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

A membrane-mediated algal-bacterial coupling strategy for energy - efficient and low-carbon PHA production.

Functional bioplastics from agricultural wastes: Precursor engineering, composite strategies, and sustainable packaging performance.

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

Chitosan nanocomposite films with metal nanoparticles: Synthesis, antimicrobial mechanisms and applications in sustainable packaging.

Poly(L-Lactic acid) (PLLA) is a bio-based and biodegradable thermoplastic polymer widely recognized as a leading sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. While its environmental benefits are well established, PLLA faces challenges in end-of-life management due to its slow degradation in natural conditions and the harsh requirements of industrial composting. This study introduces an efficient chemical recycling strategy for PLLA based on hydrolysis reactions performed both in solution and under solvent-free conditions, catalyzed by a homoleptic phenoxy-imine pyridine zinc complex. Both conventional and microwave-assisted heating methods were evaluated. Hydrolysis in solution exhibited consistent degradation rates across various solvents, irrespective of the heating technique. In contrast, microwave-assisted heterogeneous hydrolysis significantly improved both reaction rate and selectivity. Notably, this process enables the direct conversion of postconsumer PLLA products into lactic acid under mild reaction conditions, without the need for additional solvents or pressure build-up. The catalytic approach demonstrates a scalable, energy-efficient pathway for closing the PLLA lifecycle, offering a viable solution for industrial monomer recovery with low waste generation.

The replacement of petroleum-based plastics with sustainable and biodegradable materials remains a critical challenge for food packaging and biomedical applications. Gelatin is an attractive natural biopolymer for film fabrication; however, its inherent brittleness, moisture sensitivity, and limited structural stability restrict practical use. In this work, for the first time, low-power direct-probe ultrasonication is introduced as a green and additive-free strategy to regulate molecular organization and enhance the performance of gelatin-glycerol composite films. Systematic variation in ultrasonic power and treatment duration revealed a strong dependence of film structure and properties on processing conditions. Low-power ultrasonication (20 W) promoted gelatin-glycerol interactions, induced a transition from loosely organized molecular arrangements to helix-like molecular packing at the nanometer scale, and produced smooth, compact microscale surface morphologies. As a result, these films exhibited enhanced hydrophilicity, reduced surface defects, and improved thermal stability. In contrast, high-power ultrasonication generated excessive cavitation, leading to large-scale porous structures and diminished thermal and surface performance. Therefore, this work identifies a distinct low-power ultrasonic window that enables controlled molecular reorganization and hierarchical structure formation in gelatin-glycerol systems. Structural and physicochemical analyses using SEM, FTIR, XRD, water contact angle measurements, and thermogravimetric analysis collectively elucidate the ultrasound-driven structure-property relationships within the gelatin-glycerol matrix. Overall, this study demonstrates that controlled ultrasonication enables precise tuning of gelatin-based film architecture and properties, offering a scalable and environmentally friendly route to high-performance biodegradable materials for sustainable packaging and biomedical applications.

Enzyme-programmed cellulose nanocrystal interfaces: Regulating degradation microenvironment and plant growth of polylactic acid films.

The environmental impact of conventional plastics has driven a shift toward biobased food packaging, shaped by consumer expectations, market trends, and regulatory policies within the European Union (EU). Despite extensive research on biopolymers such as starch, cellulose, chitosan, and polylactic acid (PLA), their use in commercial food packaging remains limited. A major challenge identified in the literature is the evaluation of biopolymer performance, in which environmental benefits are often considered independently of mechanical, barrier, and economic factors. This review addresses this gap by critically exploring the functional performance of biopolymers regarding their chemical structure and processing methods, with particular emphasis on the role of bioactive compounds in enhancing these materials' properties. Although several biopolymers can achieve tensile strength values comparable to conventional petroleum-based plastics, their higher water vapor transmission rates remain an unsolved barrier to scalability. These limitations, together with challenges related to mechanical performance and production costs, are discussed to clarify their impact on industrial feasibility and to identify priorities for future research supporting scalable, cost-effective, and regulatory-compliant food packaging solutions.

