Linda M. Pollak
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1
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13
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1
About
Linda M. Pollak is a leading researcher in maize genetics and starch chemistry, with a focus on developing specialty corn varieties for industrial and nutritional applications. Her major contributions center on advancing methods to characterize starch composition, particularly amylose content, which is critical for breeding high-amylose corn used in biodegradable plastics, adhesives, and resistant starches for human health. Her most-cited work, "Amylose Determination of Native High‐Amylose Corn Starches by Differential Scanning Calorimetry" (2005), introduced a streamlined, efficient technique using DSC as an alternative to traditional iodine-binding methods, reducing analytical steps and enabling faster screening in breeding programs. This innovation has been cited 13 times and remains a practical tool for researchers and breeders. Pollak’s broader impact includes her role at the USDA-ARS, where she led efforts to develop corn germplasm with enhanced starch properties, contributing to sustainable agriculture and bio-based products. Her work bridges fundamental starch chemistry and applied plant breeding, making her a key figure in the field of specialty corn research.
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