Amidos de fontes não convencionais e sua aplicação em filmes biodegradáveis: fundamentos e aplicações

Abstract

Nowadays, the search for strategies to overcome the harms affecting the environment has been intensified, especially the demand for biodegradable and renewable materials for packaging applications, although this goal was not yet achieved. In this context, the performance of biodegradable films is discussed in this revision with a particular focus on non-conventional starch films, for they are considered a great alternative for the substitution of petroleum-derived non-biodegradable polymers, commonly used in everyday life due to their low cost and great mechanical properties. Moreover, the variety of starch sources allow this material to be abundantly explored. Researches regarding biodegradable films point out the flexibility, visibility and rapid decomposition of these products in the environment, besides good physical-chemical properties, making the starch film promising for many applications, including food packaging. Some of the limitations caused by the use of starch also lead research to intensify the exploration to supply these necessities, whether by the incorporation of reinforcements or additives, such as extractives, essential oils, etc., or by the chemical and structural modification of starch.