Abstract Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has been widely used in the packaging field due to its biodegradability and excellent film-forming properties, making it an ideal candidate to replace petroleum-based plastics. However, the intrinsic brittleness and limited barrier performance of PVA films severely limit their further applications. Conventional reinforcement strategies relying on inorganic fillers often fail to balance strength and toughness, mainly due to their static interfacial interactions and inadequate energy dissipation capacity. To solve this problem, this study draws inspiration from the interfacial regulation mechanism of bone tissue and proposes an innovative biomimetic interface design strategy. Surface-modified TA-Fe(III)@LDHs or intercalated SA-LDHs are incorporated into the PVA matrix, while sodium lignosulfonate (LS) is introduced as a dynamic interfacial molecule. This synergistic design constructs reversible sacrificial bonds and energy dissipation pathways within the composite system, thereby realizing the simultaneous enhancement of strength and toughness. Among all the prepared composite films, the surface-modified system (P1L5S) exhibits the most balanced overall performance. It reaches a tensile strength of 61 MPa, an elongation at break of 228%, and a toughness of 131 MJ/m3, outperforming most reported PVA-based composite films. Meanwhile, the intercalation-modified system (P1A5S) shows superior gas barrier properties. Its relative water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability are reduced to 57% and 14%, respectively. The PVA/modified LDHs/LS ternary nanocomposite film developed in this research integrates high strength, excellent toughness, and outstanding barrier performance. This study provides a novel biomimetic method and a sustainable solution for developing eco-friendly and biodegradable food packaging materials.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are promising biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, but high production costs limit their deployment. In this study, we evaluated a cosubstrate strategy combining vanillic acid (VA), representative of lignin-derived aromatics, with palm oil (PO) recovered from oil palm fruit residues to enhance PHA synthesis in Pseudomonas putida. Cofeeding 4 g/L VA and 4 g/L PO increased PHA titer to 1.13 g/L, a 52.7% improvement over VA alone, and yielded a new monomer, 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx). Integrated transcriptome and metabolomic analyses revealed that cosubstrate metabolism attenuated TCA flux, enhanced β-oxidation and hydroxyacyl precursor pools, and altered NAD(P)H turnover and membrane lipids. These shifts were correlated with expanded monomer diversity. This study demonstrates that cofeeding lignin-derived aromatics with agricultural oils provides a synergistic route to improve PHA yield and diversify monomer composition, linking biomass valorization with circular, low-carbon material production.

Zein/gelatin-starch bilayer films: a green approach for yellow cherry tomato preservation.

Casein as a biopolymer for edible packaging: A review on modification strategies and barrier property enhancement.

Production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxypropionate) with regulated monomeric ratios from crude glycerol by recombinant Cupriavidus necator H16.

High-performance fully bio-based cellulose plastics through dual cross-linking with epoxidized linseed oil.

The global surge in plastic pollution and the environmental persistence of non-biodegradable polymers have intensified the search for sustainable alternatives derived from biomass. This study explores the valorization of sugarcane bagasse, an abundant agricultural residue to develop a bio-based polymer capable of serving as a functional alternative to petroleum-derived plastics. The biopolymer was synthesized through the extraction of lignocellulosic fractions and subsequently characterized against a commercial petroleum-based plastic (LDPE) control. Structural and morphological analyses were performed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Results indicate that the biopolymer possesses a distinct fibrous microstructure and a lignocellulosic backbone, as evidenced by characteristic 𝑂−𝐻 stretching at 3341 cm−and C=O peaks related to hemicellulose. Thermal analysis revealed a significant performance advantage, with the biopolymer exhibiting a thermal stability of 284.20∘C substantially exceeding that of the commercial standard (174.10∘C). While mechanical testing showed a lower tensile strength (6.2 MPa) compared to the control (30.8 MPa), the biopolymer offered a reduced density (0.933 g/ml), suggesting suitability for lightweight, low-load packaging applications. Functional characterization demonstrated a Water Absorption Capacity (WAC) of 49.70% and an Oil Absorption Capacity (OAC) of 36.48%, alongside a swelling power of 15.65%. These findings suggest that sugarcane bagasse-derived bio plastics are viable, thermally superior suitable for the circular economy, particularly in applications requiring grease resistance and high-temperature processing.

