Analysis of starch content and multi-scale structure of reconstituted cut stems in tobacco

On the basis of the relationship between the composition of the reconstituted cut stems and their functional positioning in the leaf formulation, this study improves the proportion of high-quality tobacco products by investigating the material basis of the effect of reconstituted cut stems on the quality of cigarette products, by characterizing the starch content, physicochemical properties, and characteristic structures of different components in tobacco products. The results showed that the starch content in reconstituted cut stems (4.93 ± 0.27%) was between high-quality tobacco leaves (4.48 ± 0.17%) and cut stems (5.13 ± 0.18%), indicating that the reduction of starch content during the processing of reconstituted cut stems is more conducive to the high-value treatment of reconstituted cut stems. At the same time, through the evaluation of the physico-chemical properties and multi-scale structural characteristics of starch particles, it was found that the starch of the reconstituted cut stems has a rock-like particle structure, and the short-range ordering on the surface increases, forming more ordered structural domains. In addition, the processed reconstituted cut stems increase the crystallinity of the starch. It also exhibits the typical B-type crystalline structure of starch, with stronger molecular chain interactions and high crystalline ordered arrangement. This study will provide technical guidance and theoretical support for improving the quality of reconstituted cut stems products, improving the bioavailability of tobacco products, reducing raw material costs, and effectively reducing the starch content of tobacco in the development of tobacco products.