Synthesis and modification approaches for starch nanoparticles for their emerging food industrial applications: A review

Designing the pH-sensitive indicator based on starch nanoparticle with bromocresol green for monitoring meat spoilage

The starch nanoparticle, combined with bromocresol green (BCG), served as a pH-sensitive indicator to monitor meat quality throughout an 8-day refrigerated storage period. The meat samples were sealed in package which the pH-sensitive indicator attached to the interior part of packaging lid. The changes in meat quality were evaluated by total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), pH, total viable count (TVC), sensory analysis, and color in interval of 0, 3, 5, 7, and 8-days storage at 4°C. Initial TVBN values were recorded at 19.6 mg/100 g, increased to 26.6 mg/100 g by the end of storage period. The pH value was significantly increased after 8 days storage at 4°C. The observed color variation in the indicator from yellow to blue was attributed to the concurrent increases in TVBN, TVC, and pH. The indicator color changes had significant correlation with analyzed chemical quality of stored meat. Therefore, the designed BCG pH-sensitive indicator could be effective in monitoring the meat spoilage during storage.

Advancements in functional adsorbents for sustainable recovery of rare earth elements from wastewater: A comprehensive review of performance, mechanisms, and applications

Rare earth elements (REEs) are crucial metallic resources that play an essential role in national economies and industrial production. The reclaimation of REEs from wastewater stands as a significant supplementary strategy to bolster the REEs supply. Adsorption techniques are widely recognized as environmentally friendly and sustainable methods for the separation of REEs from wastewater. Despite the growing interest in adsorption-based REEs separation, comprehensive reviews of both traditional and novel adsorbents toward REEs recovery remain limited. This review aims to provide a thorough analysis of various adsorbents for the recovery of REEs. The types of adsorbents examined include activated carbons, functionalized silica nanoparticles, and microbial synthetic adsorbents, with a detailed evaluation of their adsorption capacities, selectivity, and regeneration potential. This study focuses on the mechanisms of REEs adsorption, including electrostatic interactions, ion exchange, surface complexation, and surface precipitation, highlighting how surface modifications can enhance REEs recovery efficiency. Future efforts in designing high-performance adsorbents should prioritize the optimization of the density of functional groups to enhance both selectivity and adsorption capacity, while also maintaining a balance between overall capacity, cost, and reusability. The incorporation of covalently bonded functional groups onto mechanically robust adsorbents can significantly strengthen chemical interactions with REEs and improve the structural stability of the adsorbents during reuse. Additionally, the development of materials with high specific surface areas and well-defined porous structures is benifitial to facilitating mass transfer of REEs and maximizing adsorption efficiency. Ultimately, the advancement of the design of efficient, highly selective and recyclable adsorbents is critical for addressing the growing demand for REEs across diverse industrial applications.

Starch nanoparticles regulate the steric conformation of soy protein isolate to stabilize high internal phase Pickering emulsions for curcumin encapsulation

This study aimed to the fabrication of high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPEs) via regulating the complexation of starch nanoparticles (SNPs) with soy protein isolate (SPI) at the oil-water interface. The formation of SNPs-SPI complexes was driven by the electrostatic adsorption and hydrogen bond interactions, which enhanced the biphasic wettability and reduced the interfacial tension. The SNPs-SPI complexes exhibited the superior emulsifying properties compared to those of SPI, with the SNPs3-SPI achieving the highest emulsion activity index (EAI, 65.67 m2/g) and emulsion stability index (ESI, 138.48 min). The rheological measurement revealed that the HIPEs stabilized by SNPs-SPI complexes (SNPs-SPI-E) exhibited the higher viscoelastic and gel-like structure than those of HIPEs stabilized by SPI (SPI-E). The adsorption of SNPs at the oil-water interface endowed the SNPs-SPI-E with higher encapsulation efficiency of curcumin (83.19 %-92.37 %) than that of SPI-E (75.42 %), which impeded the degradation and oxidation of curcumin. Moreover, the SNPs-SPI-E possessed the excellent storage and thermal stabilities than those of SPI-E. The curcumin encapsulated in SNPs-SPI-E exhibited the increased bioaccessibility, with SNPs3-SPI-E reaching the highest value of 38.92 %. This research would be beneficial to development of SNPs-SPI complexes interface for stabilizing HIPEs and modulating the encapsulation of bioactive ingredients.

Effect of fatty acid chain length on the structure and digestibility of high-amylose starch-fatty acid and high-amylose starch-fatty acid-whey protein isolate complexes

This study explored the effects of fatty acids with varying chain lengths-lauric acid (LA), palmitic acid (PA), and stearic acid (SA)-on the structure, thermal properties, and digestibility of high-amylose wheat starch (HWS) and HWS-whey protein isolate (WPI) complexes. The aim was to understand the interaction mechanisms and evaluate the potential of HWS-WPI-fatty acid complexes for nanoparticle preparation. Results revealed that fatty acids formed V-type crystalline structures with HWS, weakened its microstructural continuity, and reduced starch digestibility, with differences depending on chain length. LA formed thermally stable II-type complexes with amylopectin's double-helix structure, while SA formed I-type complexes with amylose's single-helix structure, leading to higher resistant starch (RS) content (31.22 %). The addition of WPI promoted the formation of both I-type and II-type complexes, improving crystalline structure, digestion resistance, and RS content. The HWS-WPI-LA complex, with its ordered structure and reduced continuity, produced nanoparticles with smaller size (277.97 nm), narrower distribution (polydispersity 0.241), better dispersibility, and regular morphology compared to other complexes. These nanoparticles also exhibited low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility. These findings underscore the role of fatty acids in starch-protein interaction and the potential of ternary complexes for developing food-grade nanoparticles with small size and narrow distribution.

Direct-detection of glyphosate in drinking water via a scalable and low-cost laser-induced graphene sensor

The use of pesticides has significantly increased and proliferated following the technological advancements established by the green revolution, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity. The extensive use of man-made chemicals as fertilizer and pesticides has consequently led to large-scale application, which has led to a number of environmental and human health problems. This study has helped to develop a laser-induced graphene (LIG) sensor for the detection of the most widely used herbicide in the world, glyphosate. The electrochemical sensor developed is based on a three-dimensional porous and fibrous structure with nanosheets, making it suitable for scalable manufacture. The study was conducted utilising a linear voltammetry technique and demonstrates the potential to identify glyphosate with good sensitivity. The sensor exhibited detection and quantification limits of 2.7 μmol L-1 and 9.0 μmol L-1, respectively, and showed good selectivity without significant interference from other elements. The sensor presents advantages suitable for scalable production, with case studies in screening of glyphosate-contaminated samples.

