Active biodegradable packaging films modified with grape seeds lignin

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Sustainable Packaging

Background:

• Plastic pollution necessitates biodegradable alternatives.
• Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable polymers with potential for packaging.
• Grape seed lignin possesses antioxidant properties that could enhance PHA films.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of grape seed lignin (GS-L) to modify polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) films.
• To evaluate the impact of GS-L on the antioxidant capacity, gas barrier properties, and biodegradability of PHA films.
• To assess the toxicological profile of the modified PHA films.

Main Methods:

• Polymeric films were prepared using a blend of high crystalline poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and amorphous PHA.
• Grape seed lignin (GS-L) was incorporated into PHB/PHA films at varying concentrations (1-10 wt%).
• Mechanical properties, gas transition rates, antioxidant activity (ABTS radical inhibition), and biodegradability under composting conditions were evaluated.

Main Results:

• PHB/PHA films incorporated with GS-L showed improved gas barrier properties (e.g., O2 and CO2 transition rates).
• Antioxidant activity increased with GS-L concentration, with inhibition percentages ranging from 29.2% to 100%.
• Biodegradability tests indicated enhanced decomposition rates for PHB/PHA/GS-L films compared to neat PHB, with composts proving non-toxic to plant seeds.

Conclusions:

• Grape seed lignin effectively modifies PHA films, enhancing their functional properties for packaging applications.
• The incorporation of GS-L improves gas barrier and antioxidant characteristics while promoting biodegradability.
• The resulting materials are non-toxic and demonstrate potential as environmentally friendly packaging solutions.