MODIFIED STARCHES AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BIOFILMS PRODUCTION: A REVIEW.

The optimization of processes for the preparation of biodegradable materials from renewable sources has been a constant challenge in the field of biotechnology. Polymers, such as starch, have been improved and applied as raw materials in both food and non-food industries. Particularly in non-food industries, including the production of biodegradable biofilms, native starch possesses unfavorable characteristics, like high hydrophilicity, water vapor permeability, low stability in acidic/basic environments and high sensitivity to environmental changes, specially humidity, temperature and pH. Therefore, the incorporation of modification methods, emerging technologies and reinforcement systems capable of counteracting these adverse characteristics has become necessary. This review focuses on research conducted over the past five years, highlighting outstanding methods of chemical modifications in starch, including cross-linking, esterification and oxidation. It also includes dual methods and emerging modification technologies, like cold plasma treatment, ozonization and the implementation of reinforcement materials with nanoparticles. Finally, the scope of the main characterization techniques employed in modified starches is detailed.