Effect of cationized guar gum on stability and bioaccessibility of curcumin-loaded Pickering emulsion stabilized by starch nanoparticles

To enhance stability and bioaccessibility of curcumin in Pickering emulsions stabilized by starch nanoparticles (SNP), cationized guar gum (CGG) was incorporated into the emulsion. Zeta potential results revealed that SNP and CGG formed electrostatic interactions, resulting in stable interfacial layer with higher hydrophobicity. Adding 0.4 % CGG maintained a homogeneous phase without significant droplet size change for up to one month. The emulsion with 0.4 % CGG demonstrated stable storage under varying pH (4-10), ionic strength (0-10 mM NaCl), and freeze-thaw cycles (up to 3). When optimized Pickering emulsion system was applied to curcumin encapsulation, curcumin-loaded emulsions were stably maintained for up to one month. The curcumin retained approximately 100 % stability under thermal (90 °C) and UV (12h) treatments. In the optimized emulsion, starch components resisted digestion in oral and gastroenteric phases but were primarily digested in small intestine, resulting in an increasing bioaccessibility from 88.23 to 96.92 %.

Adsorption behavior of cationic dyes on starch nanocrystals: Kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic insights from single to multi-component systems

The adsorptive potential of starch nanocrystals (SNCs) was evaluated for the elimination of methylene blue (MB), crystal violet (CV), and malachite green (MG) from aqueous media in single, binary, and ternary dye systems using batch mode experiments. SNCs were extracted using mild acid hydrolysis to remove the amorphous parts of native granular starch, and they were characterized using different physicochemical methods, such as FESEM, XRD, FTIR, BET, TGA, and pHZPC. The results revealed that the optimal pH for dye removal in both single and mixed dye systems was found to be 9.0. The equilibrium time increased from 5 to 20 min when the system was changed from single to binary, and then further increased to 30 min when the system was changed to ternary. The equilibrium data for single-dye systems exhibited a good fit with the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 > 0.98, SEE <3.52 mg g-1), whereas for binary and ternary dye mixtures, the extended Langmuir model provided an accurate representation of the experimental data (R2 > 0.99, SEE <1.33 mg g-1). Among the single, binary, and ternary systems, the highest adsorption capacities were observed for MB, MB in the (MB + MG) binary system, and MB in the (MB + CV + MG) ternary system. The respective adsorption capacities were recorded as 79.55 mg g-1, 61.91 mg g-1, and 43.59 mg g-1. The adsorption of dyes onto the SNCs was inherently spontaneous and endothermic, and adhered to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model in single dye systems as well as mixed dye systems. It can be concluded that the SNCs are capable of being utilized for five consecutive cycles in the adsorption-desorption process for single dye systems and three consecutive cycles for mixed dye systems. This suggests that the SNCs have potential as a sustainable and efficient option for dye removal in mixture systems.

Unveiling the synergistic effect of octenyl succinic anhydride and pulsed electric field on starch nanoparticles

In this study, guinea starch nanoparticles (GSNP) were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique and modified with octenyl succinic anhydride (3 %) and pulsed electric field (1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 kV/cm). The effect of dual modification on the physicochemical, structural, morphological, thermo-pasting, and rheological properties of GSNP was investigated. The dual modification successfully incorporated octenyl groups into GSNP, as confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The degree of substitution increased from 0.0254 to 0.0347, with particle size ranging from 241.30 to 292.50 nm and zeta potential of -23.11 to -29.98 mV. TEM micrographs revealed that all SNP samples had self-aggregated granules with a mean size below 120 nm, and XRD confirmed a V-type crystalline structure. The amylose content and water absorption capacity decreased from 34.02 % to 24.63 % and from 2.45 to 1.91 g/g, respectively, while the oil absorption capacity and relative crystallinity increased from 3.42 to 4.01 g/g and from 17.82 % to 34.76 %, with modification. The gelatinization and degradation temperature of modified samples were higher while pasting properties exhibited variation with modification. The rheological properties of modified SNP samples exhibited more pronounced shear thinning, attributed to their weaker gel structure and fluid-like gel network. Overall, results suggested that modified GSNPs have potential for stabilizing Pickering emulsion and delivery of carrier materials for active functional substances.

Preparation of starch/PVA nanoparticles and evaluation of their ability to stabilize Pickering emulsions

Biodegradable and biocompatible polymer-based nanoparticles (NPs) hold great promise for various industries. We report the first development of composite NPs consisting of starch (St) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using the nanoprecipitation technique with ethanol as an antisolvent. We varied the St:PVA ratios in the precursor solutions to evaluate their impact on the structure and properties of the composite NPs. The ratios used were 4:1, 1:1, and 1:4. Characterization by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis revealed distinct XRD and TGA patterns for the composite St/PVANPs compared to their corresponding physical blends. This indicated the presence of mixed St/PVA crystallites within their structures. Additionally, the crystallinity of St/PVANPs increased with rising St content. Dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy showed that nanoparticle sizes increased with higher PVA proportions. The St/PVANPs showed superior performance as stabilizers in Pickering emulsions, forming denser continuous networks in the gel-like structure of the emulsions. Additionally, increasing the PVA content in the composition of St/PVANPs strengthened the structure of Pickering emulsions. The emulsion stabilized by St20/PVA80NPs showed exceptional stability for one month. These findings highlight the potential of St/PVANPs as innovative materials for various applications, including emulsion stabilization.

Development of a self-reinforced starch-derived film with biocompatibility and mechanical properties

The scraps produced while processing packaging materials will cause a waste of resources. In this study, starch-based self-reinforced film (SSRF) using thermoplastic starch (TPS, 45 wt%) and polypropylene (PP, 53 wt%) was developed. The effect of extrusion times (1-4 times) on the film structure and performance was explored. The results show as the number of extrusions increases, the color of SSRF deepens from gray-white to brown, and the crystallinity increases. The mechanical properties of the four types of SSRF first increase and then decrease. The 2-SSRF has the best performance, with tensile strength of 13.23 MPa, elongation at break of 61.35%, Young's modulus of 1128.99 MPa, and flexural strength of 33.19 MPa. Proper extrusion improves the compatibility of TPS and PP. However, repeated extrusion will cause PP degradation and TPS carbonization, reducing interfacial interaction. This study developed new starch-based self-reinforced film and provided theoretical guidance for reusing packaging material scraps.

