Size Controlled Preparation of Starch Nanoparticles from Wheat through Precipitation at Low Temperature

Abstract

This study developed an energy efficient procedure to produce size-controlled starch nanoparticles (SNPs) via precipitation. A 0.06 g/ml aqueous starch suspension was solubilized in a solvents system including NaOH and urea at temperature of 35 °C. Applying only 3 minutes ultrasonic treatment leads to formation of SNPs in a narrow size range of 50-70 nm with production yield of 92±5%. TEM and FESEM revealed formation of uniform short nanofibers. Unlike starch/water suspension, the nanoparticles/water suspension remained stable for 48 hours.