Effects on Starch Properties and Application in Functional Foods of Konjac Glucomannan

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a kind of excellent food additive and also be used for the modification of biological macromolecules. Starch is an important natural macromolecule that provides energy for the human body, while it has regenerate easily, weak shear resistance, heat instability and other defects. Physical method has the characteristics of convenience, environmental protection and low cost, and is commonly used to modify starch properties in food industry. Herein, this paper introduces the research progress of starch modification by KGM, and summarizes the beneficial improvements of rheological properties, regeneration properties and digestive properties of starch modification by KGM. In addition, the application of KGM in functional foods, such as active substance delivery, diet food, and disease-prevention food are also systematically reviewed. This work would provide a scientific basis for starch modification by KGM and a new strategy for the development of functional foods.