Effect of sulfuric acid hydrolysis on the structure and Pickering emulsifying capacity of acorn starch

The acid-hydrolyzed acorn starch samples (HAS-1, HAS-2, HAS-3, and HAS-4) were prepared from natural acorn starch (NAS) at sulfuric acid concentrations of 1, 2, 3, and 4 mol/L for 2 d. The particle characteristics and structures of HAS were investigated, and Pickering high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) based on HAS were constructed and characterized. The results showed that with an increase in sulfuric acid concentration, the size, yield, amylose content, molecular weight, and amylopectin chain length of HAS gradually decreased. HAS retained an A-type crystal structure, and its relative crystallinity and short-range order degree gradually increased with increasing sulfuric acid concentration. Acid hydrolysis treatment improved the wettability of NAS, and its effect was positively correlated with the sulfuric acid concentration. HAS-3 and HAS-4 could stabilize the Pickering HIPEs with an oil phase volume fraction of 80% at c ≥ 1.5%. The mechanical properties of the HIPEs were positively correlated with c.

Comparative analysis of granular starch hydrolysis and multi-structural changes by diverse α-amylases sources: Insights from waxy rice starch

Three cultivars of waxy rice starch with different multi-scale structures were subjected to α-amylase hydrolysis to determine amylopectin fine structure, production of oligosaccharides, morphology, and crystallinity of the partially hydrolyzed starch granules. α-amylases hydrolyzed the amylopectin B2 chain during the initial stage of hydrolysis, suggesting that it is primarily located in the outer shell of the granules. For waxy rice starch with loose structure, α-amylases attacked the crystalline and amorphous regions simultaneously in the initial stage, while for starch granules with compact structure, the outer shell blocklet (crystalline structure) can be a hurdle for α-amylases to proceed to hydrolysis of the internal granule structure. The ability of α-amylases from porcine pancreatic α-amylases to attack the outer shell crystalline structure was lower than that of α-amylases from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Aspergillus oryzae. These results show that α-amylase source and rice cultivar combinations can be used to generate diverse structures in degraded waxy rice starch.

Starch nanoparticles with predictable size prepared by alternate treatments of ball milling and ultrasonication

In this study, starch nanoparticles (SNPs) were prepared by alternate treatments of liquid nitrogen ball milling and ultrasonication. The impact, shear and friction forces produced by ball milling, and acoustic cavitation and shear effects generated by ultrasonication disrupted starch granules to prepare SNPs. The SNPs possessed narrow particle size distribution (46.91-210.52 nm) and low polydispersity index (0.28-0.45). Additionally, the SNPs exhibited the irregular fragments with good uniformity. The relative crystallinity decreased from 34.91 % (waxy corn starch, WCS) to 0-25.91 % (SNPs), and the absorbance ratios of R1047/1022 decreased from 0.81 (WCS) to 0.60-0.76 (SNPs). The SNPs had lower thermal stability than that of WCS, characterized by a decrease in Td (temperature at maximum weight loss) from 309.39 °C (WCS) to 300.39-305.75 °C (SNPs). Furthermore, the SNPs exhibited excellent swelling power (3.48-28.02 %) and solubility (0.34-0.97 g/g). Notably, oil absorption capacity of the SNPs (9.77-15.67 g/g) was rather greater than that of WCS (1.33 g/g). Furthermore, the SNPs possessed the lower storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G″) and viscosity than that of WCS. The SNPs with predictable size and high dispersion capability prepared in this study lay a foundation for expanding the application of SNPs.

Revolutionizing lung health: Exploring the latest breakthroughs and future prospects of synbiotic nanostructures in lung diseases

The escalating prevalence of lung diseases underscores the need for innovative therapies. Dysbiosis in human body microbiome has emerged as a significant factor in these diseases, indicating a potential role for synbiotics in restoring microbial equilibrium. However, effective delivery of synbiotics to the target site remains challenging. Here, we aim to explore suitable nanoparticles for encapsulating synbiotics tailored for applications in lung diseases. Nanoencapsulation has emerged as a prominent strategy to address the delivery challenges of synbiotics in this context. Through a comprehensive review, we assess the potential of nanoparticles in facilitating synbiotic delivery and their structural adaptability for this purpose. Our review reveals that nanoparticles such as nanocellulose, starch, and chitosan exhibit high potential for synbiotic encapsulation. These offer flexibility in structure design and synthesis, making them promising candidates for addressing delivery challenges in lung diseases. Furthermore, our analysis highlights that synbiotics, when compared to probiotics alone, demonstrate superior anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activities. This review underscores the promising role of nanoparticle-encapsulated synbiotics as a targeted and effective therapeutic approach for lung diseases, contributing valuable insights into the potential of nanomedicine in revolutionizing treatment strategies for respiratory conditions, ultimately paving the way for future advancements in this field.

Pickering emulsions stabilized by starch nanocrystals prepared from various crystalline starches by ultrasonic assisted acetic acid: Stability and delivery of curcumin

Ultrasonic assisted acetic acid hydrolysis was applied to prepare starch nanocrystals (SNCs) from native starches with different crystalline structures (A, B, and C types). The structure properties, morphology, Pickering emulsion stability and curcumin deliver capacity of both SNCs and native starches were investigated and compared. Compared with native starches, SNCs showed smaller size and higher crystallinity. The size of SNCs varied with different crystalline types, with C-type starch exhibiting the smallest SNCs (107.4 nm), followed by A-type (113.8 nm), and B-type displaying the largest particle size (149.0 nm). SNCs-Pickering emulsion showed enhanced stability with smaller emulsion droplets, higher static stability, and denser oil/water interface. SNCs-Pickering emulsions displayed higher curcumin loading efficiency (53.53 %-61.41 %) compared with native starch-Pickering emulsions (13.93 %-19.73 %). During in vitro digestion, SNCs-Pickering emulsions proved to be more proficient in protecting and prolonging the biological activity of curcumin due to their smaller size and better interfacial properties. These findings demonstrated the potential of SNCs for application in Pickering emulsion and delivery of bioactive components.

