Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Starch by a Colorimetric Method

Abstract

Abstract A method for the qualitative and quantitative determination of low amounts of starch and its components, amylose and amylopectin, was worked out. It combines the extraction of starch with HCI, staining with KJ/J2 and measurement of the absorbancies at two wavelengths, 605 and 530 nm, the absorption maxima of amylose and amylopectin, respectively. The determination of the amylose fraction and the quantification of the starch were done according to two evaluated equations. Phenolic substances did not influence the method. The method proved to be useful for sensitive starch determination and characterisation in plant material.