# Synthesis of Star Nanoparticles and Their Applications for Bioactive Compound Encapsulation
## 5 Future Research Perspectives  
Among the methods mentioned in previous sections, there are other types of preparation methods for NPs that have been explored recently from which promising results were obtained, such as enzymatic hydrolysis, which has been used to produce SNPsfor application as stabilizers of Pickering emulsions [88; 89]. Recrystallization is another physical method to prepare SNPs with a clear environmental advantage since it does not use solvents during the preparation process, it is based on a molecular reassociation during a cooling or drying process to produce starch gel [90]. In addition, ultrasound as a unique technique, has been used to produce SNPs combined with other conventional techniques [91]. Plasma had also been used as a preparation technique for SNPs providing a promising method to develop SNPs with low crystallinity [92].  
During the last years, SNPs preparation methods have been focused on the use of green technology which could reduce or even eliminate the use of organic solvents that could have negative effects on further SNPs applications or even reduce their potential applications. Moreover, the reduction of the use of solvents will have a positive effect from an environmental point of view.  
Moreover, in recent years, the interest in SNPs has been increased since apart from the mentioned applications such as Pickering emulsions preparation, other applications are being investigated with some preliminary promising results [6]. The treatment of tumor cells by targeted delivery is one major potential for the SNPs since they present a large area/volume ratio which makes them suitable for the delivery of bioactive compounds as well as drugs. Moreover, the molecular structure of the main compounds of starch allows to easily attach many types of proteins, bioactive compounds, or antibodies which will be a promising approach for specific delivery and avoiding systemic effects [93]. Hence, starch not only presents a promising alternative as nanostructured systems but also present clear advantages as therapeutic systems [94]. Also, another promising application of SNPs is in DNA precipitation where SNPs interact with DNA and result in precipitation in an ethanol solution at room temperature [95].  
Furthermore, the emerging applications of SNPs include their use for sensor development. Filter paper has been coated with pyrene modified SNPs and tested as a fluorescence quenching sensor platform. Nitroaromatic compounds were detected with good limits of detection and selectivity over non-nitrated aromatics, amines, and aromatic ketones [96]. Also, in recent studies, nanocomposites prepared with potato starch and ZnS quantum dots were used as a sensor for Pb\({}^{2+}\) and Cu\({}^{2+}\) ions. The detection was based on the decreased emission intensity of the photoluminescence spectral bands [97].  
Even with the numerous advantages and applications of SNPs, their production is poorly industrialized on a large scale. As it is the case of the other types of NPs, for which the techno-economic production analysis has been described in other works [98], the first step will be the collection of information from the laboratory experiments to identify the main streams and processes. Further pilot plant experiments should be designed in order to have data related to the scale-up production, energy requirements, and raw material required. Further major unit operations are needed to be defined and designed, as well as main process streams.