Modification of carbohydrates using continuous generation of hydroxyl radicals.

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods for modifying carbohydrates using hydroxyl radicals. The hydroxyl radicals may be formed by the photolysis of peroxide in aqueous solution using UV light. Also disclosed are compositions and products comprising carbohydrates modified by the process. The method for modifying a carbohydrate comprises forming a carbohydrate slurry with a solvent and reacting the carbohydrate with hydroxyl radicals, wherein the hydroxyl radicals are continuously generated by the photolysis of peroxide in aqueous solution using UV light, the ratio of UV light to peroxide is in the range of about 20-500 watts / g, the ratio of peroxide weight relative to carbohydrate weight is in the range of about 0.1 to 2.5% wt / wt, and the pH of the slurry is maintained between 7 to 11.