The development of bioplastics, such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, requires efforts to reduce their economic and environmental impacts. Aqueous Two-Phase System (ATPS) represents a sustainable alternative to isolate PHBV, as it is water-based. A polyethylene glycol (PEG8000)/phosphate salts-based ATPS was employed as a sustainable approach to isolate and purify PHBV produced by the haloarchaeon Haloferax mediterranei. The Taguchi design method was used to optimise an ATPS, integrating variables such as the concentration of commercial PEG8000 and phosphate salts, extraction temperature, system pH, and biomass-to-system volume ratio. Results revealed a maximum PHBV recovery of 80% with a purity of 93% under the following conditions: 20% of PEG8000, 20% of phosphate salts, pH of 7, 50 °C, and a 1:100 ratio. Furthermore, the potential recycling of ATPS components was studied to reduce the overall cost of the biopolymer isolation procedure. However, a significant decrease in the PHBV recovery was observed (52% when using recycled components). Finally, the use of PEG8000 from ethylene glycol (EG) polymerisation, aimed at the valorisation of EG obtained from other industrial processes, yielded comparable recovery and purity of PHBV (78% and 89%, respectively).

This study focuses on the development and characterisation of biodegradable films produced from cassava starch blended with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and glycerol. Cassava starch, extracted at a yield of 80.06%, served as a sustainable polymer base owing to its abundance and renewability. Produced films were prepared and characterised in triplicate for each formulation to ensure reproducibility. The films exhibited low water absorption (4%), indicating improved hydrophobicity and structural integrity suitable for packaging applications. Biodegradation tests revealed complete decomposition within 20 - 28 days, with faster rates observed at shallower burial depths due to increased microbial and oxygen activity. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed intermolecular bonding and crosslinking through functional groups such as O–H, C=O, and C–O–C. Surface morphology was assessed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while thermal stability was evaluated through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA/DTG), thereby reducing redundancy in listing characterisation techniques. Thermal analysis showed stability up to approximately 150°C, beyond which major decomposition occurred. Film thickness ranged between 0.18 and 0.27 mm, correlating with starch and glycerol concentrations. The results collectively validate cassava starch-PVA films as eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, offering biodegradability, thermal stability, structural integrity, and suitability for low-temperature short-term applications.

The growing environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics has intensified research into sustainable, biodegradable alternatives for food packaging. Among bio-derived polymers, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) has attracted increasing attention due to its abundance, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and excellent film-forming ability. Nevertheless, the intrinsic hydrophilicity and limited mechanical strength of neat CMC restrict its direct application in packaging systems. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of recent strategies developed between 2015 and 2025 to enhance the performance of CMC-based films for food packaging applications. Emphasis is placed on physical and chemical modification routes, including polymer blending, polyelectrolyte complex formation, incorporation of functional fillers and nanomaterials, and ionic or covalent crosslinking approaches. The influence of these strategies on key functional properties, such as mechanical behavior, water barrier performance, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, is systematically discussed. Particular attention is given to CMC-rich systems, enabling meaningful comparison across studies. By highlighting structure-property relationships and identifying current limitations, this review aims to provide guidance for the rational design of advanced CMC-based materials as viable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic packaging.

The increasing production, consumption, and improper disposal of petroleum-based plastics are causing environmental degradation. A sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to resolve the synthetic plastic-based problem is bioplastic. Agricultural waste, rich in cellulose, can be used as a raw material for bioplastic production and supporting circular economy goals. The purpose of the current study is to isolate cellulose from corn cob using alkali and bleaching treatment, and its utilization in the synthesis of bioplastic. The study also incorporates the sensory evaluation, thickness test, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy characterization. Further, the prepared bioplastic was tested for biodegradability. The yield of extracted cellulose was 53.1±0.7%. Bioplastic was successfully prepared using the solvent casting method, which was confirmed by FTIR analysis. The range of thickness was between 0.37±0.07 mm-0.45±0.06 mm. The degradation period was observed to be 21 days to 35 days. This study promotes the effective valorisation of agricultural residue, corn cob, and proposes an environmentally responsible waste management strategy. The prepared bioplastic may prove beneficial in packaging applications, leading to reduced reliance on fossil fuels and environmental pollution.