Chapter 8 - Cereal starch-based nanoparticles in food packaging applications

Abstract

Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) are small particles of starch that have been reduced in size to the nanoscale. Starch is a natural polysaccharide that is widely available and inexpensive, making it an attractive material for use in various applications, including as a source of food and as a component of biodegradable plastics. SNPs can be produced by a number of methods, including physical and chemical methods. They have been shown to contain distinctive characteristics, such as high surface area-to-volume ratios, that make them suitable for use in a variety of applications, including drug delivery and food packaging. In drug delivery, SNPs can be used to improve the bioavailability of drugs and target specific cells or tissues. In food packaging, SNPs can be used to improve the barrier properties of the packaging material, which can help to extend the shelf life of food products. Overall, SNPs have shown promise as versatile and sustainable materials with a wide range of potential applications. The choice of method for producing SNPs will depend on the specific application and the desired properties of the nanoparticles, including chemical methods are often used to produce SNPs with improved stability and controlled release properties, while physical methods are often used to produce SNPs with high surface area-to-volume ratios for applications in drug delivery. The main aim of the current review is to explore the previous studies primarily focusing on the sources and preparation methods of SNPs with respect to their end-used perspectives in the packaging of food products.