Biodegradable Cassava Research Articles

Biodegradable Cassava Starch/Phosphorite/Citric Acid Based Hydrogel for Slow Release of Phosphorus: In Vitro Study.

Phosphorous (P) is one the most important elements in several biological cycles, and is a fundamental component of soil, plants and living organisms. P has a low mobility and is quickly adsorbed on clayey soils, limiting its availability and absorption by plants. Here, biodegradable hydrogels based on Cassava starch crosslinked with citric acid (CA) were made and loaded with KH2PO4 and phosphorite to promote the slow release of phosphorus, the storing of water, and the reduction in P requirements during fertilization operations. Crosslinking as a function of CA concentrations was investigated by ATR-FTIR and TGA. The water absorption capacity (WAC) and P release, under different humic acid concentration regimens, were studied by in vitro tests. It is concluded that hydrogel formed from 10% w/w of CA showed the lowest WAC because of a high crosslinking degree. Hydrogel containing 10% w/w of phosphorite was shown to be useful to encouraging the slow release of P, its release behavior being fitted to the Higuchi kinetics model. In addition, P release increased as humic acid contents were increased. These findings suggest that these hydrogels could be used for encouraging P slow release during crop production.

Development of a Biodegradable Cassava Starch Biofilm based on a Combination of Plasticizers with Bio‐SiO2 Extracted from Sugarcane Leaves

AbstractThis study prepares biodegradable biofilms for packaging applications from biomass to help reduce plastic waste while also adding value to biomass. Furthermore, the effects of plasticization with 30 wt% plasticizer (relative to the mass of cassava starch) by glycerol (G), sorbitol (S), and a mixture of glycerol and sorbitol (GS) plasticizers are investigated, and the effects of bio‐SiO2 particles extracted from sugarcane leave via the sol–gel method are evaluated in terms of the mechanical and biodegradability properties of the cassava starch‐based biofilms. Biofilms used for packing applications must be insoluble and exhibit good elongation properties. In this context, the results indicate that the GS mixture produces a biofilm that exhibits these desirable properties. Thus, cassava starch‐based biofilms are prepared using GS and varying concentrations of the bio‐SiO2 particles (i.e., 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt%). The films containing bio‐SiO2 exhibit significantly lower water solubilities and moisture contents than the corresponding bio‐SiO2‐free films. Additionally, the inclusion of bio‐SiO2 particles increases the water resistance properties of the biofilms. Overall, the results suggest that cassava starch films prepared using a mixture of plasticizers and reinforced with bio‐SiO2 particles can be considered a safe material for application in biodegradable food packaging.

Productive performance and hematological indices of broiler chicks fed biodegraded cassava root

To evaluate the performance and hematological indices of broiler chickens fed biodegraded cassava root meal an experiment was conducted in the Poultry Unit of the Livestock Teaching and Research Farm, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State. A total of one hundred and fifty five week-old (Ross 308) finishing broilers was used for the experiment. The birds were assigned randomly into three treatments and each treatment was replicated five times with ten birds per replicate. Cassava root was peeled and chopped into small pieces of about 90-100g and mixed with rumen filtrate (fluid). This was then biodegraded for 24 hours and 48 hours. The biodegraded cassava root meal (BCRM) was used to formulate broiler’s diets at a 10% inclusion level to supplement for maize. The diets formulated were T1, T2 and T3 at 0%, 10% (24 hours biodegraded) and 10% (48 hours biodegraded) inclusion, respectively. The birds in each replicate were housed in separate cages in a completely randomized design (CRD). All routine management practices, including recommended vaccinations were strictly observed, feed and water were served ad libitum throughout the period of the study which lasted for 28 days. Performance indices such as body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were measured. Hematological parameters were also taken; pack cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), white blood cell (WBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and white blood cell (WBC) differential. Results revealed that there was no significant (P>0.05) differences in all the performance indices measured except in feed intake. Feed intake increased with prolonged period of biodegradation across treatments. There was significant (P<0.05) differences in the lymphocytes, heterophils and eosinophils across treatments. The study concluded that the dietary supplementation of 10% biodegradable cassava root meal at 24 and 48 hours did not adversely affect the performance/ health status of broiler chicken, however, for profit maximization, 48 hour biodegradation of cassava is recommended.

Recycling rice husk ash as a filler on biodegradable cassava starch-based foams.

Starch-based foams can be used in packaging development to replace nonbiodegradable petrochemical plastics. However, starch-based materials possess poor mechanical properties and low water resistance. These properties can be improved by adding plasticizers and fillers to the bulk composition. In the present work, the effect of rice husk ash content on physical, morphological, and mechanical properties of cassava starch-based foams produced by thermal expansion was investigated. The composites were formed by mixing cassava starch, rice husk ash (content varying from 0 to 60%), water, and glycerol. The obtained dough was placed in a metallic mold and then expanded in a thermohydraulic press machine. The addition of 20-50% of ash content improved thermal stability, density, and biodegradation of starch-based foams and decreased water absorption capacity. Filled starch-based foams also exhibited smallerpores in internal structure. Compared to foams without ash filler, the addition of 20-40% ash increased the flexural tensile strength and the addition of more than 50% dropped the mechanical resistance. Hence, based on the results obtained, rice husk ash can be a great filler in biodegradable starch-based foams.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Optimization Studies of Starch/Chicken Gelatin Composites for Food-Packaging Applications.

The indiscriminate use of plastic in food packaging contributes significantly to environmental pollution, promoting the search for more eco-friendly alternatives for the food industry. This work studied five formulations (T1–T5) of biodegradable cassava starch/gelatin films. The results showed the presence of the starch/gelatin functional groups by FT-IR spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed a thermal reinforcement after increasing the amount of gelatin in the formulations, which increased the crystallization temperature (Tc) from 190 °C for the starch-only film (T1) to 206 °C for the film with 50/50 starch/gelatin (T3). It also exhibited a homogeneous surface morphology, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, an excess of gelatin showed low compatibility with starch in the 25/75 starch/gelatin film (T4), evidenced by the low Tc definition and very rough and fractured surface morphology. Increasing gelatin ratio also significantly increased the strain (from 2.9 ± 0.5% for T1 to 285.1 ± 10.0% for T5) while decreasing the tensile strength (from 14.6 ± 0.5 MPa for T1 to 1.5 ± 0.3 MPa for T5). Water vapor permeability (WVP) increased, and water solubility (WS) also decreased with gelatin mass rising in the composites. On the other hand, opacity did not vary significantly due to the films’ cassava starch and gelatin ratio. Finally, optimizing the mechanical and water barrier properties resulted in a mass ratio of 53/47 cassava starch/gelatin as the most appropriate for their application in food packaging, indicating their usefulness in the food-packaging industry.

Influence of Processing Variables on Some Physico-Chemical Properties and Quality of Manioc Starch-Based Adhesives

Bio-degradable cassava starch-based adhesives were produced from chemically gelatinized starch formulations. The varying combinations of process parameters applied include: concentration of gelatinization modifier, mass % borax/starch, and temperature of reaction mixture. The physico-chemical parameters for characterizing the adhesive samples were viscosity, density, pH and bonding strength. The effects of the variation of process parameters on the quality of the adhesives were assessed using response surface (central composite) designs with 2 factors, to relate the highest adhesive quality with the optimal combination of process factors. The adhesives produced using HCl as the gelatinization modifier were of a higher quality than those produced using NaOH with one of the most important quality assessment parameters which is the bond strength being 22.31 kPa at 0.01 M and 20% mass borax/starch and 11.60 kPa at 0.01 M and 8% mass borax/starch for HCl and NaOH respectively. The experimental results demonstrated that the optimal temperature for the production of the adhesive was 85˚C.

Potential utilization of glycerol as crosslinker in starch films for application in Regenerative Dentistry

Periodontal disease results in damage to dental insertion apparatus. Regenerative procedures are proposed to replace lost structures in the context of guided tissue regeneration (GTR), guided bone regeneration (GBR) techniques and frequently associate bone substitutes with physical barriers aiming at greater longevity and improvement of aesthetic pattern. This study evaluates the possibility of using glycerol as a starch films modifying agent, acting as a cross-linking agent, without compromising its plasticizing effect. Biodegradable cassava starch films were prepared incorporating glycerol at concentrations of 0, 15, 20, 30 and 40% aiming application at dental regenerative procedures. The characterization of films by microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis (DSC), spectroscopic (UV / Vis., FTIR, XRD), mechanical (Traction), and analysis of protein swelling, degradation and diffusion and physiological temperature) showed that the incorporation of glycerol in up to 20% attributed to the films a plasticizer character and in higher concentrations, conferred a greater interaction of glycerol (crosslinking) with the starch chains and a degradation time that allows the physical barrier in RTG and ROG. The films presented mechanical resistance, malleability and permissiveness to protein diffusion in the in vitro assays, which meet the current attributes that guide the use of these resources in biomaterials.

