Starch-based Nanomaterials (SpringerBriefs in Food, Health, and Nutrition)

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. Preface 6 Contents 7 About the Author 8 Chapter 1: Introduction 9 References 10 Chapter 2: An Overview on Starch Structure and Chemical Nature 11 2.1 Structural Organization of Starch 11 2.2 Amylose and Amylopectin 13 2.3 The Starch Granule 14 2.4 Functional and Thermal Properties of Starch 15 References 16 Chapter 3: Starch Nanoparticles and Nanocrystals 18 3.1 Starch Nanocrystals 18 3.2 Starch Nanocrystals Synthesis 19 3.3 Starch Nanoparticles 20 3.4 Starch Nanoparticles Synthesis 20 3.5 Starch Based Quantum Dots 21 References 23 Chapter 4: Starch-Based Nanomateriales as Carriers in Drug and Nutrient Delivery 26 4.1 Nutrients and Nutraceutical Nanoencapsulation 27 4.2 Pharmaceutics Encapsulation 29 References 30 Chapter 5: Starch-Based Nanomateriales as Fillers in Composite Polymeric Films 33 5.1 Effect on the Mechanical Properties 33 5.2 Effect on the Barrier Properties 34 References 34