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.

Autorentext
Dr. Cristian Camilo Villa Zabala is an Associated Professor of Food Chemistry and Nanochemistry at Quindío University in Armenia, Colombia.

Inhalt
Chapter 1 IntroductionA brief introduction to different concepts related to the nanoscale and nanoscience in generalChapter 2 An overview on starch structure and chemical natureThis chapter will include some of the most relevant information about the starch granule. It willinclude an overview on the structure, chemical composition and physical characteristics of differenttypes of starch.Chapter 3 Starch nanoparticles and nanocrystalsThis chapter will explain the two most common starch-based nanomaterials: starch nanoparticlesand nanocrystals. The emphasis will be in the different structural and chemical characteristics ofboth nanomaterials as well as the chemical modifications that can be used in them.Chapter 4 Synthesis of starch-based nanomaterialsThis chapter will focus on the different synthesis methods of starch-based nanomaterials. It willexplain the advantages and disadvantages of each one.Chapter 5 Starch-based nanomateriales as carriers in drug and nutrient deliveryIn this chapter the focus will be in the use of starch nanoparticles and nanocrystals as carriers ofbioactive molecules (drugs, nutrients, antioxidants and nutraceuticals). It will explainencapsulation techniques and mechanisms as well as release properties and structuralmodifications.Chapter 6 Starch-based nanomateriales in composite materialsThis chapter will focus in how starch-based nanomaterials can be used in the formation ofcomposite materials.