In an effort to address the environmental concerns associated with non-biodegradable plastic packaging, scientists from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) have developed an innovative biopolymer nanocomposite film. The film, composed of chitosan, sodium alginate, and mushroom, exhibits high mechanical strength and chemical resistance to various solvents, making it a promising alternative for the food packaging industry.
Plastic materials, while widely used in food packaging due to their affordability and durability, contribute to environmental pollution. The newly developed biopolymer-based xerogel film offers a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to counter the adverse effects of plastic waste. Led by Prof. Devasish Chowdhury and his DST INSPIRE Senior Research Fellow, Mr. Sazzadur Rahman, the scientists utilized a green fabrication approach, incorporating carbon quantum dots derived from banana corm as a cross-linker in biopolymers.
The synthesis process involved converting mushroom powder into cellulose nanofiber, enhancing the film’s flexibility and printability on the surface. The resulting nanocomposite film demonstrated superior mechanical strength and chemical resistance to solvents, pH variations, and water. Moreover, it proved to be non-toxic and biodegradable within a short period of 55 days when buried in soil.
The scientists employed a solution casting technique for the green fabrication, ensuring that the developed film aligns with sustainable practices. The potential applications of this innovative packaging material extend beyond its eco-friendly attributes, as it is also flexible and printable, making it versatile for various packaging needs.
Prof. Chowdhury expressed optimism about the scalability of this technology to an industrial level, particularly in food packaging. The study, showcasing the development and attributes of the biopolymer nanocomposite film, has been recently published in the ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering journal. This research marks a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of traditional plastic packaging materials, offering a viable and sustainable option for the future.