Film formation refers to the ability of a material to form a continuous, thin, and flexible layer on a surface. Modified starches, due to their unique properties such as gelation ability, viscosity, and elasticity, can form films and are used in various applications such as food packaging, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. Modification of starches can improve film formation by enhancing its physical and mechanical properties.
Modified starch can be used as a film-forming agent in food packaging to improve the properties of the packaging material, such as durability, barrier properties, and oxygen permeability. The film-forming properties of modified starches are improved compared to native starches due to the changes in the molecular structure and molecular interactions that occur during the modification process. The modified starches can be used as a coating material to protect food products from moisture, light, and oxygen.
In the pharmaceutical industry, it forms a protective barrier that helps to encapsulate and protect sensitive ingredients in a variety of drug delivery systems, such as transdermal patches, oral and topical formulations. The film can also improve the handling and stability of the final product.
Modified starches can be used to form films in the agriculture industry for various purposes such as:
- as seed coatings to improve seed performance and protection
- for mulching to reduce soil evaporation and improve soil moisture retention
- as protective covers for young plants and crops to protect them from environmental stress and pests.