Scientists from South Ural State University (UEUS) in Russia created a completely environmentally friendly film from starch and chitosan, which can replace plastic packaging, the magazine Nauka Mail reported Friday.
According to the publication, in terms of strength and water permeability, they are not inferior to their synthetic analogues and are capable of solving one of the most pressing environmental problems: polymer pollution.
The new biodegradable film is based on two natural components: potato starch and chitosan.
As is known, when exposed to heat, aqueous starch suspensions turn into a paste; the granules swell and harden, but at the same time maintain their crystalline structure. This makes starch an excellent base for film production.
Chitosan, (a natural polymer derived from chitin), known for its unique antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, is already used in the development of food films for fruit and vegetable packaging.
This aminopolysaccharide is isolated from chitin, which is part of crustacean shells and found in fungi. UEUS researchers conducted a study to obtain the optimal ratio of components of the new ecopellets.
They studied the decomposition rate of the obtained materials and their durability under stress and impact. Subsequently, the films were kept in water at different temperatures, from several hours to three days.
In addition to the resistance characteristics and barrier properties, the scientists were also interested in the biosafety of the new packaging. So they evaluated the migration of substances from the film to the mimics in the food system.
With information from Prensa Latina
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez
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