Preparation and characterization of biodegradable cassava starch thin films for potential food packaging applications

Preparation and characterization of biodegradable cassava starch thin films for potential food packaging applications

Lignin reinforced, water resistant, and biodegradable cassava starch/PBAT sandwich composite pieces

Abstract Following the stipulation to replace nondegradable plastics with biodegradable materials in China, cost-effective and water-resistant packaging materials have become increasingly necessary. In this work, lignin reinforced thermoplastic cassava starch (TPS) pieces were prepared by filling glycerol and lignin powder into starch via a melt blending process and then being pressed into thin pieces. A mechanical properties test showed that following the addition of 3 wt% lignin, the tensile strength of the TPS piece was improved to 16.15 MPa from 3.71 MPa of the original TPS piece. The porous structures of the lignin powder tie the TPS macromolecular chains, induce higher crystallization, and thus provide higher tensile strength and lower elongation at break. After sandwiching two pieces of poly (butylene adipateco-terephthalate) (PBAT)/peanut shell powder composite thin film to each side of the TPS piece, the PBAT/TPS/PBAT sandwich gains excellent water resistance properties. However, as soon as the sandwich piece is cut into smaller ones, they absorb water quickly, implying such pieces can be biodegraded rapidly. These characteristics make it especially suitable for use in the preparation of cabinet waste bags, which are generally stirred into organic fertilizer with the cabinet waste. Slow degradation may negatively affect soil health and farm production.

THYME OIL LOADED CASSAVA STARCH TRANSDERMAL FILM FOR WOUND HEALING

Biodegradable cassava starch-based transdermal film loaded with thyme volatile oil was prepared by solvent casting method for wound healing activity. The stretchability, water vapour permeability and antimicrobial properties of the film were measured. The films were evaluated for drug-excipient compatibility studies by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The formulated film loaded with thyme volatile oil exhibited good anti-microbial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The film was tested to determine its potential to increase the number of capillaries on the treated chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) surfaces using nine days old fertilized chick eggs. These thyme oil films loaded with cassava starch displayed angiogenic potential, which is required in the treatment of wound healing.

Active Biodegradable Cassava Starch Films Containing Sophorolipids Produced by Starmerella bombicola ATCC® 22214™

Sophorolipids are glycolipid biosurfactants produced by the yeast Starmerella bombicola. They have great potential for application in the food industry due to their several surfactant properties, highlighting the antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the objective of this work was to develop, for the first time, active films based on cassava starch with antimicrobial properties by the incorporation of sophorolipids. Films were produced by the casting method and four formulations were prepared with different proportions of cassava starch: sophorolipids: 100:0, 98:2, 95:5 and 90:10. Microstructure, barrier, mechanical and antimicrobial properties were evaluated towards the addition of sophorolipids. The obtained films showed a good appearance, without bubbles or cracks and evident changes were observed with the addition of sophorolipids, indicating a good incorporation and interaction with the polymeric matrix. The films were thermostable, more flexible, and presented promising antifungal activity against the food spoilage fungus Botrytis cinerea, which are interesting features for application in food packaging for the control of foodborne pathogens.

