Starch Composites Research Articles

Dye Contaminant Removal: Adsorption on Thermoplastic Starch/Kraft Lignin Composites and Photodegradation

This study investigated the removal of contaminants in water by adsorption on thermoplastic starch (TPS) and kraft lignin (KL) composites. A study on the desorption of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes in water was also carried out, followed by the photodegradation of solutions containing dissolved dyes. Initially, the surface morphology of the TPS and TPS-KL films was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, revealing advantageous characteristics for efficient adsorption of contaminants. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis made it possible to characterize the TPS and TPS-KL composites. The results demonstrate the reversibility of the process and confirm the lack of permanent chemical modification in the polymer matrix, indicating that the adsorption/desorption process is physical rather than chemical. This suggests that the adsorbent material can be reused without losing its fundamental structural properties. Furthermore, the study allows for verification of the chemical changes on the surfaces of the materials involved. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) results show that for MO, both substrates exhibited low adsorption capacity, with efficiency values close to 20%. In contrast, for MB, both composite materials displayed excellent dye adsorption rates, achieving efficiencies of 78% or higher. The photodegradation of adsorbed dyes revealed promising results.

Synthesis and Characterization of Oxidized Starch-Montmorillonite Composite for Efficient Removal of Crystal Violet Dye from Aqueous Solutions

An effective adsorbent was synthesized by modifying Montmorillonite (MMT) clay with oxidized starch, aiming to remove crystal violet (CV) dye from aqueous solutions. The chemical modifications in the MMT-oxidized starch composite were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirming the successful integration of oxidized starch with MMT. The adsorption performance was evaluated under varying conditions, including initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH, and contact time. Kinetic analysis revealed that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order model, while equilibrium data were fitted by the Langmuir isotherm, indicating monolayer adsorption. The adsorbent demonstrated a high adsorption capacity of 25.4 mg/g at pH 7 for CV dye. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the thermal stability of the synthesized material and these findings suggest that oxidized starch-MMT is a promising alternative for the efficient removal of cationic dyes like crystal violet from wastewater, with significant implications for scalable water treatment applications and broader environmental remediation efforts in both industrial and municipal settings.

Partial Substitution of Egg White Protein by Sodium Caseinate/Tannin Acid/Octenyl Succinate Starch Composite: A Study on the Physicochemical Properties inCake and Ice Cream.

The development of egg substitutes to partially or completely replace eggs is a noteworthy food trend in academia and industry. Previous studies have systematically investigated the potential of sodium caseinate (Na-Cas)/tannic acid (TA)/octenyl succinate starch (OSA-Starch) composites as foaming agents. The objective of this study was to extend the previous study and explore the potential application of Na-Cas/TA/OSA-Starch composites as egg replacers. Cakes and ice creams were produced by replacing 25%, 50%, and 75% of egg white with Na-Cas/TA/OSA-Starch composites. Some physical, rheological, and textural properties of cake and ice cream were determined to evaluate the feasibility of replacing egg white with Na-Cas/TA/OSA-Starch. Compared to the control, 25% Na-Cas/TA/OSA-Starch composites replacement of egg whites resulted in an increase in specific volume of the prepared cakes, an increase in hardness, a decrease in elasticity, and an increase in chewiness. As the amount of Na-Cas/TA/OSA-Starch composites substituted for eggs increased, the melt resistance of the ice cream decreased, the hardness increased, and the viscosity decreased, while the hardness and chewiness of the cake tended to increase. In conclusion, Na-Cas/TA/OSA-Starch composites have great potential as a new food ingredient for functional dairy ingredients in ice cream and cakes.

Modifiers for the preparation of starch composites under mechanochemical activation: An extended set of criteria

Modification of starch with synthetic polymers under mechanochemical activation is a convenient way to regulate the operational properties of composite materials. The widespread use of this approach is limited by the lack of data on the influence of synthetic polymer nature on the properties of starch and the absence of clear criteria for modifiers selection in the form of aqueous dispersions. To eliminate existing problems, the work proposes to use five integral criteria − polarity, hydrophilicity, and flexibility of synthetic modifiers, as well as particle size and ζ-potential of their aqueous dispersions. To achieve this goal, we studied the dielectric constant, contact angles, IR spectra, and dynamic mechanical properties of four acrylic copolymers and an aliphatic polyurethane. Using the mechanochemical activation, blends and composite films based on corn starch and synthetic modifiers (80:20) were manufactured. Methods of rotational viscometry, X-ray diffraction analysis, DMA, mechanical tests, and moisture permeability allowed us to reveal the influence of the modifier integral parameters on the rheological characteristics of the molding blends and the impact of joint mechanical activation on them, as well as on the crystal structure of the composites, their storage modulus, strength, and transport characteristics.

