; Gal: galactose; Glu: glucose; AX (arabinoxylans) =
0.88 × (% Xyl + % Ara – 0.7 × % Gal); Ara/Xyl = the arabinose to xylose ratio; Total non-cellulosic sugars = 0.88 × (% Ara + % Xyl)
+ 0.9 × (% Man + % Gal + % Glu)

119

4.4.4 Bound ferulic acid
Bound ferulic acid is believed to be directly associated with AX cross linking, and
therefore related to bran physical properties. The amounts of bound ferulic acid (BFA) in large
bran particles are listed in Table 4.6. Results were obtained by calculating the difference between
measured total and free ferulic acid contents for each sample. Free ferulic acid contents were
very low in all samples, from 5-11 ppm (data not shown). The concentration of NaOH used in
hydrolysis for BFA determination is varied depending on which type of BFA is expected to be
released; 2 N NaOH can release BFA esterified to arabinosyl units of AX, while 4 N NaOH can
release BFA ester-linked with matrix polymers and/or with lignin (Parker et al 2005). In the
present study, 2 N NaOH was used to release bound ferulic acid in bran, therefore results were
indicative of ferulic acid esterified to arabinoxylans. This type of BFA mostly functions to
regulate the degree of arabinoxylan cross-linking. There were significant differences in BFA
content among the different varieties and crop years. Variety Aubrey did not show significant
differences among the crop years, but varieties Caledonia and D8006 had significantly lower
amounts of BFA in year 2011 than the prior two years. Within each year, variety Aubrey always
had the lowest BFA value. Correspondingly, bran of Aubrey had the lowest percent LBP, the
thickest bran among the LBP, and the highest bran starch content.

120

Table 4.6 Bound Ferulic Acid (ppm) in Large Bran Particles of Three Different Soft Wheat
x
Varieties Grown in Three Crop Years
Aubrey
Caledonia
D8006
2009
3053.50Aa 3343.5Bb
3539.93Bb
2010
3048.46Aa 3301.16Bb
3373.28Bb
2011
2895.43Aa 3040.08Aa
3257.78Ab
y
Average
2999.13a
3228.25b
3390.33c
x

Values are means of duplicated measurements. Means within rows followed by the same
lowercase letter are not significantly different (P > 0.05); means within columns followed by the
same uppercase letter are not significantly different (P > 0.05).
y
Values are the average across three crop years. Means within the row followed by the same
lowercase letter are not significantly different (P > 0.05).

121

The ratios of BFA content to xylose content of all bran samples are shown in Table 4.7.
The same trend for the average BFA/xylose ratios among the three varieties was found as for the
average BFA content (Table 4.6), i.e., lowest for Aubrey and highest for D8006. The average
BFA/xylose ratio was significantly different among the studied varieties. In the present study, the
ratio of BFA to xylose was used as an indicator of the level of AX cross-linking (according to
Peyron et al 2002a). BFA contents obtained in this study indicate the amount of BFA esterified
to AX molecules (Parker et al 2005), therefore the higher the BFA to xylose ratio, the greater the
degree of AX cross-linking, and the higher the extensibility of the bran (Peyron et al 2002a).
BFA/xylose ratios were also looked at in relation to bran starch contents in LBP for the three
varieties, and a negative correlation was found between ratio of BFA to xylose and bran starch
content (P = 0.0508). This result can be explained by (a) bran starch content and percent LBP,
which were found to be negatively related, and (b) the ratio of BFA to xylose, which was
negatively related with bran starch content after milling. However, the positive correlation
between BFA to xylose ratio and percent LBP was not statistically significant (P > 0.1, Table
4.8). These findings are consistent with previously reported results, in which reduced ferulic acid
dimer and AX cross-linking in wheat bran resulted in an increase in material friability and a
subsequently a decrease in extensibility of bran strips, and the proportion of large bran particles
from milling (Peyron et al 2002b). In the present study, bran of variety Aubrey in all crop years
might have had lower cross-linking of AX, thus bran was more friable and easier to break into
smaller particles during milling, thereby yielding a smaller proportion of LBP.

122

Table 4.7 Bound Ferulic Acid to Xylose Ratio in Large Bran Particles of Three Different
x
Varieties of Soft Wheat Grown in Three Crop Years
Aubrey
Caledonia D8006
2009
0.0126Aa 0.0143Ab 0.0162Bc
2010
0.0121Aa 0.0136Ab 0.0139Ab
2011
0.0127Aa 0.0131Aa 0.0135Aa
y
Average
0.0124a
0.0137b
0.0145c
x

Values are means of three measurements. Means within rows followed by the same lowercase
letter are not significantly different (P > 0.05); means within columns followed by the same
uppercase letter are not significantly different (P > 0.05)
y
Values are averaged across three crop years. Means within the row followed by the same
lowercase letter are not significantly different (P > 0.05).

