This study presents a sustainable approach for the epoxidation of red palm oil (RPO) using a natural zeolite catalyst via an in situ peracid mechanism. The process addresses the limitations of conventional homogeneous acid systems by reducing corrosive waste and improving catalyst recoverability while valorizing an underutilized palm fraction. The effects of temperature and hydrogen peroxide concentration on oxirane formation were evaluated through oxirane oxygen content (OOC) and relative conversion to oxirane (RCO). The optimum temperature of 65°C produced the highest RCO (≈25–30%) at the early reaction stage, while excessive oxidant and prolonged reaction time promoted oxirane ring opening. FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of epoxy groups, and kinetic modeling showed excellent agreement with experimental data (R 2 = 0.9778; Error = 0.0469). The synthesized epoxidized RPO demonstrates strong potential for application in bio-based polymer systems, including polyols for polyurethane production, plasticizers, coatings, and environmentally friendly resins, highlighting its relevance for sustainable industrial applications.
The tertiary treatment of industrial wastewater using metallic nanoparticles anchored onto polymeric matrices presents a promising alternative to conventional bactericidal techniques, enabling material recovery after treatment and ensuring water quality. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by chemical reduction and successfully confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, exhibiting characteristic surface plasmon resonance bands around 390 nm. Chitosan beads containing AgNPs were then prepared and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, and their structural and thermal properties were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), evidencing reduced crystallinity and changes in thermal behavior due to crosslinking. A 2 3 factorial design with a central point was employed to optimize the production of chitosan beads, considering acetic acid concentration, glutaraldehyde volume, and AgNPs content as independent variables, while bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was used as the response variable. Statistical analysis revealed that acetic acid concentration was the most significant factor influencing antibacterial performance. The optimized beads, prepared with 0.75 mol L −1 acetic acid, 60 µL glutaraldehyde, and 30% (v/v) of AgNPs colloidal solution, exhibited the largest inhibition zones against both bacterial strains. These optimized materials were subsequently applied to disinfect wastewater from a local industry, and after 3 h of treatment, complete inactivation of Escherichia coli and a 47% reduction in total fecal coliforms were achieved. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analyses indicated no detectable silver leaching, ensuring compliance with Brazilian regulations for industrial wastewater disposal. Overall, these findings demonstrate that AgNPs-loaded chitosan beads combine favorable structural properties with effective antibacterial activity and environmental safety, highlighting their potential for tertiary industrial wastewater treatment.
This study presents the development of a bio-based flame retardant derived from renewable soybean oil to improve the flame retardant performance of poly (lactic acid) (PLA). Soybean oil phosphate ester (SOPE) was synthesized from epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and incorporated into PLA at loadings of 0.5–2 phr via twin-screw extrusion. FT-IR and NMR analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of SOPE. Thermal analysis revealed that the incorporation of SOPE influenced the thermal degradation behavior and crystallization properties of PLA. PLA containing 2 phr SOPE achieved a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 26% and attained a V-0 rating in the UL-94 vertical burning test, indicating effective flame retardancy at a low loading level. TGA results showed a relatively low char yield, suggesting that the flame retardant mechanism did not predominantly occur in the condensed phase. Py-GC/MS analysis detected phosphorus-containing radical species (PO• and PO 2 •), indicating that the flame retardant action mainly proceeded via a gas-phase radical trapping mechanism. However, the incorporation of SOPE led to a reduction in molecular weight and mechanical properties due to the hydrolytic degradation of PLA. Overall, the results demonstrate that soybean oil–derived phosphate ester can serve as a bio-based and effective flame retardant for PLA.
