0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Remediation Sign in to save

Biodegradability Study of Modified Chitosan Films with Cinnamic Acid and Ellagic Acid in Soil

Polymers 2024 8 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 45 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Maria Swiontek Brzezinska, Ambika H. Shinde, Beata Kaczmarek, Urszula Jankiewicz, Joanna Urbaniak, Sławomir Boczkowski, Lidia Zasada, Magdalena Ciesielska, Katarzyna Dembińska, Krystyna Pałubicka, Marta Michalska‐Sionkowska

Summary

Researchers evaluated the biodegradability of chitosan films modified with cinnamic acid and ellagic acid in soil, testing whether adding antimicrobial compounds to the biopolymer slows natural decomposition. The study assessed how these modifications affect the efficiency of biodegradation by soil microflora.

Body Systems

Currently, natural polymer materials with bactericidal properties are extremely popular. Unfortunately, although the biopolymer material itself is biodegradable, its enrichment with bactericidal compounds may affect the efficiency of biodegradation by natural soil microflora. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of fungi belonging to the genus Trichoderma in facilitating the degradation of chitosan film modified with cinnamic acid and ellagic acid in the soil environment. Only two strains (T.07 and T.14) used chitosan films as a source of carbon and nitrogen. However, their respiratory activity decreased with the addition of tested phenolic acids, especially cinnamic acid. Addition of Trichoderma isolates to the soil increased oxygen consumption during the biodegradation process compared with native microorganisms, especially after application of the T.07 and T.14 consortium. Isolates T.07 and T.14 showed high lipolytic (55.78 U/h and 62.21 U/h) and chitinase (43.03 U/h and 41.27 U/h) activities. Chitinase activity after incorporation of the materials into the soil was higher for samples enriched with T.07, T.14 and the consortium. The isolates were classified as Trichoderma sp. and Trichoderma koningii. Considering the outcomes derived from our findings, it is our contention that the application of Trichoderma isolates holds promise for expediting the degradation process of chitosan materials containing bactericidal compounds.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Biodegradable Chitosan-Based Films as an Alternative to Plastic Packaging

Researchers tested the biodegradability of chitosan-based films enhanced with metal oxides and graphene as potential replacements for conventional plastic packaging. When buried in soil, the films showed significant weight loss and structural breakdown within weeks, confirming they can decompose naturally. The study suggests that these bio-based materials, which also have antimicrobial properties, could offer a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based food packaging.

Article Tier 2

Exploring the Role of Chitosan in Fabricating Biodegradable Films for Functional Food Packaging: A Review

This review examines the use of chitosan — a biopolymer derived from crustacean shells — in fabricating biodegradable food packaging films, evaluating its mechanical, antimicrobial, and barrier properties as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.

Article Tier 2

Effect of Nano-Silica and Sorbitol on the Properties of Chitosan-Based Composite Films

Chitosan composite films incorporating nano-silica and sorbitol were prepared and characterized, finding that the additives improved film flexibility and mechanical properties while maintaining biodegradability, with potential applications in food packaging.

Article Tier 2

Chitosan with Natural Additives as a Potential Food Packaging

Researchers reviewed the potential of chitosan, a natural polymer derived from chitin, as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic food packaging. Chitosan-based materials combined with natural additives show promising antimicrobial and biocompatible properties while being biodegradable. The study suggests these materials could help reduce plastic packaging waste and the associated microplastic pollution from food industry sources.

Article Tier 2

Antimicrobial Effect of Chitosan Films on Food Spoilage Bacteria

Researchers evaluated the antibacterial activity of chitosan films combined with metal oxides and graphene oxide derivatives against Campylobacter jejuni and Listeria monocytogenes. The results support chitosan-based composite films as promising biodegradable alternatives to synthetic plastic food packaging with inherent antimicrobial properties.

Share this paper