Mercury adsorption study and DFT calculations of sulfur-containing biomass composites prepared by inverse vulcanization

This study introduces an innovative and cost-effective biomass adsorbent, the sulfur/cardanol/potato starch composite (SCP), synthesized through inverse vulcanization for the remediation of mercury-contaminated waters. The SCP was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to confirm its composition, morphology, and properties. The adsorption capacity of SCP for Hg(II) was 246.88 mg/g with a removal rate of 98.75 %. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism, while adsorption isotherms were best described by the Langmuir model. Thermodynamic studies confirmed the adsorption process as spontaneous and endothermic. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations further elucidate the interaction mechanisms between mercury and the adsorbent, revealing that the thiyl radicals play a crucial role in the adsorption process. The SCP also exhibited a high selectivity for Hg(II) over other co-existing ions and maintains an adsorption capacity over 223.93 mg/g after five regeneration cycles, thus promising practical applications in environmental mercury management.

VARIATION OF POTATO STARCH AND BAGASSE CELLULOSE ON THE PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF BIOPLASTICS

Bioplastics are ordinary plastics that can be used, but can be decomposed by microorganisms, so they are environmentally friendly. The aim of this research is to determine the characteristics of potato starch and bagasse cellulose bioplastics and to determine variations that produce compositional characteristics with the best quality for making bioplastics using potato starch and bagasse cellulose as basic ingredients. Samples A (75% : 25%), B (50% : 50%), and C (25% : 75%) have different compositions of potato starch and bagasse cellulose. To make bioplastic, magenectic is used for one hour at a speed of 500 rpm and a temperature of 80 °C. The size of the mold is 20 x 20 x 1 cm3, and drying is carried out in an oven at 50°C for 12 hours. This research has several tests, namely physical tests including water absorption tests refers to ASTM D570-98, and the biodegradable test follows SNI 7188.7:2016. Test The mechanism includes the tensile strength test of the SNI 06-1315-2006 testing standard.

Naked-eye detection of Fe3+ and photothermal applications of flexible and sustainable banana pith stabilized silver nanoparticle-rice starch composite

Naked-eye detection of Fe3+ and photothermal applications of flexible and sustainable banana pith stabilized silver nanoparticle-rice starch composite

Cure, mechanical and swelling characteristics of composites of neoprene rubber and starch from non-edible variety of dioscorea tuber

Composites of Polychloroprene rubber (CR, Neoprene rubber) reinforced with starch from non-edible variety of dioscorea tuber were prepared using three different vulcanizing systems. The cure, mechanical, solvent resistance and biodegradable characteristics of the composites were studied. The addition of starch from dioscorea tuber was found to improve CR’s tensile strength. The maximum torque value increases with the loading of filler and it was found to be the highest at 20 phr. The addition of starch from dioscorea tuber was found to improve CR’s tensile strength and highest value observed at 20 phr. Among the different curing systems studied, the modified DCP system shows maximum mechanical properties, optimum properties of the composites are at 20 phr. The values of the swelling coefficients were determined by examining the intake of the solvents N, N-dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide and water by the composites. The soil burial test indicated that biodegradability of CR enhanced with the addition of starch. The findings of mechanical properties are supported by studies using scanning electron microscopy. Since starch is a naturally occurring biopolymer, adding it encourages microbial activity, which breaks down the composite components. This quality is essential for resolving plastic waste-related environmental issues. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will aid in the development of materials for specific product applications like gasoline hoses, tire sidewalls, seals, and so on.

Design and decoration of copper nanoparticles into lignosulfonate-starch bionanocomposite: Characterization and evaluation of its therapeutic properties on burn wound

In this report, eco-friendly synthesis for the production of copper nanoparticles by employing the sodium lignosulfonate (NaLS) mixed starch composite (NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs). NaLS-Starch mixed hydrogel has notable reducing and stabilizing potential for preparation of Cu nanoparticles. Characterization of NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs bionanocomposite was subjected to analysis of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, including FE-SEM, TEM, EDS-elemental mapping, particle size distribution, XRD and ICP. TEM images displayed the spherical structured NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs, averaging 5–10 nm size. NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs were applied to cure the induced burn wounds in 60 Wistar rats. A group was considered as control group. The animals were treated with basal, tetracycline 3 % and NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs 3 % for 30 days and the treatment efficacy was determined according to the burn wound area reduction and molecular and histological characteristics. Taken together, these results support therapeutic use of NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs as potent ointment that may be proposed for burn wound healing. NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs ointment increased the levels of platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The mean wound surface, in all groups treated by NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs was larger than control group.