123

4.4.5 Relationship among bran biochemical composition, bran thickness and bran starch
content
Several parameters evaluated in the current study had high possibilities for linear
relationships between each other (Table 4.8), although the coefficients of determination (r) were
less than 0.5 (data not shown). Bran starch was found to have a significant positive correlation
with bran thickness, and a negative correlation with BFA content and ratio of BFA to xylose.
Percent LBP was negatively correlated with bran thickness, and positively correlated with BFA
content (P < 0.1). According to Lucas et al (1995), toughness of outer layer tissues was
positively correlated with its thickness until the thickness reaches a plateau at about 1 mm. In the
present study, the bran tissue with low thickness (much thinner than 1 mm) could have had low
toughness, and therefore tend to break into larger particles and remain attached with less bran
starch. A negative correlation (r = 0.949) between bran starch and LBP was found, which may be
attributed to easy dissociation between bran inner tissues and starchy endosperm tissue. Percent
LBP was found to correlate with BFA content, which might indicate there was enhanced bran
extensibility due to the elevated bound ferulic acid. Variety Aubrey had a much lower percent of
LBP and also had lower BFA content than the other two varieties.

124

x

Table 4.8 The P Values For Sets of Two Variables With Linear Correlations
Bran starch Bran thickness BFA
(%)
(mm)
(ppm)
BFA/Xylose LBP (%)
Bran starch (%)
─
(+) 0.0283
(–) 0.0488 (–) 0.0508 (–) 0.0002
LBP (%)
(–) 0.0002
(–) 0.0900
(+) 0.0562 (+) NS
─
x

LBP: large bran particles; BFA: bound ferulic acid; (+): positive correlation; (–): negative
correlation; NS: not significant ( P > 0.1).

125

With knowing how BFA and milled bran thickness are related to percent large bran
particles and bran starch content of LBP, it would be useful to summarize the relationships
among the parameters by establishing predicting equations via multi-regression analysis:
% Bran Starch in LBP = 43.19 × Bran thickness (P = 0.0299) – 0.003 × BFA (P = 0.0440)
+ 0.035 × Xylose content (P = 0.896) + 19.34 (P = 0.0251)
% LBP = (–124.2) × Bran thickness (P = 0.0224) + 0.01 × BFA (P = 0.0154) + 1.35 ×
Xylose content (P = 0.068) – 17.338 (P = 0.4208)
Considering the low number of examined samples (n = 9), these regressions require
further validation with more samples. However, both equations can significantly predict
variation of dependent variables (P < 0.05). The equation for bran starch content of LBP can
explain about 47% of the variation in bran starch content of LBP using bran thickness and BFA
and xylose contents; and the equation for percent LBP can explain about 50% of the variation in
percent LBP with knowing bran thickness, and BFA and xylose contents. It will be necessary to
identify and/or other contributing variables into the model to better explain the variation seen in
bran starch content and proportion of LBP in the bran fraction of milled wheat varieties.

4.4.6 Microstructure of outer layers of wheat kernel, milled bran and bran starch
Scanning electron micrographs of milled wheat bran and wheat grain kernel (Figs.4.2 and
4.3) were examined, and wheat grain transverse cross-sections of all wheat varieties were noted
to have identical histological composition. For all wheat kernels studied, the multilayer
configuration of the outer layers could be easily distinguished (Fig.4.2A), including the pericarp,
seed coats, and single-cell thick aleurone layer. In the starchy endosperm region of the wheat
kernel, starch granules of different sizes were densely embedded in the protein matrix (Fig.4.2B).
For the milled bran strip, no clear distinction between different layers could be seen (Fig.4.2C).
126

Outer tissues were peeled off of the endosperm tissue during the milling process, and were
deformed and compressed with portions of endosperm tissue (Fig.4.2C); the single-cell aleurone
layer was no longer visible. Bran starch granules were randomly distributed on or in among the
pericarp-seed coats tissues of the bran. During imaging evaluations of bran strip samples of
different varieties, a few bran strips were found to have detached outer pericarp layers, as shown
in Fig.4.2D. This dissociation of pericarp-seed coats layers from the underlying bran layers
might be due to differences in mechanical properties of these specific outer tissue layers and the
biochemical composition of their interfaces (Antoine et al 2003).

127

A

B

Aleurone cell
Pericarp-seed
coats layer

100 µm

100 µm
C

Bran
starch
ran

D

Pericarp

B

Bran
starch

100 µm

100 µm

Figure 4.2. SEM images of representative (A) wheat outer layers of transverse cross section disc
of wheat kernel (variety D8006); (B) wheat endosperm of transverse cross section disk of wheat
kernel (variety D8006); (C) cross section of milled bran strip (variety Aubrey); and (D) cross
section of milled bran strip demonstrating peeled pericarp (variety D8006).

128

Micrographs of cross-sections of wheat kernels from three varieties grown in 2009 are
depicted in Fig.4.3. The thickness (~60 m) of the combined pericarp-seed coats layer and
aleurone layer of wheat kernel of variety Aubrey (Fig.4.3A), measured in the SEM micrograph,
was compared with the averaged milled bran thickness (126 m) of variety Aubrey measured by
micrometer (Table 4.3). It is interesting to find that the thickness of milled bran is about twice
that of the intact outer layers of unmilled cut wheat kernel. An intact aleurone layer structure
does not identifiably exist in micrographs of the milled bran strip, and the outer layers of milled
bran were no longer compactly packed after milling. The additional thickness of milled bran
particle, therefore, likely comes from the adherent remnant portion of starchy endosperm and the
space that forms between outer layers upon milling. The moisture adjustment for milled bran
tissue at 17% before measuring the thickness by micrometer in section 4.3.3 could result in
swelling of bran starch and the pericarp-seed coats layer in milled LBP tissue, which could be
another reason for the high milled bran thickness value.

