Starch-based bionanocomposites in tissue engineering and regenerative medicines

Abstract Nanoscience and nanotechnology have been emerging as a technology for the development of various hybrid and composite materials for biomedical applications. When nanomaterials are used for the development of the composites, they are called nanocomposites. Intensive researches have been carried out to develop polymeric materials that are biodegradable, biocompatible, and eco-friendly for their application in the biomedical sector. In conjunction with other nanomaterials like cellulose nanocrystals, nano-ZnO, nanoclay, biodegradable synthetic polymers, starch is one of the most popular materials for the preparation of bionanocomposites for various biomedical applications such as controlled drug release, scaffold for tissue engineering, and cement for bone regeneration. This chapter summarizes the role of starch polymer either as matrix or reinforcement of bionanocomposites. The properties, and applications of these bionanocomposites in the field of the biomedical sector are discussed.