Chapter 6 - Application of starch as an active ingredient for the fabrication of nanocomposite in food packaging

Abstract

A nanocomposite is a technologically advanced material composed of multiple nanoscale phases, wherein each phase displays dimensions ranging from 1 nm to 3 nm in size, leading to the formation of a unique multi-dimensional solid material. Nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, nanofibres and nanoclays are used in nanocomposites. Plastic's non-biodegradable and non-renewable qualities have been a significant drawback to their use, resulting in massive municipal waste and environmental issues. Despite this difficulty, no biodegradable polymers have been produced that combine all of the features and affordability of plastic. Starch, a naturally occurring polymer that can be mass-produced at a low cost, is one of the most viable alternatives for the manufacturing of bioplastic. Starch nanocrystals have recently gained popularity due to their low cost, availability, biocompatibility, biodegradability and non-toxicity. The transformation of starch into thermoplastic polymers through various industrial techniques such as extrusion, injection moulding and thermos-moulding offers the possibility of creating dense or porous materials. However, the resulting products are typically characterised by poor mechanical and physical properties due to their hydrophilic nature. To overcome these limitations, starch-based materials can be reinforced through the integration of artificial or organic polymers to form composite materials. The properties of the resulting composites are influenced by a variety of factors, including the source of the starch, natural starch modification, the presence of other polymers and the aspect ratios of nanoreinforcement. To further enhance the mechanical and barrier properties of the biopolymer matrix, the addition of nanofillers such as silicate, clay and titanium dioxide may be utilised. These nanocomposites offer potential applications in food packaging as oxygen scavengers, biosensors and antibacterial agents. To improve the functionality of materials for food packaging while simultaneously preventing environmental threats, bionanocomposite substances must be produced and utilised to their full extent.