129

A

B

18 m

36 m

100µm

100µm
C

20 m

100µm
Figure 4.3. SEM images of representative wheat outer layers of transverse cross section disc of
wheat variety Aubrey (A), Caledonia (B), and D8006 (C). Double-headed arrows indicate the
thickness of outer layers (pericarp and seed coats layers).

130

As discussed in section 4.4.5, milled bran thickness measured by micrometer had a
negative relationship with percent LBP. Thin bran tissues in the present study could have low
toughness and low friability according to Peyron (2002a). The dependence of toughness on tissue
thickness was reported in a previous study with a large array of plant materials including plant
seed coat (Lucas et al 1995); as thickness increased, measured toughness increased until reaching
a plateau at about 1 mm thickness. Therefore the measured thickness of outer layers of a wheat
kernel would be directly related to the level of toughness exhibited by its wheat bran during
milling. As previously mentioned, we found that the multiple layers of the outer tissue structures
of milled bran were not observed on SEM to be intact, but could be clearly identified in
micrographs of wheat kernel cross-sections. It is possible to measure the thickness of outer
layers of studied varieties from the micrographs of the wheat kernel cross-sections and compare
these measurements to bran thickness results. Outer layer thicknesses (of the pericarp and seed
coats layers) of varieties Aubrey, Caledonia, and D8006 were about 36 m, 18m, and 20 m,
respectively, based on micrograph measurements (Fig 4.3). Varieties Caledonia and D8006 had
similar thicknesses for the outer layers of their wheat kernels (18 and 20 m, respectively), and
they also had similar milled bran thicknesses measured by micrometer (102 and 114 m,
respectively, Table 4.3). Observations from SEM micrographs indicated that variety Aubrey,
which had the thickest milled bran tissue among the three varieties (Table 4.3), had the thickest
outer layers of its wheat kernels as well. Since thicker plant tissue was reported to have higher
tissue toughness, thicker milled bran tissues in the current study probably had higher toughness
as well. Considering milled bran thickness is negatively related to percent LBP, from results
discussed earlier, tissue toughness could negatively affect percent LBP and can be investigated

131

as one of the important bran physical properties that directly affect bran starch content in LBP
and percent LBP in further studies.

4.5 CONCLUSIONS
A strong negative correlation between percent LBP and bran starch content was found for
studied soft wheats varieties. This result confirms that a greater proportion of milled large bran
particles upon milling indicating a cleaner separation between wheat outer layers and endosperm
tissue, and therefore less bran starch present in milled bran particles. Significant varietal and
environmental differences in bran thickness, non-cellulosic sugar distribution, BFA and BFA to
xylose ratio were found. Variety Aubrey was found to have the lowest percent LBP, highest bran
starch content, thickest milled bran tissue and outer layers, and the lowest BFA content and ratio
of BFA to xylose. The low degree of AX cross-linking could be the reason why Aubrey had the
greatest proportion of small bran particles produced upon milling and the highest bran starch
content in LBP. Bran particles of variety Aubrey and D8006 grown in 2011 were 20-30 m
thinner than particles from the respective varieties grown in 2009 and 2010, which indicates that
environmental conditions in 2011 could be interesting to investigate for selection of a wheat
variety that has a high percent of LBP and better milling quality.
The dominant neutral saccharides (arabinose, xylose and glucose) in wheat bran can be
potential indicators of wheat varieties with desired percent LBP or bran starch content in LBP.
Relationship among bran thickness, bran chemical composition, and bran starch content were
investigated for the first time in the present study. Bran starch content was found to positively
correlate with bran thickness (P = 0.028), and negatively correlate with BFA (P = 0.049) and
BFA/xylose (P = 0.05). Low toughness and low friability of bran could be key bran physical

132

properties that lead to a high percent of LBP and a low bran starch content in LBP upon wheat
milling,, because low bran toughness was found to associate with low tissue thickness in a
previous study, and bran tissue with low friability can slide and reorient during material
deformation. Increased polymer mobility in the cell wall network by high levels of AX crosslinking could result in increased extensibility and decreased friability of the bran (Greffeuille et
al 2006).
Based on observations of SEM micrographs, outer wheat tissues, including the pericarp
and seed coats and the single-cell-thick aleurone layer can be distinguished. Outer tissues were
peeled off the endosperm tissue during the milling process, and were deformed and compressed
with a portion of endosperm tissue. Bran starch granules were randomly distributed on or in
between layers of the pericarp-seed coats tissues in the bran. The wheat variety with a thicker
milled bran tissue measured by micrometer, was found to have thicker outer layers of its wheat
kernel, measured on SEM image.
Bran thickness, non-cellulosic sugar and bound ferulic acid could be used to predict
percent LBP and bran starch content in LBP. A prediction equation for bran starch content was
developed and about 47% variation could be explained based on the examined bran
characteristics. However further tests on a wider range of soft wheat samples are required to
validate the relationships between bran starch and bran characteristics. These characteristics can
be potential target traits for breeders to select for and breed new wheat varieties with enhanced
physical resistance and high percent LBP or wheat varieties with desired bran starch content
produced after milling. Although bran extensibility regulated by ferulic acid could be one of the
main elements controlling bran mechanical properties and percent LBP, it is expected that there
are other contributing variables, to be identified for improvement of the predictive equation for