Bio-based films prepared with apple pomace: Volatiles compound composition and mechanical, antioxidant and antibacterial properties

The valorisation of agro-industrial by-products can be used as an alternative source for producing healthy food ingredients and materials. The volatile profile measured by headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, mechanical, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of biodegradable cassava starch film extruded with the addition of different percentages of apple pomace (AP) by-product were evaluated. Characteristic volatile compounds were identified in the samples, such as α-farnesene, sulcatone and ethylphenyl propanoate. The film containing 8% AP had higher total phenolic content (3.32 mg GAE/g, Gallic acid equivalent) and antioxidant activity (2.78 mmol Trolox/g) than the control film (0.71 mg GAE/g and 1.03 mmol Trolox/g). The minimum inhibitory concentration against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella thyphimurium, and Escherichia coli for the films containing AP was higher than 12.5 mg/mL for all species. The results suggest that the antioxidant and antibacterial activities and mechanical properties, are dependent on the quantity of the AP added to films. Due to its antioxidant activity and mechanical properties, the AP could have real potential use as a functional ingredient in biodegradable packaging with the advantage of having good antibacterial properties.

Cellulose fiber enhances the physical characteristics of extruded biodegradable cassava starch foams

An attempt was made to assess the influence of cellulose on the physical characteristics of cassava starch foams. Cassava starch was extruded with the inclusion of cellulose fibers with 2 different particle sizes (C1: 32 μm and C2: 32–200 μm) at 0, 5, and 10% with three different moisture contents (15, 17.5 and 20%) using a twin-screw extruder. The barrel temperature was fixed at 50, 100, 140 and 140 °C for all the experiments and the extruder screw speed was varied (150, 200, and 250 rpm). Cellulose fiber content and feed moisture content of the mixture had significant impact on the cassava starch foam properties. Addition of 5% C1 and C2 led to increased expansion ratio compared to the control (without the inclusion of any cellulose fiber). The greatest expansion ratio was observed in the cassava starch foam with 5% cellulose fiber, and at 15% mixture moisture content with 250 rpm screw speed. On the other hand, the expansion ratio decreased when cellulose fiber was increased up to 10%. Scanning electron microscope images at 5% cellulose fiber also showed that cellular structure of cassava starch foam was similar for the control. The water absorption index of cassava starch foams did not change significantly, while water solubility index of cassava starch foam with C2 was significantly different.

Development of biodegradable starch-based foams incorporated with grape stalks for food packaging

Biodegradable cassava starch-based foams incorporated with grape stalks were obtained by thermal expansion. The morphology (SEM), chemical structure (FTIR), crystallinity (XRD), and biodegradability of the foams were evaluated. An applicability test was performed in the storage of food. SEM images showed no residue agglomerations and cell structure generally observed in materials obtained by thermal expansion; FTIR analysis verified interactions of foam components. XRD analysis showed native cassava starch characteristic peaks and the loss of crystallinity after the expansion process, with the formation of an amorphous material. Foams were completely biodegraded after 7 weeks, demonstrating that, for the experimental conditions used, the interactions between the starch and the grape stalks did not generate recalcitrant compounds or structural alterations that would impair foam degradation. Furthermore, the foams added with grape stalks presented good properties in the applicability test, showing a promising application in the storage of foods with low moisture content.

Biodegradable Cassava Starch Based Foams Using Rice Husk Waste as Macro Filler

Among the packages based on petroleum polymers, the use of the expanded polystyrene (EPS) which presents low production costs, low density, high resistance to humidity and dimensional stability, stands out. However, the improper disposal and difficulty of recycling them, together with their non-biodegradability can result in serious environmental problems. Knowing that there is no way to inhibit the population from using this material, the present study aimed to produce ecofriendly foams based on cassava starch and rice husk (RH). When compared to EPS, materials developed with biopolymers have lower flexibility and higher water sensitivity. The addition of rice husk improved the mechanical properties and reduced density and water capacity absorption in comparison to foams made using only starch. Foams were obtained by a thermopressing process, and the influence of different RH proportions (0, 20, 40, and 60% (w/w)) was investigated. The greater the RH amount, the higher the density and the lower the water absorption capacity (WAC). The maximum tensile stress and tensile strain were negatively influenced by the addition of 60% (w/w) RH. Differently from the maximum flexural stress that was positively influenced. Additionally, sorption isotherms showed that the samples with 40 and 60% RH adsorbed less water when compared to the foam without the filler. The formulation with 60% RH was chosen to storage cherry tomatoes due to its higher maximum flexural stress and lower WAC, being considered a promising material.

Chemical modification of biodegradable cassava starch films by natural mono-, di- and tri-carboxylic acids

Chemical modification of biodegradable cassava starch films by natural mono-, di- and tri-carboxylic acids

Reinforced cassava starch based edible film incorporated with essential oil and sodium bentonite nanoclay as food packaging material.

