Degradable polymeric package from whole cell wall biomass

Abstract

Replacing conventional plastic materials with biodegradable polymeric materials produced from renewable raw materials has numerous advantages, including reducing the dependence on non-renewable fossil resources, reducing water pollution, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant renewable and biodegradable raw material on earth. Herein, degradable biomass film materials were prepared from whole cell wall biomass through a film casting method using ionic liquid as solvent. The biomass films showed a dense morphology structure with mechanical and gas barrier properties comparable with conventional plastic packaging materials. Additionally, disposal testing conducted demonstrated that the biomass films could be easily biodegraded at the end of their life cycle. These promising results suggest this material would be a suitable environmentally friendly material to replace current plastic packaging.