Starch-based Nanomaterials

by Cristian Camilo Villa Zabala

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783030425418
Publisher:	Springer International Publishing
Publication date:	03/21/2020
Series:	SpringerBriefs in Food, Health, and Nutrition
Edition description:	1st ed. 2020
Pages:	29
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

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.