133

bran starch content and percent LBP. Even though the viability of bran starch content and
percent LBP have not been fully understood, it is confirmed that the effects of AX cross linking
by ferulic acid can be a key component in studying the different effects of AX in structure and
function relationships. It is also necessary to understand environmental effects on the difference
in AX structure, biochemical composition and bran thickness to define possible targets for plant
breeding. Potential genetic control of the variation in AX structure, biochemical composition,
and bran thickness among wheat varieties can be used to produce new types of wheat with
improved processing properties and desired bran starch quantity.

134

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Palm Springs, CA.
Liu, Y., and Ng, P. 2012. Physicochemical properties of bran starches and endosperm starches of
soft wheat grown in Michigan. AACC international annual meeting. Hollywood, FL.
Lucas, P. W, Darwell, B. W., Lee, P. K. D., Yuen, T. D. B., and Choong, M. F. 1995. The
toughness of plant cell walls. Philosophical Transactions-Royal Society of London.
Biological Sci. 328:363-372.
Maes, C., and Delcour, J. A. 2002. Structual characterization of water-extractable and waterunextractable arabinoxylans in wheat bran. J. Cereal Sci. 35:315-326.
Melton, L. D., and Smith, B. G. 2001. Determination of neutral sugars by gas chromatography of
their alditol acetates. Current Protocols in Food Analytical Chem. E3.2.1-E3.2.13.
Peyron, S., Abecassis, J., Autran, J. C., and Rouau, X., 2001. Enzymatic oxidative treatments of
wheat bran layers: effects on ferulic acid composition and mechanical properties. J. Agric.
Food Chem. 49:4694-4699.
Parker, M. L., Ng, A., and Waldron, K. W. 2005. The phenolic acid and polysaccharaides
composition of cell walls of bran layers of mature heat (Triticum astivum L.cv.Avalon)
grains. J. Sci. Food Agric. 85:2539-2547.
Peyron, S., Chaurand, M., Rouau, X., Abecassis, J., 2002a. Relationship between bran
mechanical properties and milling behaviour of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.).
Influence of tissue thickness and cell wall structure. J. Cereal Sci. 36:377-386.
Peyron, S., Abecassis, J., Autran, J. C., Rouau, X., 2002b. Influence of UV exposure on phenolic
acid content, mechanical properties of bran, and milling behavior of durum wheat (Triticum
durum desf.). Cereal Chem. 79:726-731.
Renger, A., and Steinhart, H. 2000. Ferulic acid dehydrodimers as structural elements in cereal
dietary fiber. Eur. Food Res. Technol. 211:422-428.
Rombouts, F. M., and Thibault, J. F. 1986. Feruloylated pectic substances from sugar-beet pulp.
Carbohydr. Res. 154:177-187.
Shopfer, P., Lapierre, C., and Nolte, T. 2001. Light-controlled growth of the maize seedling
mesocotyl: Mechanical cell-wall changes in the elongation zone and related changes in
lignification. Physiol Plantarum 111:83-92.
Waldron, K. W., Smith, A. C., Parr, A. J., Ng, A., and Parker, M. L. 1997. New approaches to
understanding and controlling cell separation in relation to fruit and vegetable texture.
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137

Waldron, K. W., Ng, A., Parker, M. L., and Parr, A. J. 1997. Ferulic acid dehydrodimers in the
cell walls of Beta vulgaris and their possible role in texture. J. Sci. Food Agric. 74:221-228.

138

CHAPTER 5 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS

139

Isolation methods by alkaline extraction were developed to obtain bran starch and
endosperm starch from the milled bran fraction and milled flour fraction, respectively, of
Michigan-grown soft wheat varieties. A higher starch recovery was obtained from endosperm
flour than from milled bran. Protein contents for all isolated starch samples were less than 0.36%.
Starch damage contents were less than 2.5%, which indicates that the grinding step during
isolation did not cause further starch damage. The structures and properties of bran starch
samples of the three studied varieties were distinct from those of the counterpart endosperm.
Bran starch was found to have a higher percent of small granules, higher amylose content, higher
crystallinity, broader gelatinization temperature range, higher enthalpy of gelatinization, lower
retrogradation, and lower pasting peak and setback viscosities than its counterpart endosperm
starch. A-type X-ray diffraction patterns were found for both bran starch and endosperm starch.
Bran starch of variety Aubrey had the highest crystallinity (21.75%) and gelatinization
temperature (62.9° Bran starch of variety D8006 had the highest percent B-type granules
C).
(37.88%) and lowest retrogradation (21.7%).
The bran starch consisted of amylopectin that had more short branch-chains than did the
counterpart endosperm starch. Bran starch had a broader gelatinization temperature range, which
is related to the presence of a greater proportion of small granules. Bran starch had a lower
degree of retrogradation than endosperm starch, and this may be due to a higher percent of short
branch-chains and lower percent of long branch-chains in the amylopectin molecule structure.
SEM images revealed small and large starch granules present in bran starch after starch isolation,
with a greater proportion of small granules in bran starch. Bran starch had lower peak,
breakdown and setback viscosities than endosperm starch, which may be due to the greater
proportion of small granules present in bran starch, considering that there were no significant

