Pregelatinized starch, a specially processed modified starch, shows broad application prospects and unique performance advantages in multiple industries. This article provides a detailed introduction to pregelatinized starch from aspects such as its definition, properties, application fields, and preparation processes.

　　Pregelatinized starch is a modified starch obtained by chemically or mechanically breaking down starch granules partially or completely. This process makes the starch granules smaller and more water-absorbent, thus giving it excellent properties such as thickening, stability, adhesion, and film-forming. Pregelatinized starch is usually a white or off-white powder, odorless and tasteless, with good fluidity and compressibility.

　　Application Fields

　　Food Industry: Pregelatinized starch plays an important role in the food industry, often used in the preparation of starch-based foods such as candies, biscuits, and instant noodles. Its gelatinization properties can increase the viscosity and texture of food, improving the overall taste. It can also be used as a stabilizer, thickener, and emulsifier in food, improving food quality and shelf life.

　　Pharmaceutical Field: In the pharmaceutical industry, pregelatinized starch is widely used in the preparation of tablets as a binder, and in ointments and capsules as a filler. It can increase the flowability and stability of drugs, making tablets have good solubility and disintegration properties. In addition, pregelatinized starch is often used as a dispersant and thickener in the preparation of oral liquids or enteric-coated capsules.

　　Cosmetics: Pregelatinized starch also has wide applications in the cosmetics field. It is often used as a stabilizer in lotions and creams, increasing the thickness and viscosity of the product, making it easier to apply and absorb. It can also be used as a thickener in hair styling products, providing a more lasting styling effect.

　　Textiles and Papermaking: In the textile and papermaking industries, pregelatinized starch is often used as a binder for textiles and a thickener for paper coatings. It can increase the softness and gloss of textiles and improve their durability and washability. In the papermaking industry, pregelatinized starch can increase the strength and water resistance of paper and improve printing effects.

　　The preparation process of pregelatinized starch mainly includes two methods: physical and chemical. The physical method mainly uses heating and extrusion to break down starch granules; while the chemical method may involve the use of cross-linking agents and other chemicals. The specific preparation process will be adjusted according to different application fields and performance requirements. For example, the preparation of food-grade pregelatinized starch usually does not involve the use of harmful additives; while pharmaceutical-grade pregelatinized starch pays more attention to the purity and safety of the product.

　　In summary, pregelatinized starch, as an important modified starch product, shows broad application prospects and unique performance advantages in many fields such as food, medicine, cosmetics, textiles, and papermaking. With the advancement of technology and the continuous improvement of processes, the preparation process of pregelatinized starch will become more efficient and environmentally friendly, and its application fields will be further expanded.