In bioplastics, nanoparticles are the little game-changers that give them strength, durability, and environmental friendliness. Bioplastics can reduce waste and pollution by replacing regular plastics in packaging, agriculture, and medicine with nanoparticles. This cutting-edge technology might revolutionize whole sectors and help create a more sustainable future. The incorporation of nanoparticles into bioplastics has created new opportunities for sustainable growth. Bioplastics are non-toxic and biodegradable materials derived from sustainable biomass sources like potato, corn, or sugarcane starch. But they frequently lack the robustness and longevity of conventional polymers. And this is where nanoparticles come in. By adding these minuscule particles to bioplastics, producers may improve the materials' mechanical, thermal, and barrier qualities. The advantages of bioplastics augmented by nanoparticles are extensive. Bioplastics have the potential to replace conventional plastics in the packaging business, mitigating waste and pollution of the environment. Utilizing bioplastics reinforced with nanoparticles in agriculture can result in biodegradable mulch films that decrease plastic waste and encourage environmentally friendly agricultural methods. Because of their enhanced mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility, bioplastics containing nanoparticles find application in medicine as scaffolds for tissue engineering, wound dressings, and implantable devices. Even with all of the advantages of bioplastics reinforced with nanoparticles, there are still issues to be resolved. These materials are still difficult to produce on a big scale, necessitating the creation of novel production techniques and technologies. Additional investigation and assessment are necessary to address the possible toxicity of nanoparticles in bioplastics. The increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable food packaging has led to the development of bioplastics, which are biodegradable and made from renewable resources. However, bioplastics often have lower mechanical strength and higher water vapour permeability compared to traditional plastics. To address these issues, starch nanoparticles can be used as reinforcing materials to improve the properties of bioplastics. This article reviews the preparation, properties, and applications of starch nanoparticles in bioplastic reinforcement. The article also discusses the challenges and opportunities in commercializing starch nanoparticle-reinforced packaging. Overall, the use of starch nanoparticles in bioplastics has the potential to provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics in food packaging. Nanoparticles play a critical role in bioplastics, which is important for the creation of sustainable materials that can take the place of conventional plastics. Bioplastics augmented with nanoparticles have the potential to revolutionize industries and usher in a more sustainable future due to their improved mechanical, thermal stability, and barrier qualities. Even if there are obstacles to overcome, the advantages of this cutting-edge technology make it an intriguing field of study with important consequences for both the environment and human life.

This work aimed to extract pectin from purple passion fruit mesocarp (PPMP) and then blend it with agarose to obtain an eco-friendly material with desirable properties suitable for banana preservation. The PPMP exhibits a high methyl esterification degree (66.79%) and yield (29.83%) under optimal conditions consisting of a dry peel powder particle size of 0.25 mm, a mesocarp powder-to-citric acid solution ratio of 1 : 25 (g mL-1), extraction at 90 °C for 60 min, followed by precipitation with 96% ethanol. To overcome the hydrophilicity and limited mechanical strength of neat PPMP films, agarose (A) is blended at varying concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% (w/v). Among the tested formulations, PPMP-A1.5 exhibited the best overall performance, exhibiting increased tensile strength (from 1.15 MPa for neat PPMP to 1.71 MPa), enhanced oxygen-barrier performance (OP reduced from 32.93 × 10-12 to 21.60 × 10-12 mol m-1 s-1 Pa-1), and improved surface hydrophobicity (contact angle increased from 26.1° to 77.2°), despite certain trade-offs in flexibility and water vapor permeability. Preservation tests further confirm that the PPMP-A1.5 coating effectively prolonged the shelf life of bananas by up to 8 days at 25 °C, minimizing changes in peel browning, firmness, ripening rate, and pH. Notably, the weight loss of bananas coated with PPMP-A1.5 on day 6 is 11.69%, which is significantly lower than that of the uncoated samples (18.04%). These findings underscore the potential of PPMP/agarose coatings as safe, biodegradable, and sustainable packaging materials, serving as an alternative to conventional plastics and aligning with the principles of the circular economy.

