Enhancing the characteristics of bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) starch aerogels through cold plasma treatment and physical cross-linking

This study concentrated on the fabrication and evaluation of four types of aerogels derived from bitter vetch ( Vicia ervilia ) starch (BVS). These include the conventional native starch aerogel (CNSA), the conventional plasma-treated starch aerogel (CPSA), the physically cross-linked native starch aerogel (PNSA), and the physically cross-linked plasma-treated starch aerogel (PPSA). Cold plasma treatment caused notable modifications in the properties of BVS starch, while leaving its functional groups unchanged, as verified by Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. Rheological assessments (G′ and G″) indicated that starch treated with plasma developed a weak gel, whereas scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images displayed surface cavities and fissures caused by plasma etching. Despite the crystalline structure being preserved, there was a slight reduction in crystallinity from 21% to 19%. Textural evaluation demonstrated a decrease in springiness following plasma treatment. Subsequent to these processes, aerogels were produced utilizing both native and cold plasma-treated BVS via conventional and physical cross-linking methods. SEM images revealed a porous structure in aerogels that was developed due to water evaporation during the freeze-drying process. FT-IR spectra exhibited the majority of characteristic bands, although some were absent, likely as a result of gelatinization. X-ray diffraction revealed that the aerogels were more amorphous in nature compared to their starch precursors. PPSA demonstrated the highest hardness, the greatest surface area, the least mass loss following a week of water immersion, and exceptional thermal properties. These results indicate that the integration of cold plasma treatment with physical cross-linking markedly enhances the functional and structural attributes of BVS aerogels, highlighting their potential for advanced material applications.