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In Situ Synthesis of Plasticized Bacterial Cellulose Films for Daily Packaging Using Biobased Plasticizers
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Researchers synthesized plasticized bacterial cellulose films in situ and characterized their mechanical, optical, and barrier properties for daily packaging applications, finding the bio-based materials offered competitive performance with lower environmental impact than petroleum-based alternatives.
Bacterial cellulose (BC) naturally decomposes in the environment without releasing toxins or microplastics, making it a promising alternative to conventional plastics. However, its inherent brittleness after drying limits its broader application. This study investigates four biobased plasticizers─epoxy soybean oil, castor oil, tributyl citrate (TBC), and tributyl trans-aconitate (TBA)─to enhance the flexibility of BC through in situ modification. By combining a gel-assisted biosynthesis with an in situ spray plasticization method, biobased plasticizers are uniformly incorporated into the nanofiber network of BC, resulting in films with significantly improved flexibility and transparency. Among the biobased plasticizers, TBC and TBA showed the most effective plasticization, increasing the E% to 9.63 and 11.90%, respectively, corresponding to 6.3-fold and 7.5-fold enhancements compared to the control. This approach not only improves the mechanical properties of BC but also streamlines production by enabling a simplified processing method. The findings underscore the potential of plasticized BC biomaterials in replacing fossil-based plastics and advancing the development of sustainable materials.
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In Situ Synthesisof Plasticized Bacterial CelluloseFilms for Daily Packaging Using Biobased Plasticizers
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Researchers developed in situ plasticized bacterial cellulose films using four biobased plasticizers, finding that tributyl citrate and tributyl trans-aconitate provided the most effective plasticization, yielding films with significantly improved flexibility and transparency as biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastic packaging.
In Situ Fermentation of an Ultra-Strong, Microplastic-Free, and Biodegradable Multilayer Bacterial Cellulose Film for Food Packaging
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Researchers developed an ultra-strong, biodegradable multilayer bacterial cellulose film for food packaging using an in situ fermentation approach with gellan gum assistance. The study presents a microplastic-free alternative to conventional plastic packaging that incorporates antibacterial properties through quaternary ammonium chitosan microspheres.
Biotechnology in Food Packaging Using Bacterial Cellulose
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This review explores bacterial cellulose as a biodegradable, biocompatible alternative to conventional plastic food packaging, which contributes to micro- and nanoplastic pollution that threatens both the environment and human health. While bacterial cellulose shows strong potential due to its mechanical strength and food preservation abilities, scaling up production remains a challenge due to higher costs and manufacturing difficulties.
Bacterial Cellulose for Sustainable Food Packaging: Production Pathways, Structural Design, and Functional Modification Strategies
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This systematic review following PRISMA principles analyzed bacterial cellulose (BC) biosynthesis, structural organization, and modification approaches for food packaging applications, covering literature from 1960 to November 2025. The review found that BC-based composites can reduce oxygen and moisture permeability, strengthen films, and prolong food shelf life while remaining biodegradable, though high cost and lengthy fermentation remain key challenges.
Development of functional bacterial cellulose composites from Kombucha waste for biodegradable food packaging
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Researchers produced bacterial cellulose composite films from kombucha production waste, modifying them with antimicrobial and structural agents to create biodegradable food packaging. The composites showed adequate mechanical and barrier properties, offering a sustainable alternative to petrochemical packaging that avoids microplastic generation during degradation.
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