Pregelatinized starch, a specially processed modified starch, demonstrates unique value and broad application prospects in multiple fields. This starch, through chemical, mechanical, or enzymatic methods, partially or completely ruptures the original starch granules, thereby improving its solubility, expansibility, and plasticity.

　　I. Preparation Methods of Pregelatinized Starch

　　The preparation methods of pregelatinized starch are diverse, mainly including physical, chemical, and enzymatic methods. Among them, enzymatic methods are increasingly valued for their environmentally friendly and efficient characteristics. These methods each have advantages, but the common goal is to change the structure of the starch granules, thereby giving them new properties.

　　II. Main Characteristics of Pregelatinized Starch

　　High Expansibility: Pregelatinized starch, when encountering water, can rapidly expand to form a stable colloidal structure, which is of great significance for improving the texture and taste of food.

　　Good Stability: The pre-treated starch maintains good stability under various environmental conditions and is not easily degraded or denatured.

　　Low Viscosity: Compared with untreated starch, pregelatinized starch has lower viscosity, making it more flexible and convenient in some applications.

　　III. Application Fields of Pregelatinized Starch

　　Food Industry: In food, pregelatinized starch can be used as a thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent to improve the taste and texture of food. In addition, it is being researched for application in the development of new foods such as pressed candies and compressible foods.

　　Pharmaceutical Field: In the pharmaceutical industry, pregelatinized starch is commonly used as a binder, diluent, and disintegrant for oral tablets and capsules. It can effectively bind drug components together and rapidly disintegrate after ingestion, releasing the drug components.

　　Other Fields: Pregelatinized starch is also widely used in papermaking and textile industries as a binder, filler, or enhancer to improve product quality and performance.

　　IV. Precautions

　　Although pregelatinized starch has many advantages and wide applications, the following points should be noted during use:

　　Avoid ingesting large amounts of pregelatinized starch orally to avoid adverse effects on the body.

　　Select the appropriate type and amount of pregelatinized starch according to the specific application scenario.

　　During storage, keep it sealed and dry to avoid dampness and contamination.

　　In summary, pregelatinized starch, as a functional material, demonstrates its unique value and potential in multiple fields. With the continuous advancement of technology and in-depth research, it is believed that the application range of pregelatinized starch will become wider and deeper.