Release and Disintegration Properties of Poly(lactic Acid) Films with Allyl Isothiocyanate-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Food Packaging Technology

Background:

• Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with potential for food packaging.
• Enhancing PLA's properties, such as antimicrobial activity and compostability, is crucial for broader applications.
• Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) possesses antimicrobial properties but requires controlled release mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the functional properties and compostability of PLA films.
• To incorporate β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) inclusion complexes with AITC into PLA films.
• To evaluate the structural, chemical, morphological, thermal, barrier, and antimicrobial properties of the developed films.

Main Methods:

• Melt extrusion was used to prepare PLA films incorporated with β-CD:AITC inclusion complexes.
• Characterization included analysis of structural, chemical, morphological, thermal, and barrier properties.
• Antimicrobial functionality and release kinetics of AITC were assessed under varying humidity conditions.
• Composting disintegration rates were compared between pure PLA and modified PLA films.

Main Results:

• β-CD:AITC complexes improved thermal stability and moisture absorption of PLA films.
• AITC release was humidity-dependent, maintaining antimicrobial activity at low humidity and releasing effectively at high humidity.
• Incorporation of 5% and 10% β-CD:AITC complexes accelerated film disintegration under composting conditions.
• Modified PLA films achieved up to 90% disintegration in 23 days, reducing composting time by 5 days compared to pure PLA.

Conclusions:

• PLA films incorporating β-CD:AITC complexes exhibit enhanced functional properties.
• These materials demonstrate accelerated biodegradation, making them suitable for sustainable packaging.
• The developed films represent a promising solution for biodegradable antimicrobial food packaging.