This study aimed to fabricate and characterize fibers based on germinated and non-germinated wheat starches incorporated with titanium dioxide (TiO₂). Fibers made from germinated wheat starch (20% and 30%, w/v) and non-germinated wheat starch (20% and 30%, w/v), encapsulated with TiO₂ at concentrations of 0%, 3%, and 5% (w/v), were fabricated by electrospinning. The polymeric solutions were evaluated for electrical conductivity and rheology. Fibers were characterized by morphology, size distribution, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared spectra. The electrical conductivity of the polymeric solutions increased with TiO₂ concentration. Rheological parameters showed non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior. The fibers exhibited homogeneous and cylindrical morphology. TiO₂ addition reduced the diameter of the fibers compared to the fibers without this compound and altered their thermal stability. Infrared spectra indicated interactions between both starches and TiO₂. The results demonstrate the feasibility of fabrication fibers from germinated and non-germinated wheat starches with similar amylose content (30.2% and 29.5%, respectively) incorporating TiO₂, as they exhibited comparable behavior. This application could enhance the value of germinated wheat starch, which typically has low economic value. Further research is needed to explore these starch fibers for active food packaging applications as ethylene absorbers.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11483-025-09928-z