Preparation and characterization of sago (metroxylon sp.) Starch nanoparticles using hydrolysis-precipitation method

Abstract at present, the potential for sago starch has not optimally been utilized. The characteristic of this starch is the main problem in using it as industrial raw material. One of efforts to increase the added value of starch is to modify it in the form of starch nanoparticles. Therefore, finding the best and cheapest practice to produce it will a big advantage. One way to do it is by modifying the technique that has already existed. This research is aiming, first to find the best and optimal technique to produce sago starch nanoparticles by combining hydrolysis with precipitation technique and second, calculating the yield and characteristics of sago starch nanoparticles produced from this method. The result showed that hydrolysis−precipitation combination method has succeeded to produce sago starch nanoparticles. The optimum variable was 12 hours hydrolysis, precipitation by ethanol, with produced 25% yield and 21,98 nm particles size. Type of nano particle that is produced is amorf with 41% crystalline. Starch nanoparticle is utilized for reinforcing bioplastic. Eventhough, the results show a potential technique on producing sago starch nanoparticles, but there are still a lot to be done to find the best way to produce it in mass production.