Abstract: The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the preparation conditions of oxidized potato starch acetate. On the basis of one-factor-at-a-time experiments, a 29-run Box-Behnken experimental design involving 4 variables at 3 levels was used for mathematical modeling of substitution degree (SD) with respect to NaClO amount, acetic anhydride amount, pH and reaction time. The optimal reaction conditions for improved SD were NaClO amount 1.805%, starch/acetic anhydride ratio 5:1 (m/m), pH 8.06 and reaction time 1.5 h, resulting in an SD of 0.0975.

Key words: potato starch, oxidized, acetate, response surface methodology (RSM)