Aug 28, 2025

Starch emerges as a green building block for advanced water-controlling materials

Researchers spotlight starch as a sustainable alternative to plastics in superwettable systems, with uses in medicine, packaging, water cleanup, and food.

(Nanowerk News) Scientists are reimagining how everyday materials are made by turning to an unlikely source—starch. A new review (Engineering, "Design Principles and Emerging Applications of Starch-Involved Superwettable Systems") highlights how this natural, biodegradable polymer is shaping the next generation of superwettable materials, systems designed to either strongly repel or attract water, much like lotus leaves or cicada wings in nature.

Superwettable systems are not just scientific curiosities. They are already finding roles in packaging, medical treatments, water purification, and even food. Traditionally, these technologies have relied on synthetic polymers, which raise environmental concerns. Starch, however, is abundant, cheap, non-toxic, and biodegradable, making it an attractive green alternative.

A timeline tracing the key discoveries and design breakthroughs in superwettable materials, from early theories in the 18th century to modern bioinspired and starch-based innovations. (Image: engineering) (click on image to enlarge)

The review explains how starch can be engineered at multiple scales—from microscopic granules and fibers to thin films and porous 3D structures—to achieve precise wetting behaviors. Its natural film-forming ability, adhesiveness, and hydrophilicity can also be fine-tuned through chemical modification, allowing scientists to design materials with specialized functions.

One striking example is in drug delivery. Researchers have developed starch-based micelles that can disguise medicines from the immune system, helping drugs circulate longer in the body. In packaging, starch coatings have been engineered to make paper water-repellent, improving durability while cutting down on plastic waste.

The material also shows promise in environmental cleanup. Starch-based membranes can separate oil from water, offering a sustainable tool for treating wastewater and cleaning oil spills. In food science, its superhydrophilic properties help explain why popcorn feels pleasantly moist as it’s chewed.

As industries seek sustainable alternatives to plastics, starch is stepping into the spotlight. The review emphasizes its versatility in designing advanced, eco-friendly materials that could help tackle global challenges in healthcare, packaging, and environmental protection. Researchers say this is only the beginning of starch’s role in shaping a greener future.

Source: Frontiers Journals (Note: Content may be edited for style and length)