Search Results (4)

Starch-based nanocomposites (SNCs) are at the forefront of innovations in food science, offering unparalleled opportunities for enhancing the stability, bioactivity, and overall functionality of food systems. This review delves into the potential of SNCs to address contemporary challenges in food formulation, focusing on the synergistic effects of their components. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), we explore new avenues for enhancing the precision, predictability, and functionality of SNCs. AI is applied to optimize the design of SNCs, leveraging predictive modeling to fine-tune material properties and streamline production processes. The role of NMR is also critically examined, with particular emphasis on its capacity to provide high-resolution structural insights, monitor stability over time, and elucidate molecular interactions within food matrices. Through detailed examples, the review highlights the impact of NMR in unraveling the complex behaviors of bioactive compounds encapsulated in SNCs. Additionally, we discuss the integration of functional assays and AI-driven analytics in assessing the bioactivity and sensory properties of these systems, providing a robust framework for the rational design of advanced food products. The synergy between AI, NMR, and SNCs opens new pathways for developing tailored, high-performance food formulations that address both health and consumer preferences. Full article

This study explored the effect of incorporating cellulose and starch nanoparticles, obtained from the Commelina coelestis Willd plant, on the physical and chemical properties of starch-based films derived from the same plant. Additionally, the synergistic effect of combining the nanostructures was assessed. The nanocomposite biopolymer films were prepared by the casting method using 1 and 3 wt% concentrations of the nanostructures (CNCs: cellulose nanocrystals, CNFs: cellulose nanofibers, SNCs: starch nanocrystals), or their blend. The physicochemical (swelling capacity and water solubility), morphological (SEM and AFM), thermal (DSC and TGA), and mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus) of the films were evaluated. The nanocomposite biopolymer films exhibited better dimensional stability (40–60%) than the control films. Tensile strength (8–300%) and Young’s modulus (15–690%) were improved. Moreover, these films displayed enhanced thermal stability, withstanding temperatures exceeding 305 °C. FTIR spectra evidenced intermolecular interaction among the matrix and nanostructures. Microscopic analyses further supported the integrity of the films, which displayed a homogeneous surface and the absence of fractures. In addition, the nanocomposite biopolymer films prepared with 1 wt% cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibers had a lower opacity than those with a higher percentage (3 wt%). Overall, our findings suggest that the Commelina coelestis Willd is a promising starch source that can be used to obtain nanocomposite biopolymer films as an alternative to produce novel, efficient, and eco-friendly materials with adequate thermo-mechanical properties intended to replace conventional plastic materials in single-use applications such as those used in the food packaging industry. Full article

Quinoa starch nanocrystals (QSNCs), obtained by acid hydrolysis, were used as a reinforcing filler in cassava starch films. The influence of QSNC concentrations (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10%, w/w) on the film’s physical and surface properties was investigated. QSNCs exhibited conical and parallelepiped shapes. An increase of the QSNC concentration, from 0 to 5%, improved the film’s tensile strength from 6.5 to 16.5 MPa, but at 7.5%, it decreased to 11.85 MPa. Adequate exfoliation of QSNCs in the starch matrix also decreased the water vapor permeability (~17%) up to a 5% concentration. At 5.0% and 7.5% concentrations, the films increased in roughness, water contact angle, and opacity, whereas the brightness decreased. Furthermore, at these concentrations, the film’s hydrophilic nature changed (water contact angle values of >65°). The SNC addition increased the film opacity without causing major changes in color. Other film properties, such as thickness, moisture content and solubility, were not affected by the QSNC concentration. The DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) results indicated that greater QSNC concentrations increased the second glass transition temperature (related to the biopolymer-rich phase) and the melting enthalpy. However, the film’s thermal stability was not altered by the QSNC addition. These findings contribute to overcoming the starch-based films’ limitations through the development of nanocomposite materials for future food packaging applications. Full article

In the current study, nanocomposite films were produced based on corn starch:chitosan (CS:CH) biopolymers and the films were reinforced with nettle essential oil nanoemulsions (NEONEs) and starch nanocrystals (SNCs) to improve their physicochemical and mechanical properties. CS: CH at 70:30, 50:50, and 30:70 (w/w) ratios; SNCs at 2, 4, and 6% (w/w), and NEONEs at 0.5, 1, and 1.5% (w/w) were selected as variables. Then the various physical and mechanical attributes of chitosan-starch blended film containing SNCs and NEONEs were optimized using response surface methodology. The desirability function technique for the second-order polynomial models revealed that the following results could be achieved as the optimized treatment: water solubility of 51.56%; water absorption capacity of 128.75%; surface color of L (89.60), a (0.96), and b (1.90); water vapor permeability of 0.335 g/s Pa m, oxygen permeability of 2.60 cm³ μm/m² d kPa; thickness of 154.41 µm, elongation at break of 53.54%; and tensile strength of 0.20 MPa at CS:CH of 38:62, SNC of 6.0%, and NEONEs of 0.41%. The nanocomposite film obtained can be employed as a novel biofunctional film with boosted physical mechanical and physical characteristics for food packaging applications. Full article