Nanocomposite Starch Films: A New Approach for Biodegradable Packaging Materials

Abstract

The growing interest in nano‐starch materials offers the opportunity to develop biomaterials for distinctive use in food, medicine, cosmetics, and other fields. The conceptual framework about the various changes in the properties of starch‐based films after incorporation of nano starch particles are reported. Starch‐based packaging films have not been widely used in the packaging industry, mainly because of their poor mechanical, barrier, and processing properties. To overcome such drawbacks, starch films are often made by integrating other filler materials such as nanoparticles into the starch matrix. The inclusion of starch nanoparticles in composite films leads to an overall change in the physicochemical, functional, and mechanical properties of the films. The nanocomposite films show novel features such as low solubility, reduced water vapor transmission rate, nontoxicity, and biodegradability thus making it a promising material for food and nonfood applications.

A review of biodegradable thermoplastic starches, their blends and composites: recent developments and opportunities for single-use plastic packaging alternatives

“…Furthermore, the integration of nano fillers such as chitin nano particles or cellulose nanocrystals could improve the surface wettability and water resistance due to the formation of a difficult tortuous path for the penetrant molecules. 217 Recently, starch-based bio nanocomposite films were developed by incorporating different starch nano particles with a high surface to volume ratio; these films showed a reduction in water vapour transmission rate due to hindrance of the polymer chain moment. 217 Some of the research on the preparation of starch-based bio/nano/hybrid composites developed from organic fillers and fibres with different starch sources and plasticizers is shown in Table 3.…”

“…217 Recently, starch-based bio nanocomposite films were developed by incorporating different starch nano particles with a high surface to volume ratio; these films showed a reduction in water vapour transmission rate due to hindrance of the polymer chain moment. 217 Some of the research on the preparation of starch-based bio/nano/hybrid composites developed from organic fillers and fibres with different starch sources and plasticizers is shown in Table 3.…”

Effect on the Properties of Edible Starch-Based Films by the Incorporation of Additives: A Review

“…Starch films have good oxygen barrier characteristics, because amylose and amylopectin have highly ordered hydrogen-bonded network structures containing crystalline and noncrystalline regions in alternating layers, leading to more permeability with the mixing of other additives [ 111 , 112 ].…”

Recent Trends in the Preparation of Nano-Starch Particles

“…The SNPs had an impact on the composites’ ability to degrade more quickly because, in soil, water diffuses into the polymer sample, inflating it and accelerating decomposition through an increase in microbial growth. Chavan et al [ 126 ] reported that nano-size, which expedites the water vapor resistance, causes the nano starch to increase the density of nano-composite coatings. They are not a suitable replacement for petroleum-based plastic films in all situations involving food packaging.…”