Starch in the Bioeconomy

Starch is the most widespread and abundant reserve carbohydrate in plants and is unique in that it can be used for the production of food, materials in bio-based products, and energy. Starch in the Bioeconomy covers the structure, biosynthesis, biodegradation, properties, and applications of starch in the context of the bioeconomy. The book - Describes the present state of cognition of the starch granule - Discusses physicochemical aspects and digestibility - Considers physical, chemical, and biochemical processes to yield a variety of starch substrates - Examines starch-based products including bioethanol, plastics, and composites and their use in various sectors including food, materials and energy - Covers the valorization of starch as a pillar of the bioeconomy The book is aimed at researchers and industry professionals focused on the development of starch science, technology, and economics. Built on a reliable and well-documented base of information, the book presents the paths that remain to be taken to decipher this still mysterious resource that has contributed so much to the rise of humanity.

Jean-Luc Wertz holds degrees in chemical civil engineering and in economic science from Catholic University of Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, as well as a PhD from the same university in applied science, specializing in polymer chemistry. He has had various international positions in R&D, including Spontex where he was the worldwide director of R&D. He holds several patents related to various products. In his last job before his retirement, he was a project manager in biomass valorization at ValBiom and worked more than eight years on biobased products and biorefineries. He also wrote three books: Cellulose Science and Technology in 2010, Lignocellulosic Biorefineries in 2013 and Hemicelluloses and Lignin in Biorefineries in 2018. Bénédicte Goffin holds a Master degree in Materials Engineering from the University of Louvain (Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium) as well as a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Namur (Belgium). She joined Certech (Seneffe, Belgium) in 1998 as Project Manager. With more than 20 years of experience in the field of polymer science, Bénédicte is leading several collaborative R&D projects at regional and European levels. This includes the scientific and financial management of public funded projects such as cross-border projects (Interreg programme between France and Belgium). Through these various innovative projects, Bénédicte specialized more particularly on topics related to biobased products, wood or natural fibers polymer composites, circular economy and plastics recycling.

Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Structure of Starch Chapter 3 Biosynthesis of Starch Chapter 4 Biodegradation of Starch Chapter 5 Properties of Starch and Modified Starches Chapter 6 Applications of Starch in the Bioeconomy Chapter 7 Perspectives of Starch in the Bioeconomy