The growing trend of adopting natural composites for lightweight engineering applications has necessitated exploring the effect of stacking sequence on the mechanical and morphological properties of natural-based composite materials. The primary aim of this study is to explore the mechanical and morphological behavior of hybrid natural composite comprising of jute (J) and banana (B) fibers mixed with groundnut shell biochar as reinforcement in an epoxy resin matrix. Four different samples of containing jute and banana fiber in four different laminate stacking sequences, i.e., S1: J2-B1-J2, S2: J1-B1-J1-B1-J1, S3: B1-J1-B1-J1-B1, and S4: B2-J1-B2, were prepared using the hand lay-up method with the biochar content varying from 12% to 21%. The study reveals that the stacking sequence significantly affects the mechanical and morphological properties of natural composites. A maximum compressive strength of 22.37 MPa was achieved for sample S4. The tensile test shows that sample S2 has a maximum tensile strength of 32.58 MPa. Sample S1 possesses the highest flexural strength of 38.52 MPa. Sample S2 had the highest Rockwell Hardness of 67. Experimental observations indicate that composites with jute in the outermost layer exhibit better mechanical properties, including tensile, flexural, and hardness. However, banana fiber at the outermost layer yields better compressive strength. SEM characterization indicates that composite having banana fiber at outermost layer shows serious damage in terms of matrix cracks, delamination, and fibers pull out whereas composite samples with jute at the outermost part exhibits better interfacial bonding leading to effective load transfer efficiency. The FTIR analysis reveals that the mixing of biochar in all the fabricated composite yields better intermolecular interactions without altering the basic chemical structure of the natural fibers.
Açaí waste fibers are widely available in the Amazon and are promising for producing cellulose-based, eco-friendly products if proper pulping is achieved. This study aimed to investigate how soda pulping temperature (140°C and 160°C) and time (60 min and 90 min) combinations affect the efficiency, cost, and sustainability for converting açaí waste fibers into paper-grade cellulose. The investigated outcomes were yields, delignification, fiber individualization, cellulose integrity, handsheet properties, unitary costs, and environmental hotspots by a qualitative gate-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA). Increasing pulping time and temperature remarkably dropped the yield from 40% (140°C/60min) to 16% (160°C/90 min). Higher levels of screening rejects (>2%), poor delignification, and defibrillation indicated improper pulping at 140°C, especially for 60 min. In contrast, 160°C pulping decreased insoluble lignin contents from 23.0% to 8.9% (60 min) and 5.9% (90 min) and effectively individualized the fibers from the natural bundles. Despite the decrease in the crystalline index from 32.8% (raw fibers) to 24.1%, the most drastic pulping (160°C/90 min) provided the most mechanically resistant, color-homogeneous, and brighter handsheets. Nevertheless, pulping at 160°C for 60 min was selected as the standard combination for future studies based on intermediate pulping effectiveness, yield (21%), and unitary cost per handsheet (US$12.37). The LCA indicated that valorizing açaí waste supports circular bioeconomy strategies, but environmental performance depends on the management of the NaOH, energy, and water consumption, besides the recovery of the effluent and innovative solutions for its application.
Novel copolymers based on acrylate epoxidized soybean oil ( AESO ) and vinylic aromatic derivatives of vanillin ( VAV ) were synthesized and their thermal properties thoroughly evaluated. The study focused on bulk free-radical polymerization of AESO with two aromatic alkene isomers: one bearing a terminal vinyl group ( VAVE ) and the other featuring a central double bond ( VAVC ). This structural variation in the double bond position not only influenced the expected reactivity but also significantly affected the thermal properties of the resulting copolymers, synthesized at a 1:1 molar ratio of double bonds ( AESO:VAV ). The presence of acrylate groups in the soybean oil was confirmed via hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H-NMR). Copolymerization was carried out using benzoyl peroxide as a free-radical initiator, yielding both soft and rigid polymeric materials. The mixtures were cured at 120°C for 9 h, followed by a post-curing step at 140°C for 1 h. The copolymers were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to verify molecular structure, and their thermal behavior was assessed through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
The growing environmental and health concerns associated with petroleum-based conventional packaging have intensified the search for sustainable alternatives. While terrestrial crop-based biopolymers have been explored, seaweed-derived polysaccharides remain underutilized despite their superior ecological benefits. Existing reviews primarily focus on material characterization and biodegradability of biopolymers, lacking comprehensive integration of recent extraction innovations (2020–2025), mechanical reinforcement strategies, quantitative performance analysis, lifecycle sustainability, economic viability assessments for seaweed-based packaging. This review uniquely synthesizes advances in enzyme-assisted, microwave-assisted, and ultrasound-assisted extraction methods with nano-reinforcement strategies, providing comprehensive techno-economic analysis of seaweed polysaccharides (alginate, carrageenan, agar, ulvan, fucoidan, laminarin) for food packaging. The review integrates material science innovations with lifecycle assessments, market forecasts and commercialization roadmaps. Systematic literature analysis from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (2019–2025) using defined inclusion criteria: peer-reviewed studies with experimental validation, quantitative analysis, and sustainability metrics. (1) Advanced extraction methods improve polysaccharide yield and purity while lowering energy use. (2) Blending with PLA/PHB and nano-reinforcement (ZnO/AgNPs) enhances mechanical strength and antimicrobial performance. (3) Seaweed-based films effectively extend the shelf life of perishable foods. (4) Although current production costs are higher than conventional plastics, life-cycle assessments show environmental and waste-management benefits. (5) Market outlooks suggest strong growth potential driven by regulations and increasing consumer preference for sustainable packaging. Seaweed-derived polysaccharides represent viable and sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics and terrestrial biopolymers, offering a superior environmental profile and functional versatility for food packaging applications. However, their large-scale commercialization requires cost-effective biorefinery optimization, standardized processing, hybrid material design for enhanced performance, and supportive policy frameworks. This review outlines key pathways linking research innovation to industrial-scale adoption in sustainable food packaging.
