Formulation and application of poly lactic acid, gum, and cellulose-based ternary bioplastic for smart food packaging: A review

Int J Biol Macromol. 2024 Apr 18:131687. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131687. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTIn future, global demand for low-cost-sustainable materials possessing good strength is going to increase tremendously, to replace synthetic plastic materials, thus motivating scientists towards green composites. The PLA has been the most promising sustainable bio composites, due to its inherent antibacterial property, biodegradability, eco-friendliness, and good thermal and mechanical characteristics. However, PLA has certain demerits such as poor water and gas barrier properties, and low glass transition temperature, which restricts its use in food packaging applications. To overcome this, PLA is blended with polysaccharides such as gum and cellulose to enhance the water barrier, thermal, crystallization, degradability, and mechanical properties. Moreover, the addition of these polysaccharides not only reduces the production cost but also helps in manufacturing packaging material with superior quality. Hence this review focuses on various fabrication techniques, degradation of the ternary composite, and its application in the food sector. Moreover, this review discusses the enhanced barrier and mechanical properties of the ternary blend packaging material. Incorporation of gum enhanced flexibility, while the reinforcement of cellulose improved the structural integrity of the ternary composite. The unique properties of this ternary composite make it suitable for extend...
Source: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Source Type: research