Maize (amylose content, 23%) and cassava starches (amylose content, 21%) , respectively, and potato starch, with an amylose content of 17%. The moisture content for starches was determined using a moisture analyzer. All other chemicals used in the present work are reagent grade and commercially available. AM, EC with 20–30 centipoise viscosity, stearic acid and sodium hydroxide. N-MBA. CAN and ethanol