Crystalline starch based nanoparticles

• Published in: Current opinion in colloid & interface science Vol. 19; no. 5; pp. 397 - 408
• Main Author: Dufresne, Alain
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: acid hydrolysis; Biodegradability; Chemical Sciences; Crystal structure; energy; Engineering Sciences; Granular materials; Granules; Hydrolysis; Internal energy; Nanocomposite; Nanocrystal; Nanoparticle; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; polymers; Starch; starch granules; Starches; Nanocomposite; Starch; Nanoparticle; Nanocrystal; Crystalline particles; Polymer
• ISSN: 1359-0294; 1879-0399
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2014.06.001

Starch is an abundant, natural, renewable, and biodegradable polymer produced by many plants as a source of stored energy. Because of the multiscale structure of starch granules consisting of alternating crystalline and amorphous concentric layers, the controlled acid hydrolysis treatment of starch disrupts this organization and releases crystalline platelet-like particles with nanoscale dimensions. This paper intends to provide a comprehensive overview of their preparation, characterization, properties, and applications. [Display omitted] •Preparation of starch nanocrystals and optimization strategies is described.•The detailed morphological investigation of starch nanocrystals is reported.•Their thermal properties, chemical modification and sustainability are discussed.•The properties of starch nanocrystal aqueous dispersions are detailed.•Preparation and properties of polymer nanocomposites are critically reviewed.