140

differences in lipid content among the different starches. The lower viscosities may also be
related to the higher amylose content of bran starch, which is associated with less granule
swelling. Amylopectin molecules of bran starch had more branch chains of degree of
polymerization (DP) 6-12 and fewer branch chains of DP 25-36 than did the amylopectin of the
counterpart endosperm starch, which may explain the lower degree of retrogradation of bran
starch compared to endosperm starch. Results showed that the structures and properties of bran
starches and their counterpart endosperm starches were distinct from each other, which suggests
that their commercial end-use applications could be different.
Relationships among bran thickness, bran chemical composition, and bran starch content
were investigated for the first time in present research. A strong negative correlation between
percent large bran particles (LBP) and bran starch content was found in the wheat varieties
studied. This result confirmed that greater proportion of milled large bran particles upon milling
indicates a cleaner separation between wheat outer layers and endosperm tissue therefore less
bran starch present in milled bran particles. Significant varietal and environmental differences in
bran thickness, non-cellulosic sugar distribution, bound ferulic acid (BFA) and BFA to xylose
ratio were found. Variety Aubrey was found to have the lowest percent LBP, highest bran starch
content, thickest milled bran tissue and outer layers, and lowest BFA content and ratio of BFA to
xylose. Varieties Caledonia and D8006 had similar averaged values of bran starch content that
were much lower than that of Aubrey. Bran particles of varieties Aubrey and D8006 grown in
2011 were 20-30 m thinner than of those grown in 2009 and 2010. The neutral saccharide
profile of the wheat bran of all three varieties was dominated by arabinose, xylose and glucose,
while mannose and galactose were minor. Variety D8006 had much lower levels of arabinose

141

and xylose in year 2009 than in the other years, therefore the total noncellulosic sugars of D8006
in year 2009 was lowest among the three studied crop years.
Bran starch content was found to positively correlate with bran thickness, and negatively
correlate with BFA and BFA to xylose ratio. The defined relationship between percent LBP and
factors, including bran thickness, BFA, and xylose content, can explain about 50% of variation in
the percent LBP. The defined relationship between bran starch content and studied factors can
explain about 47% of variation in bran starch content of the studied wheat samples.
Based on observations on SEM micrographs, wheat outer tissues including pericarp, seed
coats, and aleurone layer could be distinguished. Outer tissues were peeled off the endosperm
tissue during the milling process, and deformed and compressed with portion of endosperm
tissue. Milled bran tissue is about twice as thick as intact outer layers of a wheat kernel based on
scanning electron micrographs. The added thickness could relate to adherent endosperm remnant
part, space between outer layers formed upon milling, and swelling of milled bran tissue upon
moisture adjustment to 17%. The single-cell thick aleurone layer was not apparent in the
micrograph of milled bran strips. Bran starch granules were randomly distributed on or in
between the pericarp-seed coats tissues in the bran. The variety with high bran thickness value
was found to have thick outer layers in SEM micrographs as well.
The unique properties of bran starch found in the current study suggest that bran starch
could be used for different applications in the food industry. The wider gelatinization
temperature range, lower pasting peak viscosity, and lower retrogradation level compared to
endosperm starch make wheat bran starch a potentially new functional ingredient. Bran starch
could have more flexibility under cooking conditions with a wider range of cooking temperature.
Lower pasting viscosity could make materials containing bran starch flow more easily in a

142

pipeline and therefore enhance processability during food production. Lower retrogradation
properties of bran starch could be beneficial for shelf life extension innovation. Bran starch, with
its proportionally more small granules, might be suitable for non-food applications such as
making plastic film filler.
Bran starch has great potential to play the same role in the food industry that chemically
modified starch does and, at the same time, maximize the utilization of the bran fraction obtained
from the wheat milling process. Bran starch would be a better functional ingredient alternative
over chemically modified starch, since it is naturally derived and easy to obtain from the bran
through a wet milling process.
The present research established the relationships between bran starch and bran tissue,
and provided some possible reasons for why bran starch content varies among wheat varieties.
Results obtained provide valuable comparative information about varietal and environmental
effects for breeders interested in development of new wheat varieties that provide desired bran
starch quantity and type for different applications, and bran properties with enhanced physical
resistance during milling. The impacts of variety and environment on studied factors that
contribute to bran starch content and percent LBP should be investigated by breeders to develop
new wheat varieties that will provide enhanced bran physical resistance or desired ban starch
content for specific food applications. The results from this research are also helpful for millers
to manipulate the milling process to produce milled bran fractions with higher percent large bran
particles or desired bran starch content. Beneficial properties of bran confirmed in this research
indicate that applications of bran starch can add great commercial value to the milled bran
fraction, and therefore in the long run, bran utilization can eventually be improved.