Coir-nanocellulose (CNC) infused with antibiotics, is presented as a promising candidate for antimicrobial wound care applications. Nanocellulose was extracted from coconut husk fibers through alkali treatment and acid hydrolysis along with steam explosion. The obtained cellulose nanofibers exhibited diameters in the range of 50-100 nm with a zeta potential −37.2 ± 2.9 mV indicating the electrostatic stability of the dispersion and exhibited characteristic peaks corresponding to nanocellulose. The fluid absorption capacity of CNC was in the range of 1.45-3.08 g/g. Two broad-spectrum antibiotics; ciprofloxacin and gentamicin were independently infused into CNC to prepare ciprofloxacin loaded coir-nanocellulose (C-CNC) and gentamicin loaded coir-nanocellulose (G-CNC) respectively. The cumulative drug release profile indicated a burst release of 70.8 ± 3.4% for C-CNC and 64.3 ± 2.9% for G-CNC, both of which got stabilized within 10 h and the drug release kinetics followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Significant inhibitory effect on the tested bacterial strains was observed for both C-CNC and G-CNC which exhibited zone of inhibitions in the range of 2.3 ± 0.011 to 2.8 ± 0.045 cm for C-CNC and from 2.4 ± 0.031 to 2.8 ± 0.054 cm for G-CNC respectively and it was found proportional with the drug concentration in the sample. CNC with and without drug incorporation is found to be cytocompatible as indicated by MTT assay with viability >80% at 48 h. Results indicate that antibiotics functionalized CNC would be a viable approach for developing innovative wound care products with a unique combination of antibacterial functionality and inherent cytocompatibility.
Hydrogels are 3D cross-linked networks that imbibe huge quantity of fluids without indissoluble. This peculiar property is due to its unique structural characteristics, which allows solutes to diffuse into the interior network of the hydrogels. The present investigation illustrates the synthesis of sustainable, superabsorbent hydrogels employing green monomers such as Almond gum, Citric acid and PVA, in an intuitive and economical manner. The synthesized hydrogels were characterized via FT-IR, XRD and SEM analysis. The results were corroborated by swelling behavior of hydrogel with respect to surface morphology. The percentage of swelling equilibrium at various pH levels, spanning from acidic to basic, has also been examined. The hydrogels reveals a rationalized swelling in basic medium over acidic medium. The bio-degradation of the sample could be attributed to the breakdown of ester linkage and hydrophilic pendant functionality found in hydrogel and it is strongly endorsed by the antibacterial investigations using gram positive and Gram negative pathogens. Grenoble green (Malachite green) was chosen as a cationic dye for removal from environmental sources via pH-sensitive bio-polymeric almond gum crosslinked with PVA and citric acid (APC) hydrogels. The results of dye removal demonstrated that APC hydrogels have an excellent dye removal efficiency. The impact of the hydrogel’s monomer composition on biodegradability, swelling and dye removal has also been critically examined. Consequently, the synthesized pH sensitive bio-polymeric hydrogels have a wider potential opening in diverse environmental and agricultural applications.
