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Abstract

Germination represents a vital bioprocess characterized by numerous biochemical transformations that significantly influence the nutritional characteristics of rice. The mobilization of starch and lipids during germination plays a pivotal role in altering the dietary profile of rice, thus potentially addressing the nutritional requirements of populations heavily reliant on rice as a staple food. To explore this potential, a comprehensive analysis encompassing lipidomics and starch composition was conducted on a diverse collection of pigmented rice sprouts. High-resolution mass spectrometry unveiled substantial shifts in the lipidome of pigmented rice sprouts, showcasing a notable enrichment in carotenoids and unsaturated triglycerides, with potential human health benefits. Notably, purple rice sprouts exhibited heightened levels of alpha- and beta-carotene. Analysis of starch composition revealed slight changes in amylose and amylopectin content; however, a consistent increase in digestible carbohydrates was observed across all rice varieties. Germination also led to a reduction in resistant starch content, with purple rice sprouts demonstrating a pronounced two-fold decrease (p < 0.05). These changes were corroborated by a 1.33% decrease in gelatinization enthalpy and a 0.40% reduction in the melting of the amylose-lipid complex. Furthermore, pasting property analysis indicated a substantial 42% decrease in the complexation index post-germination. We posit that the insights garnered from this study hold significant promise for the development of novel products enriched with health-promoting lipids and characterized by unique flour properties.