143

CHAPTER 6 FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS

144

1. Bran starch was found to have unique characteristics compared to endosperm starch. The
amylose content of starch is generally proportional to the granule size and maturity of the
starch, and large starch granules are usually high in amylose content. Based on findings in
the current study and previous relevant research, starch isolated from wheat bran had more
small granules and higher amylose content, which could be due to different composition
and properties of starch granules in bran starch compared to starch isolated from the
counterpart endosperm. It is recommended to isolate A-type (large starch granules) and Btype (small starch granules) starch granules from bran starch and endosperm starch, and to
investigate whether small and large granules in these two type of starches are different in
composition and physicochemical properties.
2. Wheat varieties studied and their environmental growing conditions were subject to
availability of samples grown in the studied crop years. A wider range of soft wheat
samples could be used to validate the relationships established in the current study between
bran starch and percent large bran particles (LBP) and bran characteristics.
3. Although bran extensibility was confirmed to be regulated by ferulic acid, which is the
main element controlling bran mechanical properties and percent LBP, it is recommended
to find other contributing variables to fully predict percent LBP and bran starch content.
4. Bound ferulic acid was found to have a strong relationship with bran particle size and bran
starch in the current study. Previous studies reported that ferulic acid content varies among
the different histological tissues of wheat grain, with the aleurone layer having the highest
concentration of ferulic acid. About 70% of the aleurone layer consists of arabinoxylans
(AX) and their degree of cross-linking is the main element controlling bran mechanical
properties. It is recommended to determine AX and bound ferulic acid distribution in

145

different wheat bran outer layer tissues (the aleurone layer and pericarp) after hand
dissection. Understanding the contributions of each tissue layer to the overall mechanical
properties of bran and their relationships to bran starch content is recommended.
5. Significant differences in bound ferulic acid concentrations were found among studied
wheat bran samples. A positive correlation was found between bound ferulic acid and bran
particle size. The majority of bound ferulic acid is in the form of dehydrodiferulic acid
(DiFA), which is the direct cross linker for arabinoxylan cross-linking and largely controls
the bran’s extensibility. It is recommended to determine DiFA concentration in wheat bran
and confirm that arabinoxylan cross-linking controls bran extensibility and affects bran
starch content upon milling.

146

APPENDICES

147

APPENDIX A
SOFTNESS EQUIVALENCE AND FLOUR YIELD OF SOFT WHEAT VARIETIES GROWN
IN MICHIGAN

Softness equivalence is a measurement that indicates friability of the endosperm of the
kernel and is an indicator of break flour yield and ease of separation between endosperm and
outer layer tissues. If milled flour has smaller particle size and greater break flour yield, the
wheat grain from which this flour was milled should have greater softness equivalence. In other
words, a high friability of endosperm indicates better milling efficiency and reduced energy
requirements to recover flour. Means of softness equivalent values of 44 varieties grown at three
locations in 2008 (Figure A-1) showed a wide spectrum ranging from 47 to 67. Flour yield
ranged from 68 to 73.2% (Figure A-2). Five varieties (Table A-1) of the 44 varieties were
selected for determination of relationships between bran starch and percent LBP (Appendix B)
and were subject to availability of samples grown in the studied environment.

148

35.0

% of LBP

30.0
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
45.0

50.0

55.0
60.0
65.0
Softness Equivalent

70.0

Figure A-1. Relationship between milled large bran particles (LBP) and softness equivalent
value based on mean values of 44 soft wheat genotypes grown at three locations in 2008 and
milled on a Buhler laboratory mill MLU-202.

149

35.0

% LBP

30.0
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
65.0

67.0

69.0
71.0
Flour Yield (%)

73.0

75.0

Figure A-2. Relationship between large bran particles (LBP) and flour yield based on mean
values of 44 Soft Wheat Genotypes grown at three locations in 2008.

150

Table A-1 Means of softness equivalent and flour yield of selected soft wheat varieties grown at
three locations in 2008
Softness
Flour
Variety
Equivalent Yield
(%)
(%)
E5017
Ambassador
D8006
Aubrey
Caledonia

56.5
59.3
61.6
59.8
58.9

151

72.0
72.5
73.2
70.8
72.1

APPENDIX B
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRAN STARCH AND PERCENT LARGE BRAN PARTICLES
IN SOFT WHEAT GROWN IN MICHIGAN

ABSTRACT
Health benefits of dietary fiber in the human diet have been well-documented. Wheat
bran is a major source of fiber as an ingredient in cereal-based products. During wheat milling,
bran is separated from the endosperm, though a clean separation is not possible as there is always
some starch adherent to the bran (namely, bran starch). The particle size of the milled bran,
amount of bran starch, and composition of the bran starch could all play important roles in the
processing of cereal-based foods and, in turn, quality of the end-products. The aims of this study
were to investigate the relationships among bran size, bran starch content, and dietary fiber
content in different Michigan soft wheat varieties, and to develop a method to isolate starch from
wheat bran. Bran samples were obtained from laboratory milling of 17 soft wheat varieties that
were each grown at three locations in Michigan in three crop years. Sifted bran fractions
containing particles larger than 2 mm (large bran particles, LBP) were collected and weighed.
Starch contents of LBP, milled flour and bran fractions, and dietary fiber content of waterwashed LBP were determined by Megazyme kits. Two isolation methods were investigated for
isolating both endosperm starch and bran starch. Five varieties with relatively high crop yield
and milling softness equivalence were chosen from the 17 varieties. Percent LBP and bran starch
content were found to be significantly different (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.0019, respectively) among
the five varieties. A negative correlation was found between percent LBP and bran starch content
(r = 0.93). No significant differences were found in soluble and insoluble fiber contents among
the five varieties. Bran starch was obtained by alkaline extraction, with 84.97% of starch

