Exploring the roles of starch for microbial encapsulation through a systematic mapping review

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Materials Science
• Focuses on the intersection of biological systems and advanced materials, specifically biopolymers.

Background:

• Microorganism encapsulation is crucial for protecting microbes from environmental stressors and maintaining viability.
• Renewable and biodegradable biopolymers, like starch, offer sustainable solutions for encapsulation matrices.
• There's a rising scientific interest in utilizing starch for microbial encapsulation applications.

Approach:

• A systematic mapping review was conducted to analyze the current landscape of starch-based microbial encapsulation.
• The review followed established guidelines to ensure comprehensive data collection and analysis.
• Publication trends and common methodologies were identified.

Key Points:

• Publications on microbial encapsulation using starch have significantly increased over the last decade.
• Common encapsulation techniques include ionotropic gelation, emulsification, and spray drying.
• Starch serves vital roles in the encapsulation matrix, supporting microorganism survival.

Conclusions:

• Starch-based systems are a promising and increasingly researched area for microbial encapsulation.
• The identified techniques and starch's functional properties can guide future research and industrial development.
• This systematic mapping provides valuable insights for creating innovative starch-based microbial encapsulation solutions.