Genetically modified starch as an industrial raw material

Abstract Starch is an important raw material for industrial applications, both for food and nonfood purposes. Of particular interest is the use of starch as a nonpetroleum chemical stock for the manufacture of biodegradable polymers. Annual EC starch production is nearing 10 million tons, with 80% from cereals and 20% from potatoes, and grows at 4−5% annually. The potential for genetically modified starch is considered very high. Such starch offers significant advantages: 1) chemical modifications, which are expensive and environmentally hazardous, are replaced; 2) novel carbohydrates can be produced.