Microbial degradation of plant packaging biofilms with phytochemical potential

The threat of plastic pollution is a global environmental concern. Bioremediation has become an important challenge in the search for sustainable measures to reduce the harmful effects of this pollution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of microbial degradation of plant-based packaging biofilms formulated from agro-resource materials. Three types of plant-based packaging biofilms with a starch matrix supplemented with plant fibers from T. daniellii, M. paradisiaca, and combined fibers were subjected to biodegradation. Methods based on weight loss estimation and cell abundance were used to determine the level of biodegradability of these biofilms with the species P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and A. niger. A phytochemical screening analysis was used to qualitatively detect the presence of bioactive compounds. Before day 20, biodegradation was faster for packaging biofilms supplemented with T. daniellii + M. paradisiaca, with weight loss percentages ranging from 54.7% to 74.5%. Biodegradability rates ranged from 0.4 to 1 and from 0.5 to 0.9 DO units for P. aeruginosa and A. niger strains, respectively. On day 10, in order of growth importance, this cell abundance was most significant for P. aeruginosa with 60,103 CFU/mL (T. daniellii and M. paradisiaca), 210,105 (T. daniellii), and 680,107 CFU/mL (M. paradisiaca). The biodegradation of M. paradisiaca biofilms indicated higher biomasses ranging from 230,107 CFU/mL (S. aureus) to 680,107 CFU/mL (P. aeruginosa). Phytochemical screening showed the presence of sterols, polyterpenes, polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, catechin tannins, and gallic tannins in packaging biofilms. Qualitative research into phytochemical molecules and toxicity tests may determine the potential of these biofilms in the design of modern, environmentally friendly food packaging.