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Self-Assembled Carbohydrate Polymers for Food Applications: A Review
Germán Ayala Valencia1, Ehsan Nazarzadeh Zare2, Pooyan Makvandi3,4
1Dept. of Chemical and Food Engineering, Federal Univ. of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil.
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety
|December 18, 2020
Summary
Self-assembled carbohydrate polymers (SCPs) offer sustainable solutions for advanced food materials. Their unique properties make them ideal for applications like encapsulated additives and edible films.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Food Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Self-assembled polymers are gaining prominence, with natural carbohydrate polymers (CPs) like cellulose and starch showing significant potential.
- CPs are favored for their availability, low cost, sustainability, and ease of manipulation into various forms (films, hydrogels, micelles, particles).
- Self-assembled CPs (SCPs) are emerging as versatile building blocks, though their food applications are relatively underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state and potential of self-assembled carbohydrate polymers (SCPs) in food applications.
- To highlight the unique properties of SCPs that make them suitable for advanced food materials.
- To encourage further research and implementation of SCPs in the food industry.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on self-assembled carbohydrate polymers (SCPs).
- Analysis of SCP properties relevant to food applications.
- Examination of existing and potential food applications of SCPs.
Main Results:
- SCPs derived from natural CPs are suitable for creating films, hydrogels, micelles, and particles.
- Their tunable properties (sensitivity to pH, temperature, ionic strength, mechanical force, enzymes) enable advanced food material development.
- Recent growth in research focuses on SCPs for encapsulated food additives, coatings, and edible films.
Conclusions:
- Self-assembled carbohydrate polymers (SCPs) present a promising avenue for innovative and sustainable food applications.
- Their multifaceted properties facilitate the creation of advanced food materials with tailored functionalities.
- Further research and development are encouraged to fully exploit the potential of SCPs in the food sector.
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