Realizing the full potential of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics necessitates, a fundamental transformation in biomanufacturing should be made, from the production of heterogeneous polymer mixtures to the deliberate synthesis of well-defined, tailor-made biopolymers with predictable physicochemical properties. This review delineates a comprehensive framework for achieving controllable PHA biosynthesis, where the field is evolving from a phase of empirical discovery to one of precision-driven design. It underscores the need for seamless integration of genetic engineering, enzyme evolution, and bioprocess control. We systematically analyze recent advances that enable precise regulation of polymer architecture, including control over chain-length distribution, selective monomer incorporation, and the integration of functional moieties within the polymer backbone. By synthesizing developments in genetic circuit engineering, enzyme optimization, and adaptive fermentation strategies, we highlight emerging approaches for designing PHAs with tunable mechanical and functional attributes suited for specialized, high-value applications. Finally, the review identifies persistent challenges and potentials related to scalability, purity, process integration and AI-guided enzymes design, etc., emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to bridge the divide between metabolic precision and industrial feasibility.

The increasing environmental impact of conventional petroleum-based plastics has encouraged the development of sustainable and biodegradable alternatives. In the present study, starch obtained from natural sources such as potato and sweet potato was used for the synthesis of biodegradable starch-based bioplastics. The bioplastic films were prepared through a simple casting method using glycerol (propan-1,2,3-triol) as a plasticizer and hydrochloric acid as a catalyst, followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide. The prepared materials were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify functional groups and confirm the formation of polymeric structures. The FTIR spectra showed characteristic absorption bands corresponding to O–H, C–H, C=O, and C–O functional groups, indicating the successful formation of polyester-type bioplastic materials. Mechanical properties were evaluated using tensile strength measurements, where sweet potato starch bioplastic exhibited higher tensile strength compared to potato starch bioplastic. Biodegradability was assessed through soil burial tests, which demonstrated significant degradation within a short period, confirming the environmentally friendly nature of the material. The results indicate that starch-based bioplastics derived from natural agricultural sources can serve as promising alternatives to conventional plastics. These materials offer advantages such as renewability, biodegradability, and reduced environmental impact, making them suitable for applications in packaging, agriculture, and disposable products.

Strong STMP-crosslinked lignin/chitosan hydrogel films with enhanced aqueous stability and bioactivity for active food packaging.

Integrated hybrid modeling, optimization, and characterization of polyhydroxybutyrate produced by Bacillus pseudomycoides ASM1.

Background: The increasing addition of petroleum-based plastics have been a significant environmental concern because of their non-biodegradable nature and long persistence in ecosystems. Biodegradable polymers like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have emerged as promising substitutes to conventional plastics. In these, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is one of the most widely reviewed microbial biopolymers because of its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and thermoplastic properties. PHB is made by various microbes as an intracellular carbon and energy storage compound under conditions of excess carbon and nutrient limitation. Environmental sources like soil ecosystems harbor diverse microbial communities capable of producing PHB. In particular, paddy soil represents a nutrient-rich ecological niche with high microbial diversity, leading to a potential reservoir for effective PHB-producing bacteria. Objective: The present paper aimed to isolate and identify PHB-producing bacteria from paddy soil and to optimize cultural settings prompting to PHB production for potential application in the production of sustainable bioplastic. Methods: Soil samples from paddy fields were collected, serially diluted, and then spread plated on nutrient agar for the purpose of bacterial isolation. The isolates have been assessed for PHB synthesis utilizing Nile Blue A fluorescence staining and Sudan Black B staining. The possible PHB-producing isolates were subjected to morphological and biochemical characterisation employing standard microbiological procedures. Additional optimization studies were carried out to assess the effect of various carbon sources, pH levels, nitrogen sources, and incubation temperatures on PHB synthesis. Results: Various bacterial isolates have been successfully isolated from paddy soil samples, with particular strains showing positive outcomes for PHB accumulation via staining methods. The morphological and biochemical characterisation demonstrated that the isolates were predominantly Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria. Optimization experiments revealed that certain carbon sources significantly boosted PHB formation, while nitrogen limitation further promoted polymer buildup. Optimal PHB generation was seen with neutral to slightly alkaline pH and modest incubation temperatures. Conclusion: The findings indicate that paddy soil provides an exciting source of PHB-producing bacteria. Optimization of nutritional and environmental conditions significantly boosted PHB production, indicating the possible application of these isolates for eco-friendly bioplastic manufacturing and sustainable disposal of waste applications.

