Novel biomaterials from improved understanding of the structure of starch

淀粉的微观结构，包括两种聚合物的葡萄糖：直链淀粉（线性，除了一些长分支）和支链淀粉（具有复杂的树状结构），是由一个高维函数描述。该项目研究了完整微观结构的简化测量，例如如果所有链接都被切断，则长度分布，以及取决于完整架构的属性，例如粘弹性响应和粘附。理论，模拟和神经网络将被用来指导实验，以阐明部分结构措施控制的财产。成果将包括帮助生物技术创造改良生物材料的手段，以及帮助植物育种者提高食品质量。

The microstructure of starch, comprising two polymers of glucose: amylose (linear, except for a few long branches) and amylopectin (with a complex tree-like architecture), is described by a high-dimensional function. This project examines simplified measures of the full microstructure, such as the distribution of lengths if all links were cut, and also properties which depend on the full architecture, such as viscoelastic response and adhesion. Theory, simulation and neural networks will be used to guide experiments to elucidate which partial structure measures control which property. Outcomes will include means of helping biotechnology create improved biomaterials, and plant breeders to improve food quality.