capacity
Starch-based nanomaterials have also been used in order to protect vitamins, like vitamin A and vitamin D, due to their high lipophilic nature and easy degradation by light and oxygen [73–75]. Firstly, Hasanvand et al. [76] reported that SNPs made from high amylose maize can be used as carriers of vitamin D. They reported encapsulation values up to 78% and through the use of several techniques (DSC, FTIR, and XRD) observed the formation of hydrogen bonds between vitamin D molecules and the starch-based nanovehicle as the encapsulation main drive. More recently, Santoyo-Aleman et al. [68] used citric acid modified SNPs made from banana starch to encapsulate vitamin A. They reported that hydrogen bond formation between the citric acid molecules in the modified vehicle and the vitamin allowed higher encapsulation values.
Due to the high biocompatibility of starch and their edible nature, SNPs can be used as vehicles for controlled release of molecules in the gastrointestinal track. SNPs can be used to shield bioactive molecules from the harsh environment of the stomach (low pH and enzymatic attacks) while increasing release in the intestines [14, 32, 54]. Acevedo-Guevara et al. [10] showed that curcumin release from native and acetylated banana SNPs in simulated gastric and intestinal conditions occurred mostly in intestinal conditions, while the molecule was protected in the stomach simulation. Santoyo-Aleman et al. [68] used a native citric acid modified banana starch SNPs for β-carotene release and encapsulation, reporting that the resistant nature of banana starch to acid hydrolysis led to an increasing stability of the carotene molecule in the gastric conditions. Finally, Ahmad et al. [71] reported that SNPs extracted from horse chestnut, water chestnut, and lotus can be used for the controlled release of catechin in gastric conditions. As explained starch-based nanoencapsulation is an efficient tool in the preservation of catechin bioactive properties in the harsh conditions of the stomach.
3.1.4 Perspectives and Outlook
Starch nanomaterials have generated great interest due to their relatively easy synthesis and the fact that they can be easily modified, through chemical, physical, and enzymatic methods to tailor their properties as needed. Although there have been several studies about the application of starch nanomaterials in food packaging and as nanovehicles for bioactive molecules, there is still plenty of room for research, as starch from every botanical source has different properties that can be used in order to obtain different types of nanovehicles. Furthermore, starch nanomaterials can be modified to improve mechanical, barrier, and optical properties of packaging materials, while other modifications can be used to improve encapsulation of bioactive molecules in either active food packaging or nanomedicine.
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