Composting is widely promoted for organic waste valorisation, but a growing body of evidence shows that compost products often contain microplastics (MPs), raising concerns over secondary pollution. Within composting systems, plastisphere microbiomes colonize plastic particles, on which biofilms mediate the formation of distinct microenvironments and can modulate surface oxidation, partial depolymerisation, and fragmentation. Although biodegradable polymers may mineralise under thermophilic conditions, conventional plastics persist and may shift toward smaller fragments, potentially including nanoplastics, highlighting a sustainability paradox: composting mitigates waste and supplies nutrients, but simultaneously can contribute to MP dissemination. Once applied to soils, compost-derived MPs can disrupt soil aggregation, microbial balance, and plant–microbe interactions. Plants exposed to MPs exhibit oxidative stress responses—including stress-related responses and impaired plant performance under certain exposure scenarios—along with reduced photosynthetic efficiency and biomass. Soil fauna ingest MPs, leading to intestinal damage, oxidative imbalance, and trophic transfer to higher organisms. Human exposure via compost-amended agroecosystems is plausible, but exposure attribution and toxicological thresholds remain uncertain. Despite advances in microbial and enzymatic degradation, their efficiency under realistic composting conditions remains poorly constrained because plastisphere activity is highly context-dependent and difficult to capture in simplified laboratory settings. This mini-review synthesises current evidence on compost plastisphere ecology and polymer-dependent transformation constraints, and discusses methodological and field-scale limitations that shape interpretation, with emphasis on size-resolved risk framing, mixture contexts, and cross-kingdom interactions.

The increasing adoption of biopolymeric and nanostructured coatings for horticultural produce has emerged as a sustainable strategy to mitigate postharvest losses and extend shelf life. However, while their technological performance has been extensively documented, comprehensive and integrative assessments of biosafety, potential human health implications, and environmental risks profiles are still insufficiently explored. This review critically analyzes recent advances in polysaccharide, protein, and lipid-based coatings, including nanoenabled systems incorporating metallic nanoparticles and bioactive agents. The mechanisms underlying gas barrier properties, antimicrobial activity, and preservation efficacy are discussed alongside degradation pathways in composting, soil, and aquatic environments. Particular attention is given to nanoparticle release, migration potential, gastrointestinal fate, and toxicological endpoints such as oxidative stress, genotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and immunomodulation. Ecotoxicological evidence across trophic levels, from microorganisms and invertebrates to fish and amphibians, is examined, highlighting sublethal and mechanistic biomarkers relevant to environmental risk assessment. Regulatory frameworks from major agencies are also compared to contextualize current safety standards and limitations. Overall, although biopolymeric coatings represent promising alternatives to conventional plastics, their life-cycle impacts, transformation products, and nano-related uncertainties require comprehensive, multilevel risk evaluation to ensure truly sustainable and safe postharvest applications.

Fabrication of cellulose-Ca 2+Zn 2+ crosslinked films enhnaced with biosurfactant: A sustainable replacement for conventional plastics.

