Modulation of the physical and chemical properties of starch films by high-intensity pulsed light

• Grant number: 25/24875-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2026
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Technology
• Principal Investigator: Luís Marangoni Júnior
• Grantee: Arthur de Almeida Braga
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos (FEA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 25/10856-7 - Pulsed light as a strategy for structural and functional modulation of starch-based biodegradable films, AP.R

Abstract

The growing demand for biodegradable and sustainable materials has driven the development of polymer films based on biopolymers, such as starch. However, starch films have limitations related to high moisture permeability and low mechanical strength, restricting their use as packaging materials. High-intensity pulsed light, a non-thermal technology, has been widely studied for various applications. Recently, there is emerging evidence that this technology can induce physicochemical changes in biopolymers, promoting molecular reorganization, cross-linking formation, and modifications in crystalline structure. Therefore, this project aims to evaluate how different parameters of high-intensity pulsed light impact the structural, mechanical, and barrier properties of starch films. (AU)