Starch as a promising replacement for synthetic polymers

Even though synthetic polymers are widely used in several fields of human activity, they are chemically produced from nonrenewable resources and, thus, are not environmentally friendly. Therefore, developing biodegradable polymers is an alternative to mitigate environmental impacts. Biodegradable polymers derived from natural raw materials (vegetables, animals, and fermentation products) may have their physicochemical and mechanical properties improved by various treatments to make them comparable to synthetic polymers and retain their ability to be degraded by enzymes and microorganisms. A major biodegradable polymer is starch from vegetables. Its physicochemical and functional properties may be improved to enable its application in preparing bioplastics, encapsulants, and food. This chapter emphasizes the versatility of starch as a biodegradable polymer. The chapter describes modifications (chemical, physical, enzymatic) that may transform starch into a promising substitute for synthetic polymers for various purposes.