Biodegradable packaging in food materials is a green technology based novel approach to replace the synthetic and conventional packaging systems. This study is aimed to formulate the biodegradable cassava starch based films incorporated with cinnamon essential oil and sodium bentonite clay nanoparticles. The films were characterized for their application as a packaging material for meatballs. The cassava starch films incorporated with sodium bentonite and cinnamon oil showed significant antibacterial potential against all test bacteria; Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibacterial effect of films increased significantly when the concentration of cinnamon oil was increased. The cassava starch film incorporated with 0.75% (w/w) sodium bentonite, 2% (w/w) glycerol and 2.5% (w/w) cinnamon oil was selected based on physical, mechanical and antibacterial potential to evaluate shelf life of meatballs. The meatballs stored at ambient temperature in cassava starch film incorporated with cinnamon oil and nanoclay, significantly inhibited the microbial growth till 96h below the FDA limits (106CFU/g) in foods compared to control films that exceeded above the limit within 48h. Hence cassava starch based film incorporated with essential oils and clay nanoparticles can be an alternate approach as a packaging material for food industries to prolong the shelf life of products.

Active biodegradable cassava starch films incorporated lycopene nanocapsules

The development of biodegradable films with addition of natural antioxidants is an alternative to the use of non-biodegradable packaging and use of synthetic antioxidants. The aim of this study was to develop biodegradable cassava starch films with antioxidant activity by the addition of free lycopene or lycopene nanocapsules and evaluate the effect of addition in the physical properties, mechanical and barrier of the films. Addition of free lycopene showed lower water vapor permeability, tensile strength and elongation of the films, however, the addition of lycopene nanocapsules provided an increase of these parameters compared to the control film. Addition of lycopene nanocapsules also provided greatest barrier to light transmission UV/Vis compared to the control films, films with added free lycopene and the commercial polyethylene film. The films incorporated lycopene nanocapsules provided greater protection to oxidation of stored sunflower oil under accelerated oxidation conditions, which shows potential application as packaging antioxidant to prevent oxidation of foods with a high fat content. The biodegradable films showed good thermal stability when subjected to different heating rates and rapid biodegradability for 15days, which demonstrates good characteristics and potential applications of lycopene nanocapsules for the development of active biodegradable packaging.

Analysis and Evaluation of Cassava Starch-Based Biodegradable Trays as an Alternative Packaging to Fresh Strawberry (<i>Fragaria ananassa</i> cv San Andreas)

In this study, biodegradable cassava starch/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) trays with and without poly (lactic acid) (PLA) coating were evaluated as possible substitutes for expanded poly (styrene) (EPS) trays in strawberry packaging. The parameters evaluated were physical and chemical parameters of pH, soluble solids and titratable acidity for strawberries, strawberry and trays moisture content and the mass loss of the systems. In addition, the amount of molds and yeasts was determined in both strawberries and trays. None of the trays used in this study caused changes in the physical and chemical parameters of the strawberries. The molds and yeasts growth was higher in the strawberries packed in EPS compared with the other packaging. The trays with PLA coating and the EPS trays had statistically equal mass loss. The PLA coating applied on cassava starch-based trays was efficient as moisture absorption barrier.

Biodigestão anaeróbia de polímero orgânico de fécula de mandioca

The present work aimed to perform the process of anaerobic digestion of biodegradable polymeric material based on cassava starch, by using laboratory-scale digesters running on batch operation. We used stabilized swine wastewater as raw material and degradable plastic cups made from cassava starch for the production of biogas. The experiment was carried out in greenhouses under mesophilic conditions. Four treatments were performed, received concentrations of 12.5, 37.5 and 62.5 g.L-1, which provided a total input of 40, 120 and 200 g of biodegradable material in the reactors of each treatment, respectively. From the partial results obtained, it was possible to conclude that biodegradable cassava starch-based polymers show high biodegradability when subjected to anaerobic digestion in mesophilic phase. The elevated production of biogas in a short time span is another remarkable factor. Due to the easy degradability of the material, high concentrations of polymeric material under digestion may cause reactor acidification with the increased production of volatile acids.