Use of a high shear mechanical device in a process for production of
starch hydrolysate by reacting starch with a hydrolytic agent makes
possible a decrease in mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing
production of starch hydrolysate. A system for production of starch
hydrolysate is also provided in which a reactor is configured to receive
the output from a high shear device, which is configured to receive a
starch and lysing reagent. The high shear device is configured to
generate a fine dispersion or emulsion of lysing.