Polyurethane-functionalized starch nanoparticles for the purification of biodiesel

Recent preparation, modification and application progress of starch nanocrystals: A review

Due to the advantages of wide sources, high biocompatibility and favorable biodegradability, starch nanocrystals (SNCs) have gradually attracted attention and have bright development prospects in food, agriculture, materials, medicine and other fields. However, the traditional preparation method of SNCs is time-consuming and inefficient, and the physicochemical properties cannot fully meet the needs of multiple applications. Fortunately, the unique onion-like structure of starch granules and the large number of hydroxyl groups present on the surface entitle SNCs to efficient preparation and modification. This paper comprehensively reviewed the improvement methods of SNCs preparation process in recent years, and the advantages and disadvantages of the two improvement strategies were compared. Besides, the importance of introducing different pretreatment methods into the SNCs preparation process was emphasized. It also focused on the different modification treatment and application progress of SNCs, especially in the starch-based surface coating of fruits and vegetables. The information will contribute to further improve the preparation efficiency and physicochemical properties of SNCs, and ultimately expand the application field.

Preparing potato starch nanocrystals assisted by dielectric barrier discharge plasma and its multiscale structure, physicochemical and rheological properties

Non-thermal plasma has increasingly been used for surface modification of various materials as a novel green technology. In this study, we prepared potato starch nanocrystals (SNCs) assisted by dielectric barrier discharge plasma technology and investigated its multiscale structure, physicochemical properties and rheology. Plasma treatment did not change the morphology and crystalline pattern of SNCs but reduced the crystallinity. The amylose content, swelling power, gelatinization temperature, and apparent viscosity of SNCs decreased after the plasma process by depolymerizing the amylopectin branch chains and degrading SNCs molecules. Besides, plasma increased the rapidly digestible starch and resistant starch content. Changes in rheological properties of plasma treated SNCs suggested that the plasma process increased the flowing capacity. The effective structural and functional changes of plasma treated SNCs confirm that plasma technology has great potential for modification of SNCs.

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.

A role for ultrasound in the fabrication of carbohydrate-supported nanomaterials

Nowadays, sonication is a well-known technique for the fabrication and surface modification of nanomaterials with various sizes, shapes, and chemical and physical properties. In addition to conducting catalyst-mediated chemical reactions and enhancing medicinal properties, such as antibacterial and antifungal activities, nanoparticles made from biodegradable and biocompatible carbohydrate coatings and glycosidic frameworks offer exciting opportunities for the development of biomaterials, optical sensors, packaging materials, agricultural products, and food. This review article discusses the synthesis of carbohydrate-coated nanoparticles by ultrasound radiation as well as the many applications of these nanoparticles.