This study investigates the synthesis of thermo-reversible biopolymers from sago starch utilizing supercritical CO 2 (scCO 2 ) solvent instead of conventional organic solvents. The process involved a two-step reaction: (1) transesterification of starch with methyl 2-furoate in scCO 2 , followed by (2) a cross-linking reaction utilizing Diels-Alder chemistry with 1, 1′-(methylenedi-4, 1-phenylene)bismaleimide (BM), where the solid starch granules were used in both reaction steps. The research demonstrated that the degree of substitution (DS) of the starch ester was maximized at specific parameters: 10 MPa pressure, a K 2 CO 3 catalyst ratio of 0.3 mol/mol anhydroglucose unit (AGU), and a temperature of 100°C. The resulting cross-linked products exhibited thermo-reversible behavior, as confirmed by changes in degree of cross-linking (DC) values with annealing temperature. The degree of cross-linking (DC) was found to be directly influenced by the annealing temperature, with the maximum and minimum values observed at 50°C and 150°C, respectively. The relationship between annealing temperature and degree of cross-linking suggests that the cross-linked starch product possesses thermoplastic properties, allowing for potential recycling and reprocessing, a significant improvement over conventional cross-linked starch. Furthermore, the final product demonstrated enhanced thermal stability compared to both native and esterified starches, which is a desirable characteristic for various industrial applications.
The urgent need to address climate change and industrial feedstock security is the reason behind the rising demand for bio-based products. Unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) is at the forefront of sustainable innovation because of its exceptional resilience, durability, and chemical resistance. A major step towards environmentally friendly UPR synthesis is marked by the novel use of bio-based building blocks and reactive diluents made from renewable resources, as highlighted in this review. In particular, a thorough investigation is conducted into the application of bio-based acids like itaconic acid, succinic acid, and muconic acid, as well as bio-based alcohols like 1,3-propanediol and sorbitol. Moreover, it is claimed that the creative use of modified plant oils and reactive diluents such as ferulic acid, itaconic acid, and sobrerol derivatives is a revolutionary development. Aqueous polyester systems are given special attention, demonstrating their promise as a sustainable substitute in UPR synthesis. This analysis lays the foundation for a revolutionary approach to sustainable material design by combining recent advancements with new avenues and potential applications for bio-based UPR. This study lays the groundwork for a more environmentally friendly future in industrial polymer production by fusing science, sustainability, and cutting-edge innovation.
Deterioration of the environment is occurring at an alarming rate due to the widespread use of plastics. Conventional plastics do not degrade easily and pose severe environmental threats. Hence, it is imperative to devise a sustainable solution to reduce their detrimental impact on our ecosystem. The applications of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) are limited due to its shortcomings, such as low tensile strength, poor thermal stability, and inherent brittleness. In the present study, lignin, another natural polymer, was blended with the polymer PHB to address these limitations. Lignin, extracted from the leaves of Borassus flabellifer, is a complex polymer second only to cellulose in abundance. It possesses excellent mechanical properties, good toughening capacity, and disease resistance in plants, making it a promising co-polymer for PHB. Upon blending the polymers PHB and lignin, the composite film was further assessed for structural, mechanical, and thermal analysis. Incorporation of 20% lignin into PHB increased the tensile strength from 0.5 MPa (pure PHB) to 1.05 MPa. Water absorption after 24 h was reduced from 13% in PHB to 10% in the composite, indicating improved hydrophobicity due to effective lignin integration. Enhanced thermal properties were also observed, with the composite film showing a degradation temperature of 300°C, compared to 290°C for PHB alone. These findings affirm the improved thermal stability and durability of the composite film. Furthermore, PHB-lignin composite films hold strong potential for applications in sustainable food packaging systems as the polymers involved are entirely bio-derived and bio-stable. The approach demonstrates a simple yet effective method for enhancing biopolymer performance using plant-derived additives. The developed composite offers a promising alternative to synthetic packaging materials, aligning with global sustainability goals.