Recent Progress on the Application of Chitosan, Starch and Chitosan–Starch Composites for Meat Preservation—A Mini Review

The preservation of meat via sustainable methods and packaging is an area of continued interest driven by the need to address food security. The use of biomaterial films and coatings has gained significant attention due to their non-toxicity and biodegradability compared with conventional synthetic films. Starch and chitosan are sustainable sources for the preparation of films/coatings owing to their relatively low cost, natural abundance derived from numerous sources, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and film-forming attributes. These remarkable features have notably increased the shelf life of meat by inhibiting lipid oxidation and microbial activity in food products. Furthermore, recent studies have successfully incorporated binary biopolymer (starch and chitosan) systems to combine their beneficial properties upon composite formation. This literature review from 2020 to the present reveals that chitosan- and starch-based films and coatings have potential to contribute to enhanced food security and safety measures whilst reducing environmental issues and improving sustainability, compared with conventional synthetic materials.

Differentiation between Hydrolytic and Thermo-Oxidative Degradation of Poly(lactic acid) and Poly(lactic acid)/Starch Composites in Warm and Humid Environments.

For the application of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PLA/starch composites in technical components such as toys, it is essential to know their degradation behavior under relevant application conditions in a hydrothermal environment. For this purpose, composites made from PLA and native potato starch were produced using twin-screw extruders and then processed into test specimens, which were then subjected to various one-week ageing processes with varying temperatures (23, 50, 70, 90 °C) and humidity levels (10, 50, 75, 90%). This was followed by mechanical characterization (tensile test) and identification of degradation using Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR). With increasing temperature and humidity, there was a clear degradation of the PLA, which could be reduced or slowed down by adding 50 wt.% starch, due to increased crystallinity. Hydrolysis was identified as the main degradation mechanism for PLA and PLA/starch composites, especially above the glass transition temperature, with thermo-oxidative degradation also playing a subordinate role. Both hydrolytic degradation and thermo-oxidative degradation led to a reduction in mechanical properties such as tensile strength.

High-performance biodegradable poly(vinyl alcohol)/starch composites via alkaline-regulated crystalline engineering

The increasing demand for environmentally-friendly products has led to a growing focus on the development of high-performance biodegradable materials. However, achieving a balance between mechanical strength, water resistance, and biodegradability remains a challenge. Herein, the successful preparation of exceptional biodegradable poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/starch (ST) composites using alkaline-regulated crystalline engineering is reported. The findings demonstrate that the alkali promotes ST gelatinization while inhibiting its recrystallization, resulting in improved compatibility and good dispersion in the PVA matrix. In contrast, the alkali enhances the crystallization of PVA, thereby improving the composites' water resistance. The composites exhibit outstanding mechanical properties, with a strain at break of approximately 400 % and a toughness of 54 MJ/m3, surpassing most reported works. Even in high humidity and water environments, the composites maintain their mechanical strength, with a strength of 13 MPa after soaking in water for 1 d, significantly higher than films without the addition of alkali. Moreover, the composites exhibit excellent biodegradability, with a degradation rate exceeding 40 % after a 60-d natural soil burial test. The flame retardancy is also greatly enhanced, with a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 30 %. This study offers a promising avenue for the development of high-performance biodegradable materials such as dip-coating fabric, fire retardant coating, and industrial packaging.

The application of poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) in poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/starch composites

AbstractAntimicrobial degradable materials are pivotal in enhancing food safety, mitigating plastic pollution, and advancing sustainable development. In this study, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDMDAAC) was initially anchored to the starch surface (PMS) and utilized as a filler. Subsequently, poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/PMS composites with antimicrobial properties were successfully prepared by melt blending. The results showed that the introduction of PMS filler can improve the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of PBAT. Compared with pure PBAT, the tensile strength and modulus of PBAT/10PMS composites were enhanced by 25% and 29%, respectively. In addition, the prepared PBAT/PMS composites exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli when the PMS filler content reached 10 wt% or even higher. Therefore, an antimicrobial biodegradable composite was successfully prepared using a facile blending method in this study.

