A Brief Introduction to Starch-Based Nanomaterials

Starch nanomaterials (SNMts) are obtained after modification of starch granules by “top-down” and “bottom-up” approaches. These nanomaterials can be classified as starch nanocrystals (SNCs), nanofibers (SNFs), nanoparticles (SNPs), nanomicelles (SNMs), and nanovesicles (SNVs). The current chapter aimed to define each starch nanomaterial, reviewing their obtention and food applications. SNCs and SNFs have been used as fillers in packaging materials, whereas, SNPs have been used to stabilize bioactive compounds to develop antioxidant and antimicrobial nanomaterials. SNMs and SNVs have been explored in medical applications to encapsulate hydrophobic materials and increase the solubility of compounds lower-polarity compounds.