152

recovered. These findings provide a foundation for comparing properties of bran starch with
endosperm starch from the same wheat sample.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Milled bran samples from five different varieties (E0028, Aubrey, E5017, Caledonia and
D8006) of soft wheat grown in five environments (06 Midland, 06 Saginaw, 06 Sanilac, 07
Sanilac, 08 Sanilac) were used.
Sifted milled bran fractions containing large bran particles (LBP, > 2 mm) were obtained
according to the method described in section 4.3.2. Bran starch content in LBP was determined
in triplicate according to the method described in section 3.3.3. Soluble and insoluble fiber
contents were determined using Megazyme kit methods (Megazyme International Ireland Ltd. Co.,
Wicklow, Ireland, 2006) in triplicate.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Percentage of large bran particles (LBP) (Figure B-1) and the mean of bran starch content
(Fig.II-2) were each found to be significantly different (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.0019, respectively)
among the five varieties. A negative correlation was found between percentage of LBP and bran
starch content (Figure B-3) (r = 0.93). No significant differences were found in soluble and
insoluble fiber contents among the five varieties (Figure B-4 and Figure B-5). These findings
provide a foundation for comparing properties of bran starch with endosperm starch from the
same wheat sample. Greater proportion of LBP associated with low bran starch content in LBP
might due to clean separation between bran and endosperm tissue for LBP particles with less
bran contamination in the flour fraction during milling. The negative correlation found between

153

percent LBP and bran starch content of LBP is critical knowledge for investigating the
relationship between bran starch and bran characteristics, since bran particle size was confirmed
to be associated with bran physical properties. A strong positive correlation between extensibility
of the wheat grain outer layers and the proportion of larger size (> 2mm) coarse bran was
reported by Greffeuille and coworkers (2006). Thus bran physical properties such as extensibility
can be considered as a controlling factor responsible for variation in bran starch content of LBP.

154

40.00

30.00
% LBP

25.00

bc

ab

35.00
a

27.50

a

bc

30.38

28.03

23.83
20.29

20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
0.00
E0028

Aubrey

D8006W

Caledonia

5017

Variety
Figure B-1. Percent large bran particles (LBP) for five studied soft wheat varieties. Error bars
represent standard errors. The treatments marked with the same letters are not significantly
different from each other (P > 0.05).

155

% (w/w) Starch adherent to LBP

50.00

40.00
26.35

a
b
28.26

b
c
29.23

5017

Caledonia

D8006W
Variety

a
30.00

bc

c

29.56

30.99

Aubrey

E0028

20.00

10.00

0.00

Figure B-2. Mean starch contents of large bran particles (LBP) for five milled soft wheat
varieties. Error bars represent standard errors. The treatments marked with the same letters are
not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05).

156

32
r = 0.93

% LBP

31
30
29
28
27
26
15.00

20.00
25.00
30.00
% (w/w) Starch Adherent to LBP

35.00

Figue B-3. Relationship between percent large bran particles (LBP) and LBP bran starch content
mean of five milled soft wheat varieties.

157

%Insoluble Fiber (db) of LBP

70.00
65.00
60.00

a

55.00

50.59

52.04

Aubrey

E0028

a
54.27

a

a

a
56.54

58.43

Caledonia

5017

50.00
45.00
40.00
35.00
30.00
D8006W
Variety

Figure B-4. Percent insoluble fiber means of large bran particles (LBP) for five studied soft
wheat varieties. Error bars represent standard errors. The treatments marked with the same letters
are not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05).

158

%Soluble Fiber (db) of LBP

5.00
4.50
4.00
3.50
3.00
2.50
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00

a

a

2.33

2.47

2.59

Aubrey

Caledonia
Variety

D8006W

a
a
2.06

E0028

a
2.94

5017

Figure B-5. Percent soluble fiber means of large bran particles (LBP) for five studied soft wheat
varieties. Error bars represent standard errors. The treatments marked with the same letters are
not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05).

159

APPENDIX C
EFFECT OF PRECONDITIONING GRAIN MOISTURE LEVEL ON PRODUCTS OF A DRY
MILLING PROCESS

Characteristics of milled bran can be affected by the milling process. A study as designed
to examine the effects of moisture level to which wheat grain is tempered prior to milling. A
wheat sample was tempered up to three different moisture levels for the same period of time and
milled using the same milling method. Table C-1 shows that wheat samples with different
tempering moisture level had different levels of percent LBP produced during milling with
higher tempering moisture resulting in higher percent LBP produced. In addition, break flour
yield decreased as tempering moisture increased. Total weight of milled bran fraction was also
increased by tempering at a higher moisture level.
It was noted that differences in bound ferulic acid specifically its dimer can lead to
variations in the water absorption capacity of cell walls, and thus affect a tissue’s mechanical
properties. As a result, milling performance can be different (Peryon 2002). So biochemical
composition of bran tissue is still the fundamental regulator of the milling performance when
different processing conditions are considered. Information from this study provides additional
reference for millers to manipulate the milling process in order to obtain desired milling quality
and high percent LBP fraction.