Understanding the improvement of sorghum starch acid hydrolysis modification by E-beam irradiation: A supramolecular structure perspective

To investigate the effect of E-beam irradiation (EBI) on acid-hydrolyzed starch, sorghum starch was pretreated with EBI (2, 4, and 8 kGy) and further hydrolyzed using hydrochloric acid (1 % and 6 % concentrations) in this study. EBI intensified acid hydrolysis corrosion on starch granule surfaces without inducing changes in the growth ring, FT-IR spectra, and crystal type (A-type). Also, EBI promoted starch degradation by acid hydrolysis, as evidenced by the R1047/1022 loss (1.071 to 1.027), the molecular weight decrease, and the chain length distribution shift (toward short A-chain). Moreover, this synergistic modification induced a starch enthalpy decrease (only 9.49 J/g) and crystallinity reduction (29.87 %), while solubility increase (34.27 %) and swelling power inhibition (only 7.65 g/g) were observed. Notably, starch digestibility was improved after synergistic modification. The obtained results broaden the processing depth of EBI in modified starch and highlight the promising application of acidolysis sorghum starch as a potential industrial starch.

Altered leaching composition of maize starch granules by irradiative depolymerization: The key role of degraded molecular structure

The molecular composition of starch leachates from starch-based foods has been recently recognised as a crucial determinant of food properties. However, there is limited knowledge on the regulation of this composition through irradiative depolymerization of starch. This research investigates the leaching behaviour of maize starch depolymerized by electron beam irradiation, and the relationship between the composition of leached starch and structures of modified starch granules. The analysis using 1H NMR spectroscopy confirmed a decrease in the degree of branching (from 4.4 % to 2.8 %), while size-exclusion chromatography identified a newly-derived amylopectin fraction of a smaller hydrodynamic radius (approximately 60-80 nm). The structural properties of the starch granules were also analysed, revealing an increased BET-area of granules and reduced total crystallinity after depolymerization. In the leachates of swollen granules, the bimodal distribution of starch molecules evolves into unimodal with the increase of the irradiative dosage, while modified starch leached more starch molecules with Rh < 10 nm. The results of principal component analysis and Pearson correlation analysis indicate that the degree of branching of degraded starch molecules, as well as the newly-derived amylopectin fraction, significantly correlates (p < 0.01) with the molecular size of leached starch molecules (Rh < 10 nm). It is thus proposed that the cleavage of α-1,6 linkage may be a critical factor in controlling the leaching process of irradiated starch granules. This study highlights the potential of irradiative degradation to control the molecular composition and structure of starch leachates, thereby optimizing the properties of starch-based foods.

Red rice starch modification - Combination of the non-thermal method with a pulsed electric field (PEF) and enzymatic method using α-amylase

The objective of this study was to investigate the dual modification of red rice starch using pulsed electric field (PEF) and α-amylase, focusing on morpho-structural, thermal, and viscoamylographic properties. Native starch (Control) underwent various treatments: PEF at 30 kV cm-1 (PEF30), α-amylase at 9.0 U mg-1 (AA0), and a combination of both (PEF30 + α and α + PEF30). The PEF30 + α treatment exhibited the highest degree of digestion (10.66 %) and resulted in morphological changes in the starch granules, which became elongated and curved, with an increased average diameter of 50.49 μm compared to the control. The starch was classified as type A, with a maximum reduction in crystallinity of up to 21.17 % for PEF30. The deconvolution of FT-IR bands indicated an increase in the double helix degree (DDH) for PEF30 and AA0, while the degree of order (DO) was reduced for PEF30, AA0, and PEF30 + α. DSC analysis revealed significant modifications in gelatinization temperatures, particularly for PEF30, and these changes were supported by a reduction in gelatinization enthalpy (ΔH) of up to 28.05 % for AA0. These findings indicate that both individual and combined treatments promote a decrease in starch gelatinization and facilitate the process, requiring less energy. Differences were observed between the formulations subjected to single and alternating dual treatments, highlighting the influence of the order of PEF application on the structural characteristics of starch, especially when applied before the enzymatic treatment (PEF + α). Regarding the viscoamylographic parameters, it was observed that AA0 presented higher values than the control, indicating that α-amylase enhances the firmness of the paste. The double modification with PEF + α was more effective in reducing syneresis and starch retrogradation, leading to improvements in paste properties. This study provided significant insights into the modification of red rice starch using an efficient and environmentally friendly approach.

Short-chain glucan self-assembly for green synthesis of functional biomaterials: Mechanism, synthesis, and microstructural control

Short-chain glucan (SCG) is a linear homopolymer containing 10 to 50 glucose units linked with α(1,4) glycosidic bonds. With its abundant, low-cost, nontoxic, biodegradable/biocompatible nature, self-assembled SCG particles (SSC) have emerged as functional biomaterials, which have recently attracted tremendous attentions in various fields. SCG self-assembly occurs through the spontaneous association of molecules under equilibrium conditions into stable and structurally well-defined nanoscale or micrometer-scale aggregates, which is governed by various intermolecular non-covalent interactions, including hydrogen-bonding, electrostatic, hydrophobic, and van der Waals. With precise and effective control of the self-assembly process of SSC, its structural modulation and function integration can be expected. Thus, we convinced that SCG self-assembly could provide an effective means of developing starch-based functional biomaterials with beneficial health properties and wide application in food industries. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in the green approach for the self-assembly of SSC, as well as the influence of thermodynamic and kinetic factors on its morphology and physicochemical properties. We highlight recent contributions to developing strategies for the construction of SSC with increasing complexity and functionality that are suitable for a variety of food applications. Finally, we briefly outline our perspectives and discuss the challenges in the field.

Research progress of starch as microencapsulated wall material

Starch is non-toxic, low cost, and possesses good biocompatibility and biodegradability. As a natural polymer material, starch is an ideal choice for microcapsule wall materials. Starch-based microcapsules have a wide range of applications and application prospects in fields such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and others. This paper firstly reviews the commonly used wall materials and preparation methods of starch-based microcapsules. Then the effect of starch wall materials on microcapsule properties is introduced in detail. It is expected to provide researchers with design inspiration and ideas for the development of starch-based microcapsules. Next the applications of starch-based microcapsules in various fields are presented. Finally, the future trends of starch-based microcapsules are discussed. Molecular simulation, green chemistry, and solutions to the main problems faced by resistant starch microcapsules may be the future research trends of starch-based microcapsules.

