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Bilayer Films of Poly(lactic acid) and Cottonseed Protein for Packaging Applications
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Researchers produced bilayer films combining polylactic acid with cottonseed protein isolate for food packaging applications and found that the bilayer design improved mechanical and barrier properties compared to single-layer PLA films while maintaining biodegradability.
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a common biobased film-former made from renewable biomass, such as polysaccharides from sugarcane, corn, or cassava. It has good physical properties but is relatively expensive when compared to the plastics used for food packaging. In this work, bilayer films were designed, incorporating a PLA layer and a layer of washed cottonseed meal (CSM), an inexpensive agro-based raw material from cotton manufacturing, where the main component is cottonseed protein. These bilayer films were made through the solvent casting method. The combined thickness of the PLA/CSM bilayer film was between 47 and 83 μm. The thickness of the PLA layer in this film was 10%, 30%, or 50% of the total bilayer film's thickness. Mechanical properties of the films, opacity, water vapor permeation, and thermal properties were evaluated. Since PLA and CSM are both agro-based, sustainable, and biodegradable, the bilayer film may be used as an eco-friendlier food packaging material, which helps reduce the environmental problems of plastic waste and microplastics. Moreover, the utilization of cottonseed meal may add value to this cotton byproduct and provide a potential economic benefit to cotton farmers.
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Researchers developed biodegradable films from blends of carboxymethyl cellulose and cottonseed protein as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging. The study found that adjusting the proportions of these plant-based components produced films with varying levels of opacity, water vapor permeability, and mechanical strength, suggesting potential applications in water-soluble food packaging and agricultural coatings.
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Researchers surface-modified cellulose nanocrystals and layered double hydroxides and co-incorporated them into polylactic acid films, finding that the dual-filler combination boosted tensile strength to 96.8 MPa and reduced water vapor permeability by 38.9%, providing a mechanistic roadmap for improving biodegradable packaging to replace conventional plastics.
Modification of Poly(lactic acid) by the Plasticization for Application in the Packaging Industry
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Researchers investigated the modification of poly(lactic acid) through plasticization to improve its mechanical properties for use in packaging industry applications as a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics.
Advances and recent trends in plant-based materials and edible films: a mini-review
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This review highlights recent advances in plant-based packaging materials and edible films made from natural polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic packaging. Researchers explored how 3D printing and functionalization strategies can enhance the mechanical strength, barrier properties, and shelf-life extension of these materials. The findings point toward a growing toolkit of biodegradable options that could help reduce plastic waste in food packaging.
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