Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 70-82 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 78 7.3 Biomaterials and eco-friendly products The development of biodegradable films and packaging materials from wheat starch and gluten is gaining significant attention due to environmental concerns associated with synthetic plastics. Wheat starch, being abundant and cost-effective, is an excellent candidate for creating eco-friendly packaging solutions. It forms thermoplastic materials and films that can be enhanced with natural plasticizers, making it suitable for sustainable food packaging applications (Lauer and Smith, 2020; Liu et al., 2022; Onyeaka et al., 2022). The incorporation of gluten into these materials further enhances their mechanical properties, allowing for the production of bioplastics that can be reinforced with natural fibers to create biocomposites (Lagrain et al., 2010; Zhang et al., 2022). These starch-gluten composites offer a promising alternative to conventional petrochemical-based polymers, providing a renewable and biodegradable option for food packaging (Cheng et al., 2021; Alibekov et al., 2024). Starch-gluten composites are increasingly being utilized in food packaging due to their ability to form strong, flexible films that can protect food products while being environmentally friendly. The combination of starch and gluten results in materials with improved mechanical strength and barrier properties, essential for effective food packaging (Abdillah and Charles, 2021; Su et al., 2022). These composites can be tailored to include functional additives, such as antioxidants and antimicrobials, to further enhance their protective capabilities and extend the shelf life of packaged foods (Bangar et al., 2021; Liu et al., 2022). The ongoing research and development in this area aim to overcome current limitations and expand the applicability of starch-gluten composites in the packaging industry (Cheng et al., 2021; Alibekov et al., 2024). 7.4 Biomedicine and tissue engineering In the field of biomedicine, starch-gluten-based materials are being explored for their potential in tissue engineering applications. The biocompatibility and biodegradability of these materials make them suitable candidates for developing biological scaffolds that can support cell growth and tissue regeneration. The structural properties of gluten, particularly its viscoelasticity and ability to form stable networks, are advantageous in creating scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix, providing a conducive environment for cell proliferation and differentiation (Lagrain et al., 2010; Zhang et al., 2022). Functional gluten peptides are being investigated for their potential use as drug carriers in biomedicine. These peptides can be engineered to enhance drug delivery by improving the solubility and stability of therapeutic agents. The unique properties of gluten, such as its ability to form covalent and non-covalent bonds, allow for the development of peptide-based carriers that can effectively encapsulate and release drugs at targeted sites within the body. This innovative application of gluten peptides holds promise for improving the efficacy and safety of drug delivery systems in medical treatments (Lagrain et al., 2010; Zhang et al., 2022). 8 Future Trends and Research Directions 8.1 Development of smart separation technologies The integration of sensor-based monitoring and real-time process control in wheat starch and gluten separation processes is a promising area for future research. This approach can enhance the precision and efficiency of separation techniques by providing continuous feedback and adjustments during processing. For instance, the use of non-conventional approaches such as portable NIR devices has been explored for monitoring wheat sprouting, which could be adapted for real-time monitoring of separation processes (Grassi et al., 2018). This technology allows for the assessment of chemical composition and technological changes, which could be crucial for optimizing separation parameters. Artificial intelligence (AI) can play a significant role in optimizing separation parameters by analyzing large datasets to identify patterns and predict outcomes. AI can assist in fine-tuning the conditions under which separation processes occur, potentially leading to improved yields and quality of separated components. The use of AI in conjunction with sensor data could lead to more adaptive and efficient separation processes, reducing waste and improving product quality.
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