Effects of Debranching Conditions and Annealing Treatment on the Formation of Starch Nanoparticles and Their Physicochemical Characteristics

Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) have unique attributes that make them suitable for specific applications. In this study, we assessed the optimum conditions for the fabrication of SNPs from the rice starches of low- (TCSG2) and medium-amylose rice lines (TK11) using pullulanase debranching combined with annealing treatment and evaluated their physicochemical and digestion properties. The highest crystalline SNP percent recoveries of 15.1 and 11.7% were obtained from TK11 and TCSG2, respectively, under the following debranching conditions: 540-630 NPUN/g, pH 5.0, 60 °C, and 12 h. The percent recovery of the crystalline SNPs by the combined modification of the debranching and the annealing treatment with an extended annealing incubation prepared from TK11 and TCSG2 was significantly increased to 25.7 and 23.8%, respectively. The modified starches from TK11 had better percent recovery of the crystalline SNPs than those from TCSG2. They exhibited a higher weight-average molecular weight (Mw) and a broader/bimodal molecular weight distribution with a higher polydispersity (PDI) (Mw = 92.76-92.69 kDa; PDI = 4.4) than those from TCSG2 (Mw = 7.13-7.15 kDa; PDI = 1.7). Compared to the native counterparts, the color analyses showed that the modified starches from TK11 and TCSG2 exhibited decreased brightness (L*)/whiteness index (WI) values with marked color difference values (∆E) ranging between 6.32 and 9.39 and 10.67 and 11.32, respectively, presumably due to the protein corona formed on the surface of SNPs which induced the browning reaction during the treatments. The pasting properties revealed that the modified starches displayed restricted swelling power with extremely low pasting viscosities, reflecting that they were highly thermally stable. The modified starches, especially those treated with an extended annealing incubation, exhibited marked decreases in the rate and extent of digestion and estimated glycemic index due to the honeycomb-like agglomerates comprising an assembly of densely packed SNPs. The results could provide helpful information for the preparation and characterization of the crystalline SNPs for potential applications such as emulsion stabilizers for Pickering emulsion and health-promoting ingredients.

A Review on Reinforcements and Additives in Starch-Based Composites for Food Packaging

The research of starch as a matrix material for manufacturing biodegradable films has been gaining popularity in recent years, indicating its potential and possible limitations. To compete with conventional petroleum-based plastics, an enhancement of their low resistance to water and limited mechanical properties is essential. This review aims to discuss the various types of nanofillers and additives that have been used in plasticized starch films including nanoclays (montmorillonite, halloysite, kaolinite, etc.), poly-saccharide nanofillers (cellulose, starch, chitin, and chitosan nanomaterials), metal oxides (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, etc.), and essential oils (carvacrol, eugenol, cinnamic acid). These reinforcements are frequently used to enhance several physical characteristics including mechanical properties, thermal stability, moisture resistance, oxygen barrier capabilities, and biodegradation rate, providing antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This paper will provide an overview of the development of starch-based nanocomposite films and coatings applied in food packaging systems through the application of reinforcements and additives.

Advances in Starch Nanoparticle for Emulsion Stabilization

Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) are generally defined as starch grains smaller than 600-1000 nm produced from a series of physical, chemical, or biologically modified starches. Many studies have reported the preparation and modification of SNPs, which are mostly based on the traditional "top-down" strategy. The preparation process generally has problems with process complexity, long reaction periods, low yield, high energy consumption, poor repeatability, etc. A "bottom-up" strategy, such as an anti-solvent method, is proven to be suitable for the preparation of SNPs, and they are synthesized with small particle size, good repeatability, a low requirement on equipment, simple operation, and great development potential. The surface of raw starch contains a large amount of hydroxyl and has a high degree of hydrophilicity, while SNP is a potential emulsifier for food and non-food applications.

Structural Properties of Lotus Seed Starch Nanocrystals Prepared Using Ultrasonic-Assisted Acid Hydrolysis

This study provides a novel method of preparing lotus seed starch nanocrystals (LS-SNCs) using acid hydrolysis combined with ultrasonic-assisted acid hydrolysis (U-LS-SNCs) and evaluates the structural characteristics of starch nanocrystals using scanning electron microscopy; analysis of particle size, molecular weight, and X-ray diffraction patterns; and FT-IR spectroscopy. The results showed that the preparation time of U-LS-SNCs could be reduced to 2 days less than that for LS-SNCs. The smallest particle size and molecular weight were obtained after a 30 min treatment with 200 W of ultrasonic power and 5 days of acid hydrolysis. The particle size was 147 nm, the weight-average molecular weight was 3.42 × 10⁴ Da, and the number-average molecular weight was 1.59 × 10⁴ Da. When the applied ultrasonic power was 150 W for 30 min and acid hydrolysis was applied for 3 days, the highest relative crystallinity of the starch nanocrystals was 52.8%. The modified nanocrystals can be more widely used in various applications such as food-packaging materials, fillers, pharmaceuticals, etc.

Polysaccharides, proteins, and their complex as microencapsulation carriers for delivery of probiotics: A review on carrier types and encapsulation techniques

Probiotics provide several benefits for humans, including restoring the balance of gut bacteria, boosting the immune system, and aiding in the management of certain conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and lactose intolerance. However, the viability of probiotics may undergo a significant reduction during food storage and gastrointestinal transit, potentially hindering the realization of their health benefits. Microencapsulation techniques have been recognized as an effective way to improve the stability of probiotics during processing and storage and allow for their localization and slow release in intestine. Although, numerous techniques have been employed for the encapsulation of probiotics, the encapsulation techniques itself and carrier types are the main factors affecting the encapsulate effect. This work summarizes the applications of commonly used polysaccharides (alginate, starch, and chitosan), proteins (whey protein isolate, soy protein isolate, and zein) and its complex as the probiotics encapsulation materials; evaluates the evolutions in microencapsulation technologies and coating materials for probiotics, discusses their benefits and limitations, and provides directions for future research to improve targeted release of beneficial additives as well as microencapsulation techniques. This study provides a comprehensive reference for current knowledge pertaining to microencapsulation in probiotics processing and suggestions for best practices gleaned from the literature.