Sustainable Starch Strategies: Nano and Macro Adsorbents for the Detoxification of Synthetic Dyes and Heavy Metals

The research being conducted explores environmentally friendly techniques for heavy metal and synthetic dye detoxification from aquariums via nano- and macro adsorbents based on starch. In exposure to the urgent demands for sustainable wastewater treatment solutions, the research effort focuses on the development and evaluation of materials made from starch that have enhanced adsorption abilities. The effectiveness of developing and evaluating macro- and nano-sized starch composites and starch-based adsorbents in facilitating the elimination of heavy metals and synthetic colours is determined. The review includes a thorough examination of equilibrium traits kinetics, and adsorption processes, also takes into account how these sustainable starch-based products could be employed in real-world environmental remediation scenarios. The aforementioned findings offer significant additional knowledge regarding how to develop and implement starch-based adsorbents for the long-term and effective detoxification of heavy metals and synthetic colours compared to water.

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyaniline Emeraldine Salt (PANI-ES) Colloids Using Potato Starch as a Stabilizer to Enhance the Physicochemical Properties and Processability.

Conductive polymers, such as polyaniline (PANI), have interesting applications, ranging from flexible electronics, energy storage devices, sensors, antistatic or anticorrosion coatings, etc. However, the full exploitation of conductive polymers still poses a challenge due to their low processability. The use of compatible stabilizers to obtain dispersible and stable colloids is among the possible solutions to overcome such drawbacks. In this work, potato starch was used as a steric stabilizer for the preparation of colloidal polyaniline (emeraldine salt, ES)/starch composites by exploiting the oxidative polymerization of aniline in aqueous solutions with various starch-to-aniline ratios. The polyaniline/starch bio-composites were subjected to structural, spectroscopic, thermal, morphological, and electrochemical analyses. The samples were then tested for their dispersibility/solubility in a range of organic solvents. The results demonstrated the formation of PANI/starch biocomposites with a smaller average size than starch particles, showing improved aqueous dispersion and enhanced solubility in organic solvents. With respect to previously reported PANI-EB (emeraldine base)/starch composites, the novel colloids displayed a lower overall crystallinity, but the conductive nature of PANI-ES enhanced its electrochemical properties, resulting in richer redox chemistry, particularly evident in its oxidation behavior, as observed through cyclic voltammetry. Finally, as proof of the improved processability, the colloids were successfully integrated into a thin polyether sulfone (PES) membrane.

Mechanical and Water Barrier Properties of Inhomogeneous Clay Nano-Particles Reinforced Thermoplastic Starch

This research investigated the development of biodegradable bioplastic as a possible replacement for petroleum-based plastics, which constitute a serious environmental hazard. These hazards include but are not limited to flooding resulting from blocked sewage and danger to aquatic life in marine environments. The solution casting method was used to blend inhomogeneous kaolinite clay nano-particles with distilled water, starch, dilute acetic and nitric acids to produce different compositions of thermoplastic starch (TPS)/Clay composites with clay reinforcements ranging from 2.5 to 10 wt.%. The composites were characterized using an X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the mechanical and water absorption properties were determined. The result revealed a 9-fold improvement in the tensile strength (0.72 MPa), flexural strength increased 5-fold (3.34 MPa), and hardness increased 2-fold (23.56 HVN) as well as a reduction in water absorption by 3-fold (6.63%) when compared to the control. Furthermore, the 10 wt.% clay content composite showed the highest mechanical properties. The significant improvement in the listed properties was attributed to a reduction in crystallinity and the formation of new chemical bonds between the thermoplastic starch and the nano-clay. It was observed that the properties of the composites can be further enhanced if a synchronized machine blender (such as an extruder) is employed.

PBAT-modified starch blended film extract induces in vitro toxicity in L-02 cells: induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and modulation of AMPK pathway

PBAT-modified starch blended film are thermoplastic biodegradable materials with good properties and a wide range of applications. In this study, L-02 cells were used as an in vitro toxicity evaluation system for risk assessment of PBAT-modified starch films with migration studies obtained in different food simulants. Determination of total migration and organic matter revealed that the results were in accordance with the standard except for the total organic matter under 95% (v/v) ethanol food simulant which exceeded the standard. The CCK-8 assay showed that these compounds affect the cell viability of L-02 cells. It was observed that the compounds made the cells express increased AST, ALT, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and ROS, and decreased SOD, GSH, and ATP. In addition, we explored the effect of migration in PBAT-modified starch composites on protein and gene expression levels in L-02 cells using a transcriptomic approach and found that the AMPK signaling pathway was affected. The expression of AMPK signaling pathway-related proteins was detected by Western Blot, and the expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK were found to be upregulated, and those of p-mTOR/mTOR, SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1 and TFAM were downregulated. The above data suggest that the compounds migrating into the PBAT-modified starch film when exposed to food may induce oxidative stress and inflammation in hepatocytes, and may cause damage to hepatocytes through the AMPK pathway.

