Effect of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment on physicochemical and 3D printing properties of wheat starch

In recent years, the focus has shifted towards carbohydrate-based hydrogels and their eco-friendly preparation methods. This study involved an investigation into the treatment of wheat starch using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma technology over varying time gradients (0, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min). The objective was to systematically examine the impact of different treatment durations on the physicochemical properties of wheat starch and the suitability of its gels for 3D printing. Morphology of wheat starch remained intact after DBD treatment. However, it led to a reduction in the amylose content, molecular weight, and crystallinity. This subsequently resulted in a decrease in the pasting temperature and viscosity. Moreover, the gels of the DBD-treated starch exhibited superior 3D printing performance. After a 2-min DBD treatment, the 3D printed samples of the wheat starch gel showed no significant improvements, as broken bars were evident on the surface of the 3D printed graphic, whereas DBD-20 showed better printing accuracy and surface structure, compared to the original starch without slumping. These results suggested that DBD technology holds potential for developing new starch-based gels with impressive 3D printing properties.