Nanotechnology impacting probiotics and prebiotics: a paradigm shift in nutraceuticals technology

This is proven for a long that the incorporation of probiotics and prebiotics in diet exhibits beneficial effects on intestinal and intrinsic health. Nevertheless, this may encounter loss of vitality all along the absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to meager intestinal delivery of probiotic active ingredients. In recent times, nanotechnology has been passionately used to escalate the bioavailability of active ingredients. Versatile forms of nanoparticles (NPs) are devised to be used with probiotics/prebiotics/synbiotics or their different combinations. The NPs currently in trend are constituted of distinctive organic compounds like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, or inorganics such as oxides of silver and titanium or magnesium etc. This review critically explicates the emerging relationship of nanotechnology with probiotics and prebiotics for different applications in neutraceuticals. Here in this review, formulations of nanoprobiotics and nanoprebiotics are discussed in detail, which behave as an effective drug delivery system. In addition, these formulations exhibit anti-cancerous, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and photo-protective properties. Limited availability of scientific research on nanotechnology concerning probiotics and prebiotics implies dynamic research studies on the bioavailability of loaded active ingredients and the effective drug delivery system by including the safety issues of food and the environment.

Effect of fatty acid chain length on physicochemical properties of starch nanocomposites obtained via nanoprecipitation

To evaluate the effect of elaborate difference in the hydrophobicity of core material on encapsulation process and physicochemical properties of the composites, composites of starch and FA with various chain lengths (C:12-22) were prepared via nanoprecipitation. X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that all composites had a V_h-amylose crystalline unit cell, but the chain length of FA did not induce a clear change in crystallinity or the hydrodynamic mean diameter of the composites. As the chain length of FA increased from 12 to 22, FA content in the composites increased from 1.69 to 14.85 mg/g composite. The absorption analyses of Rose Bengal on the composite surfaces revealed that their hydrophobicity increased with increasing chain length of FA. The incorporation of FA enhanced the emulsification activity of the composites, and this result revealed that the composites could be applied as an emulsification agent. For longer FA, composite storage stability increased, but the release of FA by in vitro digestion was delayed.

Comparison of the effects of AgNPs on the morphological and mechanical characteristics of cancerous cells

Currently, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most produced nanoparticles in global market and have been widely utilized in the biomedical field. Here, we investigated the morphological and mechanical effects of AgNPs on cancerous cells of A549 cells and SMMC-7721 cells with atomic force microscope (AFM). The influence of AgNPs on the morphological properties and mechanical properties of cancerous cells were characterized utilizing the force-volume (FV) mode and force spectroscopy (FS) mode of AFM measurement. We mainly focus on the comparison of the effects of AgNPs on the two types of cancerous cells based on the fitting results of calculating the Young's moduli utilizing the Sneddon model. The results showed that the morphology changed little, but the mechanical properties of height, roughness, adhesion force and Young's moduli of two cancerous cells varied significantly with the stimulation of different concentrations of AgNPs. This research has provided insights into the classification and characterization of the effects of the various concentrations of AgNPs on the cancerous cells in vitro by utilizing AFM methodologies for disease therapy.

Starches in the encapsulation of plant active ingredients: state of the art and research trends

As a natural polymer, starches and their derivatives have received widespread attention in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, particularly for their use as a coating material. In this sense, as an encapsulating agent, starches stand out, considering the number of compounds that they can trap. Additionally, they provide a nutritional contribution and may improve acceptance by patients. As such, this type of material may serve as an alternative to overcome gaps such as loss of activity of the active principles, low assimilation, or deterioration under environmental and physiological conditions. In this paper, we aim to present the state of the art and research trends on the use of starch as a wall material for the encapsulation of active principles of plant origin. It was found that the most-encapsulated active principles are essential oils and polyphenols; native or modified starches are typically used, either as the sole wall material or in combination with other polymers; and the most widely used methodology is spray drying. The reviewed studies indicate the potential of starches for their use in active ingredient encapsulation processes, improving their viability and expanding their range of applications in different industries, as well as showing a clearly increasing publication trend over the last 10 years.

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Starch Nanoparticles: Preparation, Properties and Applications

Starch as a natural polymer is abundant and widely used in various industries around the world. In general, the preparation methods for starch nanoparticles (SNPs) can be classified into 'top-down' and 'bottom-up' methods. SNPs can be produced in smaller sizes and used to improve the functional properties of starch. Thus, they are considered for the various opportunities to improve the quality of product development with starch. This literature study presents information and reviews regarding SNPs, their general preparation methods, characteristics of the resulting SNPs and their applications, especially in food systems, such as Pickering emulsion, bioplastic filler, antimicrobial agent, fat replacer and encapsulating agent. The aspects related to the properties of SNPs and information on the extent of their utilisation are reviewed in this study. The findings can be utilised and encouraged by other researchers to develop and expand the applications of SNPs.

A Comprehensive Study on Starch Nanoparticle Potential as a Reinforcing Material in Bioplastic

Starch can be found in the stems, roots, fruits, and seeds of plants such as sweet potato, cassava, corn, potato, and many more. In addition to its original form, starch can be modified by reducing its size. Starch nanoparticles have a small size and large active surface area, making them suitable for use as fillers or as a reinforcing material in bioplastics. The aim of reinforcing material is to improve the characteristics of bioplastics. This literature study aims to provide in-depth information on the potential use of starch nanoparticles as a reinforcing material in bioplastic packaging. This study also reviews starch size reduction methods including acid hydrolysis, nanoprecipitation, milling, and others; characteristics of the nano-starch particle; and methods to produce bioplastic and its characteristics. The use of starch nanoparticles as a reinforcing material can increase tensile strength, reduce water vapor and oxygen permeability, and increase the biodegradability of bioplastics. However, the use of starch nanoparticles as a reinforcing material for bioplastic packaging still encounters obstacles in its commercialization efforts, due to high production costs and ineffectiveness.

Toxicity of metal-based nanoparticles: Challenges in the nano era

With the rapid progress of nanotechnology, various nanoparticles (NPs) have been applicated in our daily life. In the field of nanotechnology, metal-based NPs are an important component of engineered NPs, including metal and metal oxide NPs, with a variety of biomedical applications. However, the unique physicochemical properties of metal-based NPs confer not only promising biological effects but also pose unexpected toxic threats to human body at the same time. For safer application of metal-based NPs in humans, we should have a comprehensive understanding of NP toxicity. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge about metal-based NPs, including the physicochemical properties affecting their toxicity, mechanisms of their toxicity, their toxicological assessment, the potential strategies to mitigate their toxicity and current status of regulatory movement on their toxicity. Hopefully, in the near future, through the convergence of related disciplines, the development of nanotoxicity research will be significantly promoted, thereby making the application of metal-based NPs in humans much safer.

