Innovative Multilayer Biodegradable Films of Chitosan and PCL Fibers for Food Packaging.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Plastic packaging waste presents significant environmental and health concerns.
• Biodegradable films are researched as alternatives, but often lack sufficient mechanical and barrier performance.
• Developing sustainable packaging solutions is crucial for reducing environmental impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate novel multilayered biodegradable films with enhanced properties.
• To investigate the potential of combining electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers with a chitosan matrix for packaging applications.
• To compare different configurations of chitosan and PCL layers for optimal performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of multilayered films using electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers and chitosan.
• Investigated two configurations: PCL layers between chitosan sheets and chitosan sheet between PCL layers.
• Evaluated mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break) and barrier properties of the developed films.

Main Results:

• The chitosan/polycaprolactone/chitosan (CH/PCL/CH) configuration showed superior interlayer cohesion, mechanical strength, durability, and barrier properties.
• CH/PCL/CH films achieved tensile strength of 57.1 MPa and elongation at break of 36.3%, significantly outperforming pure chitosan films.
• Both medical-grade and technical-grade PCL fibers were successfully incorporated, demonstrating versatility.

Conclusions:

• Multilayered biopolymer films, particularly the CH/PCL/CH configuration, offer a promising eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic packaging.
• These advanced biodegradable films exhibit excellent mechanical and barrier characteristics suitable for sustainable food packaging.
• The study highlights a viable pathway for developing high-performance, sustainable packaging materials from renewable resources.