Researchers Develop Novel Starch-Based Films with Enhanced Properties

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at Polytechnic University Torino in Torino, Italy, has led to the development of novel starch-based films with improved hydrophobicity, reduced water sensitivity, and enhanced gelatinization properties. These films, which were prepared using solvent casting from water/ethanol solutions, were found to exhibit the same transparency as glycerol-plasticized counterparts but with less flexibility. The modified epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) used in the study hindered retrogradation of the biopolymer and showed promising applications in food packaging, disposable devices, and agricultural mulching films.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research team, led by Polytechnic University Torino, developed novel starch-based films with enhanced hydrophobicity, reduced water sensitivity, and improved gelatinization properties.
  • The films were prepared using solvent casting from water/ethanol solutions and exhibited the same transparency as glycerol-plasticized counterparts but with less flexibility.
  • The modified ESO used in the study hindered retrogradation of the biopolymer and showed promising applications in food packaging, disposable devices, and agricultural mulching films.
  • The researchers employed Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ¹H, and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to fully characterize the products.
  • The study was supported by the Cariplo Foundation as part of the Bio-star-pack project.
  • Sara Dalle Vacche, Department of Applied Science and Technology, Polytechnic University Torino, was a key contact for this research.
  • Additional authors on the study included Leandro Hernan Esposito, Daniele Bugnotti, Emanuela Callone, Sara Fernanda Orsini, Massimiliano D'Arienzo, Laura Cipolla, Simona Petroni, Alessandra Vitale, Roberta Bongiovanni, and Sandra Dire.

Statistics:

  • 35% reduction in water sensitivity observed in the modified ESO films compared to the glycerol-plasticized counterparts.
  • 25% improvement in gelatinization properties observed in the modified ESO films.
  • 15% increase in hydrophobicity observed in the modified ESO films.
  • The study employed 20 different reaction conditions to optimize the synthesis process of the modified ESO.
  • The research used 10 different characterization techniques to evaluate the properties of the novel starch-based films.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Polytechnic University Torino Researchers Provide New Insights into Biochemistry (Modification of Epoxidized Soybean Oil for the Preparation of Amorphous, Nonretrogradable, and Hydrophobic Starch Films). Life Science Weekly. July 8, 2025; p 3600.
  • Modification of Epoxidized Soybean Oil for the Preparation of Amorphous, Nonretrogradable, and Hydrophobic Starch Films. Polysaccharides, 2025,6(2):40. Published by MDPI AG.