Wet milling of deoxynivalenol-contaminated wheat: Effect on physicochemical properties of starch

Background and objectives Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a water-soluble mycotoxin that contaminates cereals, causing a negative economic impact on producers. Wet milling is a process that separates plant components based on chemistry (starch, gluten, lipid, and fiber), which can result in profitable products for the ingredients market. This research aimed to compare the effectiveness of three laboratory-scale wet-milling processes (Martin, medium shear, and high shear) on the extraction and functionality of starch from wheat samples containing DON. Findings DON concentration in farina (3.0 mg/kg) and semolina (8.8 mg/kg) exceeded the security threshold for human consumption. After wet milling, DON was not detectable in the starch fraction. Starch produced from the medium shear process had significantly (p <= .05) lower protein contamination while transition temperatures significantly (p <= .05) decreased compared to the other two wet-milling procedures. Martin process resulted in the method with the greatest starch damage and significantly (p <= .05) different thermal and pasting properties when compared to medium and high shear processes. Conclusions The three laboratory-scale wet-milling processes were effective for obtaining starch free of DON. Depending on the wet-milling process applied, differences were detected regarding physical damage of the granules, and the proportion of A and B granules which impacted the viscous and thermal properties. Significance and novelty Wet milling provides a valuable alternative for the use of DON-contaminated grain in the industrial production of wheat starch.