Mechanistic applications of low-temperature plasma in starch-based biopolymer film: A review

The substitution of traditional packaging with bio-based edible films has emerged as a new research direction. The starch biopolymer films currently studied by researchers exhibit issues such as inadequate physical properties, barrier performance, mechanical strength, and biological activity. Consequently, a range of advanced techniques are employed to enhance the properties of biopolymer films. Low-temperature plasma stands out as an emerging multi-functional non-thermal green molecular surface modification technology that has been particularly effective in enhancing starch biopolymer films. Furthermore, owing to its non-thermal characteristics, low-temperature plasma is particularly suitable for heat-sensitive materials. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the impact of low-temperature plasma technology on enhancing the properties of biopolymer film substrates, elucidate its mechanisms of action on starch films and starch composite films, refine methods for modifying biopolymer films, and conduct a rational analysis of any contradictions.