Biomembranes Based on Potato Starch Modified by Dry Heating Treatment: One Sustainable Strategy to Amplify the Use of Starch as a Biomaterial

Author(s)

Sponchiado, Pedro Augusto Invernizzi ; Melo, Maryanne Trafani ; Cominal, Jucara G. ; Martelli Tosi, Milena ; Ciancaglini, Pietro ; Ramos, Ana Paula ; Maniglia, Bianca Chieregato

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Biomacromolecules; v. 26, n. 3, p. 11-pg., 2025-02-24.

Abstract

The exceptional biocompatibility of polymeric membranes drives their use in biomaterials, but structural modifications are needed to improve their mechanical properties. This study investigated dry heating treatment (DHT) as an ecofriendly and cost-effective approach to modifying potato starch for biomembrane fabrication. DHT-treated starch (2 h) produced biomembranes with a denser structure, smoother surfaces, and significantly improved mechanical properties, including higher tensile strength (similar to 6x), rigidity (similar to 15x), and relative crystallinity (similar to 2x) while reducing flexibility (similar to 5x), compared to native starch membranes. These membranes also exhibited lower moisture content, reduced hydrophilicity, higher surface energy, decreased biodegradability, and enhanced bioactivity, as shown by hydroxyapatite formation in simulated body fluid. Importantly, they were nontoxic to osteoblasts, emphasizing their potential for medical applications. This study highlights DHT as a sustainable and innovative method for modifying starch to develop advanced biomaterials for medical applications. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/17512-6 - Development via 3D printing of bone scaffolds based on starch hydrogels added with annatto extract; investigation of strategies with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) and encapsulation
• Grantee: Pedro Augusto Invernizzi Sponchiado
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 19/25054-2 - Strontium-containing nanoparticles and their versatility for biomaterials fabrication: implications and applications in biomineralization
• Grantee: Ana Paula Ramos
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/08727-0 - Starch modification by green methods for elaboration via 3D printing of bone scaffolds activated by the presence of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles replaced by Sr2+
• Grantee: Bianca Chieregato Maniglia
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/08568-2 - Investigation of the extracellular vesicles (VEs) role in the initiation, propagation, regeneration, and modeling of biological mineralization
• Grantee: Pietro Ciancaglini
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/05947-2 - Starch modification by green methods for elaboration via 3D printing of bone scaffolds activated by the presence of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles replaced by Sr2+
• Grantee: Bianca Chieregato Maniglia
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers
• FAPESP's process: 22/04885-6 - Investigation of the role of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) and Matrix Vesicles (MVs) in the initiation, propagation, regeneration and control of biological mineralization
• Grantee: Juçara Gastaldi Cominal
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral