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 particlesdiameters ranging from 10 nm to 500 nmthat 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.

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
Ch 1: Introduction.- Ch 2: An overview on starch structure and chemical nature.- Ch 3: Starch nanoparticles and nanocrystals.- Ch 4: Starch-based nanomateriales as carriers in drug and nutrient delivery.- Ch 5: Starch-based nanomateriales as fillers in composite polymeric films.