Inulin/PVA biomaterials using thiamine as an alternative plasticizer.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Inulin (INL) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are biocompatible polymers with potential for biomaterial development.
• Developing sustainable and biodegradable materials is crucial for reducing environmental impact.
• UV curing offers a rapid and efficient method for polymer crosslinking and material fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel biodegradable biomaterials using inulin, PVA, and various plasticizers.
• To investigate the effect of UV curing time and plasticizer type on the physical and mechanical properties.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial activity, biodegradability, and potential food coating applications of the developed biomaterials.

Main Methods:

• Inulin extraction from Jerusalem artichoke flour via hot water extraction.
• Biomaterial synthesis using inulin, PVA, and plasticizers (citric acid, glycerol, thiamine) followed by UV curing.
• Characterization using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
• Assessment of mechanical properties, water resistance, antimicrobial activity, and soil biodegradability.

Main Results:

• UV curing significantly improved the physical properties of the inulin/PVA biomaterials.
• Biomaterials incorporating thiamine exhibited 1.5 to 2 times higher physical properties compared to those with glycerol or citric acid.
• The developed biomaterials demonstrated antimicrobial activity and biodegradability, with 20-40% degradation after 140 days in soil.
• SEM analysis provided insights into the surface morphology and structural integrity of the biomaterials.

Conclusions:

• UV-cured inulin/PVA biomaterials offer enhanced physical and mechanical properties, particularly when thiamine is used as a plasticizer.
• These biodegradable materials show promise for applications as food coatings and in other environmentally friendly material uses.
• The study highlights the potential of inulin-based biomaterials as sustainable alternatives in various industrial applications.