160

Table C-1 Effect of Tempering Moisture Level on Percent Large Bran Particles (LBP) in the
x
Milled Bran Fraction of Soft Wheat Variety Caledonia Grown at Allegan in 2010
Tempering
moisture
Break flour
y
% LBP
(%)
Bran yield (%)
(%)
13.5
17.15 ±0.07
35.05 ±0.64
28.34 ±1.94a
14.5
18.15 ±0.07
32.50 ±2.26
34.57 ±0.28b
15.5
19.55 ±0.21
32.10 ±0.99
37.55 ±0.15b
x
y

Values are means ±standard deviation.
Values marked with the same letters are not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05).

161

APPENDIX D
AMYLOSE CONTENTS OF BRAN STARCH AND ENDOSPERM STARCH ISOLATED BY
DIFFERENT ISOLATION METHODS

Amylose contents were determined for isolated starches using two different isolation
methods, alkaline extraction method and NaCl and toluene shaking method. Since there was not
much starch yield for endosperm starch isolation using the NaCl and toluene shaking method, no
results for endosperm starch isolated with this method was obtained. As shown in Table V-1,
amylose contents in bran starch isolated by both alkaline extraction and NaCl and toluene
shaking method were all higher than endosperm starch isolated by the alkaline method, which
was in agreement with results in Table 3.3, and confirmed that bran starch contained
significantly higher amylose than its counterpart endosperm starch. There was an elevated
amylose content of bran starch when isolating by alkaline extraction. The alkaline method could
possibly recover more amylose than the toluene shaking method, and identified the alkaline
method as having an advantage over the toluene shaking method for the objectives of the
research in the current study.

162

Table D-1 Amylose Contents of Bran Starch and Endosperm Starch, Isolated using Two
x,y
z
Different Methods , from Soft Wheat Variety Caledonia Grown at Huron in 2010
Amylose content (%)
x

Br starch
Br starch

y

En Starch
En Starch
x
y
z

x
y

17.80 ± 3.01
20.90 ± 0.69
–––
13.41 ± 2.61

Starch isolated by 0.5 M NaCl and toluene according to Xie et al (2008).
Starch isolated by alkaline extraction described in section 3.3.2.
Values are means ±standard deviation. Br: bran; En: endosperm.

163

APPENDIX E
RESISTANT STARCH CONTENTS IN BRAN STARCH AND ENDOSPERM STARCH
ISOLATED FROM THREE WHEAT VARIETIES

Resistant starch contents in bran starch and counterpart endosperm starch isolated from
three soft wheat varieties (Aubrey, Caledonia, and D8006) grown at Lenawee in 2011 by alkaline
extraction method (Figure.3.1) were determined by Megazyme kit methods (Megazyme
International Ireland Ltd. Co., Wicklow, Ireland, 2006). No significant differences in resistant

starch content were found among all three varieties or between counterpart starches of each
variety (Table D-1). The percent resistant starch present in bran starch and endosperm starch of
studied soft wheat varieties was very low, less than 0.3%. This finding was different from what
has previously been reported (9.49% in bran starch) in Xie et al (2003). Since starches in the
present study were all native starch, it is reasonable for them to be very low in resistant starch
content. It was reported that flour (unknown wheat variety) has 3% resistant starch (Sajilata et al
2006). Resistant starch contents measured in current study were lower than this reported flour
resistant starch content, and might be due to variations among wheat varieties. During isolation
method development of the present research, resistant starch contents of isolated bran starch and
endosperm starch were found to be less than 1% as well (Appendix V). After hydrolysis of nonresistant starch by enzymes (α-amylase and amyloglucosidase) at 37° for 16 hr, very little white
C
starch was observed in the centrifuge tube. Even with increased centrifugation force to 12,900 ×
g, the quantities of resistant starch isolated were still very low. There was no significant
difference found between the resistant starch content of bran starch and that of endosperm starch,
with only trace amount isolated from each.

164

Table E-1 Resistant Starch Content in Bran Starch and Endosperm Starch Isolated from Three
x
Soft Wheat Varieties
Sample

Resistant Starch (%)

Br-Aubrey
En-Aubrey
Br-Caledonia
En-Caledonia
Br-D8006
En-D8006

0.31 ±0.00a
0.27 ±0.02a
0.29 ±0.01a
0.30 ±0.02a
0.28 ±0.02a
0.27 ±0.00a

x

Values are means ±standard deviation. Values marked with the same letter are not
significantly different from each other (P > 0.05). Comparisons were conducted between Br and
En starches within the same variety. Br: bran starch; En: endosperm starch.

165

LITERATURE CITED

166

LITERATURE CITED

Greffeuille, V., Abecassis, J., Lapierre, C., and Lullien-Pellerin, V. 2006. Bran size distribution
at milling and mechanical and biochemical characterization of common wheat grain outer
layers: a relationship assessment. Cereal Chem. 83:641-646.
Peyron, S., Chaurand, M., Rouau, X., Abecassis, J., 2002. Relationship between bran mechanical
properties and milling behaviour of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). Influence of tissue
thickness and cell wall structure. J. Cereal Sci. 36:377-386.

167