Research Details

 

The search for sustainable, biodegradable materials has accelerated the exploration of plant-based biopolymers, particularly for applications in food and pharmaceutical systems. Among these, resistant starches are of growing interest due to their functional roles as dietary fibers, controlled-release carriers, and encapsulating agents in probiotic and drug delivery systems. Resistant starches not only enhance product stability and shelf-life but also contribute to gut health and metabolic regulation.

Dioscorea luzoniensis, locally known as kamangeg, is an underutilized yam species endemic to the Philippines. While traditionally consumed in some regions, its biochemical potential remains largely unexploited. Dioscorea species are known to contain diverse bioactive compounds, including allantoin, dopamine, choline, cholesterol, ergosterol, mannan, steroidal saponins, and starch. One of the key phytochemicals, dioscin, is abundantly found in the rhizome and is widely used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical raw materials, particularly steroidal hormones and contraceptives. However, the main constituent of Dioscorea is starch, which can comprise 20-60% of the plant’s biomass, depending on the species. Its low cost, biodegradability, and physicochemical versatility make it a promising raw material for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Additionally, the long-standing use of Dioscorea in traditional diets supports a strong safety profile and potential for regulatory acceptance in many countries. 

In this study, the starch derived from Dioscorea luzoniensis presents a promising opportunity for development into a natural biopolymer. Its resistant starch fraction, in particular, may exhibit the desired properties for microencapsulation of probiotics, a growing area of interest in functional food and nutraceutical development. Probiotic microencapsulation improves the survival of beneficial bacteria under harsh processing and gastrointestinal conditions, extending product efficacy and shelf life.

This study, therefore, aims to extract and characterize resistant starch from Dioscorea luzoniensis and assess its structural, functional, and encapsulation properties. By doing so, it contributes to the sustainable use of indigenous crops and provides new insights into their role in biopolymer-based delivery systems for probiotics and other bioactive compounds.