In recent years, increasing awareness of environmental protection has led to a growing interest in green flame retardants. Flame retardants are primarily classified into halogenated, phosphorus-based, nitrogen-containing, and inorganic compounds, with halogenated types being phased out due to toxic gas emissions during combustion. Phosphorus flame retardants, mainly phosphate esters, face challenges like leaching from polymer foams, raising health concerns through bioaccumulation and human exposure. Increasing environmental awareness has shifted research focus toward sustainable, bio-based alternatives in green flame retardant materials. The development of green flame retardant has attracted significant attention due to its ability to artificial green methods can integrate the specific performance of non-toxic materials into a polymer network and show high interest as developed flame retardants in polymer composites. This study presents various approaches to the preparation of green flame retardants with inorganic, non-toxic, natural, and biomolecule compounds. The primary focus of the results is on the impact of these compounds on the properties of polymer networks, focusing on fire safety characteristics. Finally, we provide a comprehensive overview of the prospects for green flame retardant technology.
Carboxymethylated tamarind kernel powder (CMTKP) was synthesized by reacting TKP (tamarind kernel polysaccharide) with monochloroacetic acid in the presence of sodium hydroxide. Semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPN) based on poly-2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (PHEA) were synthesized with variable proportions of TKP and CMTKP, which were named as XTHEA21, XTHEA55, and CMTKP21, CMTKP55, respectively. CMTKP IPNs, being more ionic and hydrophilic, showed more swelling compared to the XTHEA types though the crosslink densities of the former were more in neutral medium and were loaded with less amount of drug (%). Glass transition points of the IPNs was controlled by the crosslinked density of it but not by the blend ratio as Tg of CMTKP55
Biopolymer-based bead hydrogels present promising systems for the controlled delivery of therapeutic agents, enabling prolonged and site-specific drug action. Alginate and pectin, naturally occurring polysaccharides extracted from plant sources, have been widely valued for their non-toxicity, gelling ability, and compatibility with biological environments. In this study, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was incorporated into the pectin–alginate bead formulation to enhance structural integrity and regulate drug diffusion. The composite beads were ionically crosslinked with calcium or iron ions and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Swelling behavior was investigated in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids to assess pH responsiveness. After 400 min, Ca 2+ ion crosslinked beads reached ∼60% swelling in simulated gastric fluid and ∼202% in simulated intestinal fluid, whereas Fe 3+ ion crosslinked beads reached ∼38% in simulated gastric fluid and ∼128% in simulated intestinal fluid, indicating that calcium-crosslinked systems swelled to a greater extent compared to their iron-crosslinked counterparts. Drug release studies further revealed that in simulated gastric fluid, Ca- and Fe-crosslinked beads exhibited cumulative amoxicillin releases of ∼15% and ∼11%, respectively, while in simulated intestinal fluid, the cumulative releases reached ∼90% and ∼75%. These results demonstrate that crosslinking density and polymer composition significantly affect both the release kinetics and the structural stability of the beads, supporting their potential use as pH-sensitive, biopolymer-based carriers in antimicrobial therapy.
Biodegradable bioplastic films have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional plastics due to their environmental benefits. However, starch-based bioplastics often exhibit poor mechanical properties, which limit their practical applications. The incorporation of reinforcing agents can enhance these properties while promoting sustainability. This study aims to investigate the mechanical properties and biodegradability of starch-based bioplastic films reinforced with organic waste fillers, including eggshell, sawdust, and biochar. The films were fabricated from isolated potato starch, glycerol, vinegar, and water using a starch:glycerol:vinegar:water weight ratio of 1:0.23:0.23:10, with 10% weight by weight (w/w) filler reinforcement. Mechanical properties were evaluated using a universal testing machine (UTM). Functional groups were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and biodegradability was assessed through soil burial tests. Sawdust reinforced films (SD) exhibited a significantly higher tensile strength of 5.7 ± 0.510 MPa and a Young’s modulus of 130 ± 2.050 MPa compared with the control pure starch film (PS), which showed 1.9 ± 0.352 MPa tensile strength and 13.7 ± 0.456 MPa Young’s modulus. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of functional groups conducive to biodegradation. Soil burial tests revealed up to 36% mass loss within 15 days, indicating substantial biodegradability. The integration of organic waste fillers, particularly sawdust, significantly enhances the mechanical and biodegradation properties of starch-based bioplastics. These findings support the potential of organic waste reinforcements for developing sustainable and biodegradable plastic alternatives.