Starchy Films as a Sustainable Alternative in Food Industry: Current Research and Applications

AbstractThe overconsumption of nonbiodegradable materials, particularly plastics, has had a significant and detrimental impact on the environment. Advancements in research sector have led to the development of biodegradable materials, namely starch‐based biodegradable films, which have the potential to reduce this environmental impact. Starch is a unique biopolymer with distinctive chemical, physical, mechanical, thermal, and optical properties that make it an attractive alternative to nonbiodegradable and harmful materials. This review paper comprehensively discusses the properties of starch and the techniques involved in transforming native starch into starch‐based films. Further a broad overview of recent research on combining starch with several composites to enhance the physicochemical properties has been discussed herein. In addition, this paper also discusses recent insights into the development of starch‐based composite films and their potential applications in food packaging systems. Future studies must focus on the development of starch composites that strike a balance between different versatile properties of the biopolymer. Additionally, a critical examination of the interactions at the molecular level will help to expand our understanding of this sustainable biopolymer. Ultimately, the findings of this review paper will provide valuable insights for researchers and industry professionals interested in the development and utilization of starch‐based biodegradable films.

Comparison of the Film Properties of Lemon and Sour Cherry Seed Essential Oil-Added Glycerol and/or Sorbitol-Plasticized Corn, Potato, Rice, Tapioca, and Wheat Starch-Based Edible Films

In this study, lemon, and sour cherry seed essential oil-added glycerol and/or sorbitol-plasticized corn, potato, rice, tapioca, and wheat starch-based edible films were produced using the casting method. Starch, essential oil type and glycerol and/or sorbitol effects on the thickness, moisture content, water solubility, swelling index, and water vapor transmission rate of the films have been studied. The interaction of the film components was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was seen that wheat starch-based control films give the lowest thickness value (0.010 mm). Wheat starch-based control films (15.50%), sour cherry seed essential oil-added corn starch (17.80%), and lemon essential oil-added rice starch-based composite films (17.70%) have high moisture content. The lowest solubility values were obtained from wheat starch control (22%) and sour cherry seed essential oil-added corn starch composite (16.40%) films. The highest swelling index values were obtained from wheat starch-based control (210.90-289.0%), sour cherry seed essential oil-added tapioca starch (388.80%), and lemon essential oil-added potato starch-based (433.20%) composite films. Rice starch-based control films have the lowest water vapor transmission rate (3.30×10−8−5.70×10−8). FTIR spectra of edible composite films proved that there is no chemical interaction between the film component and that they kept their structure. The main difference of this study from previous studies was the use of sour cherry seed essential oil for the first time in edible film production and the comparison of the film properties of corn, potato, rice, tapioca, and wheat starch-based edible films plasticized with glycerol or sorbitol.

Fabrication of nano filler doped PVA/starch biodegradable composites with enhanced thermal conduction, water barrier and antimicrobial performance for food industry

In this work there was investigated the synergistic effect of the nanomaterials-the Montmorillonite (MMT) and the vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) on the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/starch composite. The composite films were prepared by the solvent casting method. The characterization of the composites showed that the addition of the MMT and the V2O5 to PVA/starch composite decreased the water solubility and water absorption capacity of the film. Both of the reinforcement materials enriched values of thermal conductivity and thermal stability of the composite. The TG/DTA and universal testing machine (UTM) analysis exhibited that MMT and V2O5 augmented the thermal robustness and tensile strength of composites and decreased the strain to break. It was also observed that greater MMT concentration accelerates mechanical strength deterioration of the film owing to agglomeration. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis reflected great change in the surface morphology of the films in the presence and absence of MMT and V2O5. This was due to the interaction amid constituents of the composite. The chemical interaction between the PVA, Starch, MMT and the V2O5 was also established via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, which revealed fluctuations in the absorbance position and intensity of the PVA/Starch. Antimicrobial activities against seven different cultures of bacteria (both-gram positive and -negative) and one fungus (Candida albicans), exposed that antimicrobial performance of the PVA amplified upon addition of the starch, MMT and V2O5, making these composites prospective candidates for the biodegradable packaging materials.