Poly (lactic acid)/ amine grafted mesoporous silica-based composite for food packaging application
Usman Lawal1, Nishanth Kumar2, Raja Samyuktha3
1Electrochemical Process Engineering Division, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Department of Chemical Sciences, Federal University Wukari, Taraba, Nigeria.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|August 8, 2024
Summary
Environmentally friendly bio-composite films were developed using poly(lactic acid) and functionalized green mesoporous silica. These novel films enhance food packaging with improved strength, flexibility, and antibacterial properties, extending shelf life.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Food Science
Background:
- Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with potential for food packaging.
- Improving PLA's compatibility with reinforcing agents is crucial for advanced applications.
- Green mesoporous silica (GMS) derived from rice husk offers a sustainable filler option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel bio-composite films using PLA and amine-functionalized GMS.
- To investigate the impact of GMS on PLA's physicochemical properties and food packaging efficacy.
- To enhance PLA's performance for active food packaging applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PLA/GMS bio-composite films via solution casting.
- Functionalization of GMS with 3-Aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APTES) to improve PLA compatibility.
- Characterization of film properties including mechanical strength, oxygen barrier, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant capacity.
Main Results:
- PLA/GMS composite films exhibited improved flexibility and overall performance.
- Significant reduction in oxygen transmittance rate was observed.
- Effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
- Demonstrated antioxidant activity with 78% efficacy against DPPH radicals.
- Extended the shelf life of cut apples by seven days.
Conclusions:
- Amine-functionalized GMS enhances PLA bio-composites for active food packaging.
- The developed PLA/GMS films offer a promising sustainable solution for food preservation.
- These composites show excellent potential for improving food packaging safety and extending shelf life.