The significant increase in the use of plastic packaging during the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly contributed to the generation of petroleum-derived plastic waste, which accumulates in land and marine environments and is responsible for serious environmental problems. Natural polymers incorporating active compounds represent the future of packaging systems. In this study, active and biodegradable films were produced using 6.5 and 7% (w/v) collagen, containing essential oils of cinnamon, litsea cubeba, and thyme at concentration of 0.25 and 0.5% (v/v). Active collagen films showed improved mechanical and barrier properties, with reduced water vapor permeability and solubility, compared to the standard film. FC7L50 (film with 7% collagen and 0.5% litsea cubeba essential oil) showed greater antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . FC65T25 (film with 6.5% collagen and 0.25% thyme essential oil) showed 79.12% ABTS· + radical inhibition. The maximum total biodegradation time in the soil and beach sand was 20 d for all films produced. The films that showed the greatest potential for active and biodegradable packaging were FC65T25 for antioxidant packaging and FC7L50 for antibacterial packaging. These results suggest that the elaborated films are promising candidates for active food-packaging applications.
This study explores the potential of Cousinia Umbrosa Bunge, a plant native to southern Kazakhstan, as a renewable source for bioactive polymers with applications in sustainable materials and biomedicine. The plant’s extract was analyzed for its phytochemical composition, focusing on polymer-relevant compounds such as polysaccharides and other bioactive constituents. Key findings demonstrated promising antioxidant properties through DPPH and ABTS assays, with the ethanol extract achieving fifty percent inhibition in the DPPH assay compared to Trolox, though moderate activity was observed in the ABTS assay. Ethanol extract umbrosa Bunge , particularly those prepared with 96% ethanol, exhibited negligible activity against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radicals (radical inhibition, quantified at 74.15 ± 0.21%), whereas 50% ethanol extract displayed a significant ability to scavenge DPPH radicals, demonstrating its enhanced antioxidant capacity. Cytotoxicity assessments on human dermal fibroblast (HDF) and human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells indicated a low toxicity level, supporting the extract’s potential use in biocompatible, polymer-based antimicrobial agents. This study highlights Cousinia umbrosa Bunge as a promising source for developing bioactive, renewable polymers with applications in sustainable and biodegradable materials.
Bio-based vitrimers have attracted considerable attention because of their carbon neutrality, healability, and recyclability, which contribute to resource saving and energy saving. The reactions of vanillin with cystamine and 1,6-diaminohexane yielded a phenolic hardener containing both imine and disulfide groups (DVNCTA) and a phenolic hardener containing only imine groups (DVNDAH), respectively. These hardeners were utilized to cure epoxy resin mixtures comprising bio-based polyglycerol polyglycidyl ether (PGPE) and petroleum-based flexible poly (ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE) in varying molar ratios. The cross-linking density, glass transition temperature, and mechanical strength of the DVNCTA-cured epoxy vitrimers diminished as the ratio of PGPE to PEGDGE decreased. Remarkably, all cured products underwent at least three successful self-healing cycles by standing at room temperature for 24 h. The tensile strength-based healing efficiency ( η σ ) of the DVNCTA-cured epoxy vitrimers improved with decreasing PGPE to PEGDGE ratios, reaching a maximum η σ (100%) at PGPE/PEGDGE ratio of 1/2. Notably, when comparing DVNCTA- and DVNDAH-cured epoxy vitrimers with identical PGPE/PEGDGE ratios, the former exhibited significantly superior healing performance.
The freshness of food goods is a crucial attribute for consumers when selecting meals. The integration of anthocyanin into food packaging offers a distinct visual indicator to consumers regarding the product’s freshness. This work incorporated anthocyanin, an active compound present in purple sweet potatoes (PSP), into cassava starch-based food packaging using the industrial process of melt mixing. This study aims to investigate the impact of melt mixing on the incorporation of anthocyanin into starch-based bioplastics and their efficacy in detecting rancidity. Anthocyanin exhibited significant antioxidant activity (IC50 of 95.73 ppm), signifying superior oxidative markers. An exceptional outcome was achieved regarding the antioxidant efficacy of the package during storage, with a peroxide value remaining beneath the standard threshold (1.33 – 2.27 mEq O2/1,000 g of fat). A discernible color transition from red to green occurs during the packaging of beef floss, resulting from the oxidation process, signifying effective rancidity detection. These findings indicate that cassava starch-based bioplastics infused with anthocyanin exhibit significant potential as intelligent packaging materials for monitoring food rancidity.
