Multifunctional Roles of Deep Eutectic Solvents in Starch‐Based Materials: From Dissolution to Modification and Plasticization

ABSTRACT With the implementation of the Chinese dual carbon action plan under the new global climate agreement, the development and utilization of renewable biomass resources is extremely important. As a renewable and biodegradable natural polymer, starch presents a promising alternative to conventional plastics. However, starch‐based film materials have problems such as low mechanical strength, poor hydrophobicity, and insufficient plasticity in practical applications, which need to be improved through modification or plasticization technology. With their environmental friendliness and versatility, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as promising alternatives in numerous applications. Although DES has seen growing use in food science for small‐molecule extraction, its interactions with starch macromolecules have received comparatively little investigation. Therefore, this review systematically expounds the synthesis method, classification, and physical and chemical properties of DES; focuses on the research progress of DES in starch solubility, modification, and plasticization; and deeply analyzes the dissolution‐plasticization mechanism of DES on starch‐based materials. In addition, this review further pointed out that although the development of DES in the field of starch materials faced challenges such as toxicity controversy, high viscosity, and raw material costs, it represents an important development direction as a key breakthrough in promoting the development of high‐performance green starch‐based materials.