Biodegradation of PLA-PHBV Blend Films as Affected by the Incorporation of Different Phenolic Acids.

Eva Hernández-García,Amparo Chiralt,Maria Vargas,Chelo González-Martínez

doi:10.3390/foods11020243

Eva Hernández-García, Amparo Chiralt + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11020243

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Abstract

Films based on a 75:25 polylactic acid (PLA) and Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) blend, containing 2% (w/w) of different phenolic acids (ferulic, p-coumaric or protocatechuic acid), and plasticised with 15 wt. % polyethylene glycol (PEG 1000), were obtained by melt blending and compression moulding. The disintegration and biodegradation of the film under thermophilic composting conditions was studied throughout 35 and 45 days, respectively, in order to analyse the effect of the incorporation of the antimicrobial phenolic acids into the films. Sample mass loss, thermo-degradation behaviour and visual appearance were analysed at different times of the composting period. No effect of phenolic acids was observed on the film disintegration pattern, and the films were completely disintegrated at the end of the composting period. The biodegradation analysis through the CO2 measurements revealed that PLA-PHBV blend films without phenolic acids, and with ferulic acid, completely biodegraded after 20 composting days, while p-coumaric and protocatechuic slightly retarded full biodegradation (21 and 26 days, respectively). Phenolic acids mainly extended the induction period, especially protocatechuic acid. PLA-PHBV blend films with potential antimicrobial activity could be used to preserve fresh foodstuff susceptible to microbial spoilage, with their biodegradation under composting conditions being ensured.

Highlights

Biodegradable polymers and their compounds have a wide range of applications and are in high demand since they can be good alternative means of reducing the global environmental impact caused by non-biodegradable polymers and the concerns derived from their use [1]
The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect that the incorporation of ferulic, p-coumaric and protocatechuic acids with antimicrobial activity into PEG plasticised polylactic acid (PLA)/PHBV (75:25) blend films had on their disintegration and biodegradation behaviour under laboratory composting conditions
This study provided relevant information regarding the effect that the incorporation of phenolic acids into PLA-PHBV blend films had on their disintegration and biodegradation processes

Summary

Introduction

Biodegradable polymers and their compounds have a wide range of applications and are in high demand since they can be good alternative means of reducing the global environmental impact caused by non-biodegradable polymers and the concerns derived from their use [1]. The global production of bioplastics was 2.11 million tonnes in 2020, and the forecast is for 2.87 million tonnes by 2025. Biodegradable plastics such as polylactide (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates, (PHAs), starch blends and others) represent 60% of the capacity (more than 1.2 million tonnes) of global bioplastics’ production. This production of biodegradable plastics is expected to increase to 1.8 million tonnes in 2025. Of the 60% of biodegradable plastics, 18.7% correspond to PLAs and 1.7% to PHAs [3]

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