Starch Nanoparticles
Starch is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable polymer produced by many plants as a source of stored energy. It is the second most abundant biomass material in nature. The starch structure has been under research for years, and because of its complexity, an universally accepted model is still lacking (Buleon, A.; et al. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 1998, 23, 85−112). However, the predominant model for starch is a concentric semicrystalline multiscale structure that allows the production of new nanoelements: (i) starch nanocrystals resulting from the disruption of amorphous domains from semicrystalline granules by acid hydrolysis and (ii) starch nanoparticles produced from gelatinized starch. [Le Corre, Bras and Dufresne, Biomacromolecules, 1139-1153, 11 #5 (2010)]
Recent Journal Articles
Processing and Characterization of Glycerol-Plasticized Soy Protein Plastics Reinforced with Citric Acid-Modified Starch Nanoparticles
(582-588) Journal of Polymers and the Environment 19 #3 (2011)
Tian and Xu of Beijing Technology and Business University, China, prepared citric acid-modified starch nanoparticles with an average size of 82 nm through precipitation from gelatinized starch solution by ethanol and further modification with citric acid. When being incorporated in glycerol-plasticized soy protein plastics, citric acid-modified starch nanoparticles displayed dramatic reinforcing effect. The resulted nanocomposite plastics with improved mechanical performance. Also, the water uptake decreased, indicating an increase of water resistance. The modified starch nanoparticles had a good compatibility with soy protein matrix. (RDC 8/23/2011)
Review Articles
Starch Nanoparticles: A Review
(1139-1153) Biomacromolecules, 11 #5, 2010)
Le Corre, Bras and Dufresene review “starch nanoparticle preparation, characterization, properties, and applications. Recent studies have shown that they could be used as fillers to improve mechanical and barrier properties of biocomposites. Their use for industrial packaging, continuously looking for innovative solutions for efficient and sustainable systems, is being investigated. Therefore, recently, starch nanoparticles have been the focus of an exponentially increasing number of works devoted to develop biocomposites by blending starch nanoparticles with different biopolymeric matrices.”