Functional Multilayer Biopolymer Films with Botanical Additives for Sustainable Printed Electronics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Sustainable Polymers

Background:

• Development of sustainable and biodegradable materials is crucial for reducing environmental impact.
• Biopolymer films offer a versatile platform for creating functional materials.
• Incorporating natural extracts can impart enhanced properties to biopolymer systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer multilayer biopolymer films with enhanced functional properties using plant extracts.
• To evaluate the suitability of these active films as substrates for screen-printing applications.
• To explore their potential in sustainable packaging and sensor technologies.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of multilayer films using furcellaran, chitosan, and gelatin.
• Incorporation of aqueous extracts from Lavandula angustifolia and Clitoria ternatea.
• Characterization using FTIR, UV-Vis, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and water-related evaluations.
• Assessment of screen-printing compatibility and antimicrobial activity.

Main Results:

• FTIR and UV-Vis confirmed extract incorporation and improved UV-blocking.
• Films maintained good mechanical integrity and structural stability with limited thermal shrinkage.
• Water-related tests confirmed biodegradability within ecotoxicological limits.
• Selective antimicrobial activity was observed.

Conclusions:

• The developed active multilayer biopolymer films are suitable for screen-printing applications.
• These materials represent a novel approach to sustainable packaging integrating biodegradable matrices with printed electronics.
• This study pioneers the use of active multilayer biopolymer systems as screen-printing substrates.