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Related Concept Videos

Bioplastics01:27

Bioplastics

Bioplastics derived from microbial processes present a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), have emerged as prominent candidates due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. These polymers are synthesized by a variety of bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida, which naturally accumulate PHAs as intracellular carbon and energy reserves, especially under...
Production of Organic Acids01:25

Production of Organic Acids

Lactic acid, an important organic acid extensively applied in food, pharmaceutical, and biodegradable polymer industries, is primarily produced via microbial fermentation. This method is favored over chemical synthesis due to its environmental sustainability and capacity for enantiomerically pure product formation. Among various microbial processes, the fermentation of starch-based substrates stands out due to the abundance and renewability of raw materials like corn and potatoes.Hydrolysis of...
Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics01:28

Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a synthetic polymer widely utilized in the packaging industry, particularly for bottles and containers. Due to its chemical stability and durability, PET accumulates in the environment, contributing significantly to plastic pollution. It comprises repeating units of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, resulting in a semi-crystalline structure that is resistant to natural degradation processes.A notable breakthrough in plastic biodegradation came with the...

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Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
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Development and Characterization of Agar-Starch-Based Bioplastic Films.

Alaa Alnatsheh1, Birce Dikici1, Rishikesh Srinivasaraghavan Govindarajan2

  • 1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA.

Polymers
|June 12, 2026
PubMed
Summary

This study explored agar-starch bioplastics at various ratios. The 3:1 agar-to-starch ratio demonstrated optimal strength and water resistance, offering a promising biodegradable material.

Keywords:
FTIR characterizationagar–starch bioplasticsbio-based packagingbiopolymer compositesmechanical propertiessoil biodegradationthermal analysiswater absorption

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Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies
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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
13:38

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture

Published on: May 10, 2013

Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies
08:21

Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies

Published on: July 27, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Science
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Bioplastics offer sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.
  • Agar and starch are abundant biopolymers with potential for composite development.
  • Controlling biopolymer ratios is crucial for tailoring material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of varying agar-to-starch ratios on the mechanical, thermal, and physical properties of composite bioplastic films.
  • To identify an optimal agar-starch ratio for balanced performance and environmental degradability.
  • To assess the biodegradability of agar-starch films under different environmental conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Solution casting of agar-starch composite films with glycerol plasticizer.
  • Characterization using tensile testing (ASTM D882-18), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
  • Evaluation of water absorption, physical properties, and biodegradability (water, UV, soil).

Main Results:

  • The 3:1 agar-to-starch ratio (A3S1) exhibited the highest tensile strength (2.78 MPa) and good elongation (57.25%).
  • Increasing agar content enhanced thermal stability, with degradation onset temperatures between 42.89 °C and 51.84 °C.
  • Higher starch content correlated with increased thickness, water absorption, and flexibility, while the 3:1 ratio offered a balance of strength and water resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Agar-starch ratio significantly influences the performance of bioplastic films.
  • The 3:1 agar-starch formulation presents a promising balance of mechanical strength, thermal stability, and water resistance.
  • All developed agar-starch bioplastics demonstrated environmental degradability in water, UV, and soil conditions.