Preparation of starch-based functional food nano-microcapsule delivery system and its controlled release characteristics

Most of the functional substances in food are absorbed in the small intestine, but before entering the small intestine, the strong acid and enzymes in the stomach limit the amount that can reach the small intestine. Therefore, in this paper, to develop a delivery system for functional food ingredients, maintain the biological activity of the ingredients, and deliver them to the target digestive organs, preparation of starch-based functional food nano-microcapsule delivery system and its controlled release characteristics were reviewed. Embedding unstable food active ingredients in starch-based nano-microcapsules can give the core material excellent stability and certain functional effects. Starch-based wall materials refer to a type of natural polymer material that uses starch or its derivatives to coat fat-soluble components with its hydrophobic cavities. The preparation methods of starch-based wall materials mainly include spray drying, extrusion, freeze drying, ultra-high pressure, coagulation, fluidized bed coating, molecular inclusion, chemical, and enzymic methods. The controlled release of functional food can be achieved by preparing starch-based nano-microcapsules to encapsulate the active agents. It has been reported that that compared with traditional embedding agents such as gelatin, acacia gum, and xanthan gum, starch-based functional food nano-microcapsule delivery system had many good properties, including improving antioxidant capacity, bioavailability, probiotics, and concealing bad flavors. From this review, we can learn which method should be chosen to prepare starch-based functional food nano-microcapsule delivery system and understand the mechanism of controlled release.

A comprehensive review and outlook on the experimental techniques to investigate the complex dynamics of pulsed laser ablation in liquid for nanoparticle synthesis

Pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) has been established as one of the most efficient and impactful methods for producing pure and ligand-free nanoparticles (NPs). PLAL has successfully been utilized for the synthesis of metal NPs, semiconductor NPs, ceramic NPs, and even nanocomposites. A variety of NPs, including core-shell, nanocubes, nanorods, and many other complex structures, can be synthesized using PLAL. The versatility associated with PLAL has led to the synthesis of NPs that have found applications in the field of biomedicine, sensing technology, energy harvesting, and various industries. Despite all the aforementioned advantages, there has been an ambiguity in terms of conditions/parameters for the nanoparticle synthesis as reported by various research groups. This has led to a perception that PLAL provides little or no control over the properties of the synthesized NPs. The properties of the NPs are reliant on transient dynamics caused due to a high-intensity laser's interaction with the target material. To understand the process of nanoparticle synthesis and to control the properties of NPs, it is critical to understand the various processes that occur during PLAL. The investigation of PLAL is essential for understanding the dynamical processes involved. However, the investigation techniques employed to probe PLAL present their own set of difficulties, as high temporal as well as spatial resolution is a prerequisite to probe PLAL. Hence, the purpose of this Review is to understand the dynamical processes of PLAL and gain an insight into the various investigation techniques and their data interpretation. In addition to the current challenges, some ways of overcoming these challenges are also presented. The benefits of concurrent investigations with special emphasis on the simultaneous investigation by multiple techniques are summarized, and furthermore, a few examples are also provided to help the readers understand how the simultaneous investigation works.

Recent Trends in the Preparation of Nano-Starch Particles

Starch is affected by several limitations, e.g., retro-gradation, high viscosity even at low concentrations, handling issues, poor freeze-thaw stability, low process tolerance, and gel opacity. In this context, physical, chemical, and enzymatic methods have been investigated for addressing such limitations or adding new attributes. Thus, the creation of biomaterial-based nanoparticles has sparked curiosity. Because of that, single nucleotide polymorphisms are gaining a lot of interest in food packaging technology. This is due to their ability to increase the mechanical and water vapor resistance of the matrix, as well as hide its re-crystallization during storage in high-humidity atmospheres and enhance the mechanical properties of films when binding in paper machines and paper coating. In medicine, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are suitable as carriers in the field of drug delivery for immobilized bioactive or therapeutic agents, as well as wastewater treatments as an alternative to expensive activated carbons. Starch nanoparticle preparations can be performed by hydrolysis via acid hydrolysis of the amorphous part of a starch molecule, the use of enzymes such as pullulanase or isoamylase, or a combination of two regeneration and mechanical treatments with the employment of extrusion, irradiation, ultrasound, or precipitation. The possibility of obtaining cheap and easy-to-use methods for starch and starch derivative nanoparticles is of fundamental importance. Nano-precipitation and ultra-sonication are rather simple and reliable methods for nanoparticle production. The process involves the addition of a diluted starch solution into a non-solvent, and ultra-sonication aims to reduce the size by breaking the covalent bonds in polymeric material due to intense shear forces or mechanical effects associated with the collapsing of micro-bubbles by sound waves. The current study focuses on starch nanoparticle manufacturing, characterization, and emerging applications.

Facile fabrication of thermostable and colorimetric starch-based waterproof coating with edible organic materials

With the attention to pollution and human health, nontoxic food grade superhydrophobic coating as a strategy to reduce food waste has aroused wide interest. Herein, a food grade colorimetric starch-based waterproof coating was achieved using starch nanoparticle (SNP), stearic acid (STA) and anthocyanin. The as-prepared coating exhibited considerable thermostability and remarkable water repellency due to the low-surface-energy pomegranate pulp-like micro/nanostructure assembled by STA and SNP. The certain mechanical and chemical durability, prominent self-cleaning property and liquid food repellency in the coating had been thoroughly verified. Additionally, anthocyanin was creatively introduced to the coating via SNP loading, which endowed the coating with color response to different pH solutions. Thus, the coating is applicable to freshness monitoring without being disabled by water. This thermostable and colorimetric starch-based waterproof coating shows promising application prospects in advanced bio-based food-contact material field.

