Starch is one of the most important natural and biodegradable polymers on Earth. It is used by many plants as an energy reserve, and due to its biocompatibility and relatively easy structural modification, it is widely used in the cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical and materials industries. In recent years, interest in starch has increased due to the development of starch-based nanomaterials. Nanomaterials are small particles—diameters ranging from 10 nm to 500 nm—that can be highly crystalline (nanocrystals) or completely amorphous (nanoparticles). Owing to their versatility, starch-based nanomaterials can be used as carriers of bioactive molecules to improve medical treatments or nutrient absorption. They can also be used as reinforcement in composite materials, improving their mechanical and barrier properties, and new potential applications are continuously reported in the literature. This brief provides a quick guide to the exciting world of starch-based nanomaterials, including their chemical and physical characteristics as well as their synthesis methods and most common applications.

Nanotechnology-Enhanced Food Packaging Timely overview of functional food packaging made with nanotechnology and nanomaterials In Nanotechnology-Enhanced Food Packaging, a distinguished group of researchers delivers a comprehensive and insightful introduction to the application of nanomaterials in food packaging. This edited volume covers recent innovations—as well as future perspectives—in the industry and offers a complete overview of different types of nanomaterials used in food packaging. The book also discusses the use of nanoparticles in the development of active and functional food packaging and the related environmental and toxicological aspects. Featuring one-of-a-kind contributions from leaders in the field, Nanotechnology-Enhanced Food Packaging provides real-world solutions to food packaging challenges and considers the legislative and economic implications of new technologies. Among the new developments in nanotechnology-enhanced food packaging covered by the book are: Thorough introduction to biopolymers in food packaging systems and nanostructures based on starch, their preparation, processing, and applications in packaging Comprehensive explorations of chitosan-based nanoparticles and their applications in the food industry Practical discussions of active packaging systems based on metal oxide nanoparticles and an overview of higher barrier packaging using nano-additives In-depth examinations of the characterization techniques for nanostructures in food packaging Perfect for materials scientists, food technologists, and polymer chemists, Nanotechnology-Enhanced Food Packaging also belongs on the bookshelves of plastics technologists and allied professionals in the food industry.

Starch-Based Nanomaterials for Food Packaging: Perspectives and Future Prospectus presents the properties and sources of starch- based nanomaterials, new perspectives, safety aspects, applications and future trends. The book's chapters cover nanostructured materials, polysaccharide based bionanocomposites, starch based nanofibers, starch food packaging applications, nano gold imprinted starch bio nanocomposites, cereal starch-based nanoparticles, and edible packaging reinforced with starch-based nanomaterials. This is a complete resource to food industrialists who deal directly with food packaging and fruit and vegetable preservation. Contains updated research behind the utilization of starch-based nanomaterials in food packaging Provides clear and comprehensive information on edible packaging based nanomaterials Presents deep insights into perspectives, safety aspects and future trends of starch-based nanomaterials

In recent years, much attention has been focused on biodegradable polymers from renewable resources. Due to its availability and low cost, starch is a promising candidate among biopolymers for use in biodegradable packaging materials and for other purposes. Starch-Based Polymeric Materials and Nanocomposites: Chemistry, Processing, and Applications

A comprehensive overview of recent developments in starch-based materials, ideal for students and researchers working in bio-based and biodegradable polymers and composites.

Starch is the main source of energy to humans, but starch today has other roles in food, packing and pharmaceutical industries like filler, emulsion stabilizer, coating, etc. The native form of starch has application limitations on broad range of temperature, pH and stability, among others, required on several industrial applications. The alternative way is modified starch to improve its properties and uses on several industrial fields. The book explores the use of physical and, chemical modifications and even the unusual modification using ionizing radiation on several sources of starch, the effect of them on the properties and application fields of modified starch.