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

Microorganism encapsulation protects them from stressful conditions and assists in maintaining their viability, being especially beneficial when the carrier material is a renewable and biodegradable biopolymer, such as starch. Here, a systematic mapping was performed to provide a current overview on the use of starch-based systems for microbial encapsulation. Following well-established guidelines, a systematic mapping was con-ducted and the following could be drawn: 1) there was a significant increase in publications on microbial encapsulation using starch over the past decade, showing interest from the scientific community, 2) ionotropic gelation, emulsification and spray drying are the most commonly used techniques for starch-based microbial encapsulation, and 3) starch play important functions in the encapsulation matrix such as assisting in the survival of the microorganisms. The information gathered in this systematic mapping can be useful to guide researchers and industrial sectors on the development of innovative starch-based systems for microbial encapsulation.

Automated summary

A systematic mapping of the use of starch-based systems for microbial encapsulation revealed a significant increase in publications on this topic in the past decade. Ionotropic gelation, emulsification, and spray drying were identified as the most commonly used techniques for starch-based microbial encapsulation. Starch plays important functions in the encapsulation matrix to enhance the survival of the microorganisms.