Fabrication and characterization of Pickering high internal phase emulsions stabilized by debranched starch-capric acid complex nanoparticles

High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) stabilized by debranched starch-capric acid (DBS-CA) complex nanoparticles were fabricated and their performance was evaluated. DBS-CA was prepared through enzymatic debranching and solid encapsulation methods, and displayed V-type crystalline structure. Contact angle measurements show enhanced hydrophobicity of DBS-CA compared to native starch. The DBS-CA nanoparticles have an average size of 463.77 nm and tended to be aggregating as analyzed by scanning electron microscope and dynamic light scattering particle size analysis. When used as a particulate emulsifier, DBS-CA could stabilize HIPEs with oil volume fraction as high as 80%. The HIPEs showed pH-dependent properties; good storage stability and mechanical strength were achieved within pH range from 3 to 11, especially under alkaline conditions. It was proposed that smaller particle size and higher surface charging were responsible for the more tightly connected gel structure and thus their performance. This study demonstrates a novel approach to fabricate food-grade Pickering HIPEs, which may have many promising potential applications in the food industry.

Acid Hydrolysis and Optimization Techniques for Nanoparticles Preparation: Current Review

Nanostarch is unique in that it is highly soluble, thermally stable, non-toxic and inexpensive. Hence, it is utilized in numerous well-established applications, including drug delivery, cosmetics, textiles, foods, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). These applications take advantage of the special functions that can be achieved through modifications to the structure and properties of native starch. The most common method for the preparation of nanostarch with a relatively higher crystallinity and stability is acid hydrolysis. Technically, the properties of nanostarch are highly dependent on several factors during the hydrolysis process, such as the acid, concentration of acid, reaction time, reaction temperature, and source of starch. The production of nanostarch with desired properties requires a detailed understanding on each of the factors as they are inevitably affected the physical and chemical properties of nanostarch. Hence, it is vital to incorporate optimization technique into the production process to achieve the full potential of nanostarch. Therefore, the current review comprehensively elaborates on the factors that affect acid hydrolysis as well as the optimization techniques used in the preparation of nanostarch.

Preparation and Drug-Loading Properties of Amphoteric Cassava Starch Nanoparticles

Based on the characteristics of charge reversal around the isoelectric point (pI) of amphoteric starch-containing anionic and cationic groups, amphoteric cassava starch nanoparticles (CA-CANPs) are prepared by a W/O microemulsion crosslinking method using (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride as a cationic reagent and POCl₃ as an anionic reagent, and the effects of preparation conditions on the particle size of the CA-CANPs are studied in detail in the present study. CA-CANPs with a smooth surface and an average diameter of 252 nm are successfully prepared at the following optimised conditions: a crosslinking agent amount of 15 wt%, an aqueous starch concentration of 6.0 wt%, an oil–water ratio of 10:1, a total surfactant amount of 0.20 g·mL⁻¹, and a CHPTAC amount of 4.05 wt%. The pH-responsive value of the CA-CANPs can be regulated by adjusting the nitrogen–phosphorus molar ratio in the CA-CANPs. By using CA-CANPs with a pI of 6.89 as drug carriers and the paclitaxel (PTX) as a model drug, the maximum loading rate of 36.14 mg·g⁻¹ is achieved, and the loading process is consistent with the Langmuir isotherm adsorption, with the calculated thermodynamic parameters of ΔH° = −37.91 kJ·mol⁻¹, ΔS° = −10.96 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ and ΔG° < 0. By testing the release rate in vitro, it is noted that the release rates of PTX in a neutral environment (37.6% after 96 h) and a slightly acidic environment (58.65% after 96 h) are quite different, suggesting that the CA-CANPs have the possibility of being a targeted controlled-release carrier with pH responsiveness for antitumor drugs.

Synthesis, characteristics, and applications of modified starch nanoparticles: A review

Nowadays, starch nanoparticles (SNPs) are drawing attention to the scientific community due to their versatility and wide range of applications. Although several works have extensively addressed the SNP production routes, not much is discussed about the SNPs modification techniques, as well as the use of modified SNPs in typical and unconventional applications. Here, we focused on the SNP modification strategies and characteristics and performance of the resulting products, as well as their practical applications, while pointing out the main limitations and recommendations. We aim to guide researchers by identifying the next steps in this emerging line of research. SNPs esterification and oxidation are preferred chemical modifications, which result in changes in the functional groups. Moreover, additional polymers are incorporated into the SNP surface through copolymer grafting. Physical modification of starch has demonstrated similar changes in the functional groups without the need for toxic chemicals. Modified SNPs rendered differentiated properties, such as size, shape, crystallinity, hydrophobicity, and Zeta-potential. For multiple applications, tailoring the aforementioned properties is key to the performance of nanoparticle-based systems. However, the number of studies focusing on emerging applications is fairly limited, while their applications as drug delivery systems lack in vivo studies. The main challenges and prospects were discussed.

Surface-charged starch nanocrystals from glutinous rice: Preparation, crystalline properties and cytotoxicity

The high-amylopectin glutinous rice is used in this study for the preparation of starch nanocrystals (SNCs) with the acid hydrolysis and enzymatic treatment. The fabricated SNC is carried out the surface modifications by phosphorylation and cationization to produce the nanocrystals with the charged surface. Four kinds of SNCs are obtained with the different surface charges involving the varied negative charges, positive charge and no charge. The chemical structures, morphologies and crystalline properties of four SNCs were investigated, together with the effect of surface charges to their cytotoxicity for two cell lines RAW267.4 and CAL27 by the cell proliferation and cell migration assay. The sulfuric acid-hydrolyzed SNC and phosphorylated SNC have more ordered regions and therefore display the higher crystallinities than the enzymatic treated SNC. Four obtained SNCs all exhibited weak cytotoxicity, indicating their good biocompatibility in the potential biomedical application.

Physical modification of starch by heat-moisture treatment and annealing and their applications: A review

Heat-moisture treatment (HMT) and annealing are hydrothermal starch modifications. HMT is performed using high temperature and low moisture content range, whereas annealing uses excess of water, a long period of time, and temperature above the glass transition and below the gelatinization temperature. This review focuses on: research advances; the effect of HMT and annealing on starch structure and most important properties; combined modifications; and HMT-starch and annealed-starch applications. Annealing and HMT can be performed together or combined with other modifications. These combinations contribute to new applications in different areas. The annealed and HMT-starches can be used for pasta, candy, bakery products, films, nanocrystals, and nanoparticles. HMT has been studied on starch digestibility and promising data have been reported, due to increased content of slowly digestible and resistant starches. The starch industry is in constant expansion, and modification processes increase its versatility, adapting it for different purposes in food industries.