Development of biodegradable products from modified starches

Abstract

Structural modifications of native starches could be considered as an alternative to obtain derivatives with enhanced properties, relevant in the materials field. In this chapter, the use of several modified starches from different botanical origin for this purpose is well discussed. Thus, diverse processing methods as well as characteristics and properties of these functionalized materials are described. Particularly, the real biodegradability/compostability and food contact compliance of these novel starch-based materials are also included in this section.