In Situ Synthesis of Plasticized Bacterial Cellulose Films for Daily Packaging Using Biobased Plasticizers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an eco-friendly material with potential to replace conventional plastics.
• The inherent brittleness of dried BC limits its practical applications.
• Developing flexible BC materials is crucial for broader adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the flexibility and mechanical properties of bacterial cellulose (BC).
• To investigate the efficacy of four biobased plasticizers for in situ modification of BC.
• To develop a simplified processing method for producing flexible BC films.

Main Methods:

• Gel-assisted biosynthesis of BC.
• In situ spray plasticization using epoxy soybean oil, castor oil, tributyl citrate (TBC), and tributyl trans-aconitate (TBA).
• Characterization of mechanical properties (e.g., Young's modulus, elongation at break) and transparency.

Main Results:

• Uniform incorporation of biobased plasticizers into the BC nanofiber network.
• Significant improvements in flexibility and transparency of the plasticized BC films.
• Tributyl citrate (TBC) and tributyl trans-aconitate (TBA) demonstrated the most effective plasticization, increasing elongation by 6.3-fold and 7.5-fold, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Biobased plasticizers, particularly TBC and TBA, effectively enhance BC flexibility.
• The in situ spray plasticization method offers a streamlined approach to producing improved BC biomaterials.
• Plasticized BC shows promise as a sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics.