Comprehensive Review on Synthesis of Nano Starch and its Applications in Food Packaging Industry

Starch is a sustainable, low-cost polymer that is commercially obtained from corn, wheat, tapioca, rice and potatoes. It stands out among other biopolymers as it is sustainable, natural, abundant, degradable, edible and cost effective. Starch-based materials are utilized in the formulation of food products as well as the development of packaging materials. Starch along with the derivatives of starch are potentially beneficial in production and processing of foods due to their characteristics such as film formation, gelling property, water retention ability and other properties. The drawbacks of the traditional starch films such as reduction in mechanical property and low barrier property can be overcome by nano formulations. Starch nano formulations are categorized as nano-crystals and nano-colloids based on their method of preparation, size, shape, crystallinity and are fabricated by chemical, physical and enzymatic methods. The operating conditions such as temperature and mixing time play a significant role in formulation of biodegradable films.