Presentation Information
[3EMT-01]Alginate-based biodegradable films with conventional and novel composite plasticizers for sustainable food packaging applications
○Dillirani Nagarajan1, Girija Manikandan1, Cheng-Di Dong1 (1. National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (Taiwan))
Keywords:
Alginate films,Plasticizer,composite plasticizer,sustainable packaging,biodegradable
[Purpose]The recalcitrant nature and unlimited production of persistent thermoplastics have intensified the search and development of alternative biodegradable materials for sustainable packaging applications. Alginate, an ionic polysaccharide derived from brown seaweeds, has emerged as a promising material for the fabrication of biodegradable films due to its inherent film-forming ability, non-toxicity, and biodegradability.
[Method]This study aimed to develop and characterize alginate-based bioplastic films plasticized with distinct plasticizers, namely glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, tributyl citrate, and a synthesized glycerol-based deep eutectic solvent. Sodium alginate was extracted from locally collected brown seaweed identified as Sargassum siliquosum, and alginate was extracted using a modified McHugh method, and purified with hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite, resulting in an alginate yield of up to 40%. Films were prepared by solvent casting using each plasticizer at its optimal concentration. The films were comprehensively characterized for their structural, optical, mechanical, thermal, water barrier and biodegradable properties.
[Results]The glycerol-based deep eutectic solvent outperformed all other plasticizers, achieving improved transparency, tensile strength (18.74 ± 1.65 MPa), and elongation at break (44.88 ± 2.68%), indicating enhanced mechanical flexibility and potential suitability for sustainable food packaging applications. To incorporate functional properties in the films, chitosan and Plectranthus amboinicus plant extract were used. The resulting film exhibited antibacterial and antioxidant properties, with a tensile strength and elongation at break of 10.61 ± 0.82 MPa and 65.46 ± 2.99%, respectively, indicating an optimal balance of the mechanical properties with reduced water permeability. Functional performance of alginate-chitosan films was assessed through fruit preservation. All the films were completely degraded in both neutral soil and beach sediment within 4 to 6 weeks.
[Consideration]
[Conclusion]In summary, this study establishes that brown seaweed-derived alginate bioplastic films can be effectively customized for sustainable food packaging, and that deep eutectic solvents represent potential green, biodegradable alternatives to hazardous solvents and conventional toxic plasticizers.
[Method]This study aimed to develop and characterize alginate-based bioplastic films plasticized with distinct plasticizers, namely glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, tributyl citrate, and a synthesized glycerol-based deep eutectic solvent. Sodium alginate was extracted from locally collected brown seaweed identified as Sargassum siliquosum, and alginate was extracted using a modified McHugh method, and purified with hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite, resulting in an alginate yield of up to 40%. Films were prepared by solvent casting using each plasticizer at its optimal concentration. The films were comprehensively characterized for their structural, optical, mechanical, thermal, water barrier and biodegradable properties.
[Results]The glycerol-based deep eutectic solvent outperformed all other plasticizers, achieving improved transparency, tensile strength (18.74 ± 1.65 MPa), and elongation at break (44.88 ± 2.68%), indicating enhanced mechanical flexibility and potential suitability for sustainable food packaging applications. To incorporate functional properties in the films, chitosan and Plectranthus amboinicus plant extract were used. The resulting film exhibited antibacterial and antioxidant properties, with a tensile strength and elongation at break of 10.61 ± 0.82 MPa and 65.46 ± 2.99%, respectively, indicating an optimal balance of the mechanical properties with reduced water permeability. Functional performance of alginate-chitosan films was assessed through fruit preservation. All the films were completely degraded in both neutral soil and beach sediment within 4 to 6 weeks.
[Consideration]
[Conclusion]In summary, this study establishes that brown seaweed-derived alginate bioplastic films can be effectively customized for sustainable food packaging, and that deep eutectic solvents represent potential green, biodegradable alternatives to hazardous solvents and conventional toxic plasticizers.
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