ABSTRACT Increasing environmental concerns regarding conventional plastics have encouraged the growth of research and development of sustainable solutions. This study focused on the development and analysis of composite films, using starch as the matrix and integrating gelatin, zinc, and calcium carbonate as fillers. Gelatin‐based composite films (GCF), zinc‐based composite films (ZCF), and calcium carbonate‐based composite films (CCF) were prepared and evaluated for their mechanical, thermal, structural, biodegradation, and antimicrobial properties. The incorporation of fillers significantly improved thermal stability, mechanical durability, and biodegradation properties of composite films. The highest tensile strength was observed in CCF (38.05 MPa), while GCF showed maximum elongation at break (36%), indicating enhancing flexibility. Thermal analysis (TGA and DSC) demonstrated that CCF exhibited enhanced thermal stability, characterized by delayed degradation behavior and an increased residual mass. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of intermolecular interactions and hydrogen bonding between starch and fillers, as indicated by alterations in the characteristic function group shifts. Among the composite films analyzed, ZCF exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains. Biodegradable analysis confirm that all composite films remain environmentally degradable. These findings indicate that starch composite films with fillers are mechanically robust, thermally stable, antimicrobial, and biodegradable, suitable for food and medical packaging.

Biodegradable bacterial cellulose hesperetin nanoparticle composite films for food packaging with antibacterial, antioxidant, and UV-blocking properties.

Characterization of wheat bran protein/chitosan composite film: Study on the film-forming ability and bioactivities.

Fabrication, characterization, and in vivo biosafety evaluation of starch-based bioplastic as a sustainable alternative to polystyrene.

Polylactic acid microplastic exposure induced male reproductive toxicity and decreased testosterone levels by accelerating Leydig cell senescence.

Marine biodegradable polymers and zooplankton: A case study on the effects of PHBV microplastics on Artemia franciscana.

Tailoring sustainable electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol)/carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA/CMC) nanofibrous films: Enhanced mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties via methanol stabilization for multifunctional applications.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of biodegradable polyesters that are well placed to replace conventional plastics - however, their adoption has been slow due to their cost. This study assessed the technoeconomics of PHA production using halophilic biotechnology to determine if prices could be lowered to within twice that of commodity plastics, with a target price of US$2.60kg-1. Haloferax mediterranei is an extreme halophile which can naturally accumulate high levels of PHA without the need for substrate sterilisation, while offering potential for simplified water-based extraction. Here, sucrose was selected as a relatively low cost, consistent and abundant carbon feedstock. A detailed process flow diagram was developed and a mass and energy balance conducted to achieve a PHA production rate of 10,000 t.p.a. Results indicated that halophilic PHA production could achieve a minimum PHA selling price of US$3.50kg-1 with a solvent-free extraction process. Optimisation of the fermentation conditions could reduce this further to US$2.90kg-1. However, to achieve the target price, a lower cost feedstock would be required, estimated at US$270tonne-1. In conclusion, achieving a PHA price of US$2.60kg-1 is challenging, but possible, with low-cost carbon feedstock and optimised halophilic bioprocessing.

In situ degradation of biodegradable bio-based plastics in urban soil: Pilot study for PLA, PHB, PHBH, and Bio-PBS in central Tokyo, Japan.

Abstract While plastics are integral to modern life, their limitations in mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties hinder their use in advanced applications, particularly thermal management. We have developed a scalable in-situ nanotube-polymer fusion and hot-working (NP-FHW) process for mass-producing carbon nanotube superplastics (CNTSPs) designed to overcome these limitations. By integrating up to 59 wt% CNTs and inducing spontaneous fusion with polymer molecules while retaining the original long CNT length, we achieve enhanced CNT alignment and packing density. This unique structure yields CNTSPs with exceptional thermal performance: a high thermal conductivity (143 ± 5.8 W m–1 K–1) and a highly directional heat transfer, evidenced by a thermal conductivity anisotropy ratio of ~123, which is crucial for efficient electronic device cooling when the heat sink is located at opposite ends of the device. Additionally, these CNTSPs exhibit high mechanical strength (663 ± 18 MPa) and electrical conductivity (8.6 × 104 S m–1). We demonstrate the ability to shape CNTSPs into various objects by three-dimensional printing and hot pressing. This progression provides a scalable approach for mass production of superplastics combining the core advantages of CNTs with the processability of conventional plastics.