Egg Yolk Oil as a Plasticizer for Polylactic Acid Films

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Food Packaging

Background:

• Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely used biodegradable polyester with potential to replace petroleum-based packaging.
• Limited flexibility of PLA films restricts their application, necessitating property enhancement.
• Developing sustainable plasticizers is crucial for expanding the use of biopolymers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the mechanical properties, specifically flexibility, of polylactic acid (PLA) films.
• To impart antioxidant and photoprotective characteristics to PLA films using a biobased plasticizer.
• To evaluate the potential of egg yolk oil as an eco-friendly plasticizer for PLA packaging applications.

Main Methods:

• PLA films plasticized with varying concentrations of egg yolk oil were prepared.
• Characterization included light transmission, transparency, color, water vapor permeability, solubility, antioxidant activity, and mechanical properties.
• Electron microscopy was used to analyze the film's cross-sectional structure.
• Packaging tests involved photosensitive compounds (olive oil, resveratrol) exposed to light.

Main Results:

• Increased egg yolk oil concentration enhanced film elasticity and light barrier properties.
• Antioxidant activity of PLA films was significantly improved with egg yolk oil addition.
• Films demonstrated photoprotective capabilities when used to package photosensitive compounds.

Conclusions:

• Egg yolk oil effectively acts as a biobased plasticizer for polylactic acid (PLA).
• The modified PLA films exhibit improved flexibility, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.
• Egg yolk oil shows promise for developing sustainable and functional PLA packaging materials.