Thermoplastic starches: Properties, challenges, and prospects

Environmental Aspects of Biotechnology

A key motivation behind the development and adoption of industrial biotechnology is the reduction of negative environmental impacts. However, accurately assessing these impacts remains a formidable task. Environmental impacts of industrial biotechnology may be significant across a number of categories that include, but may not be limited to, nonrenewable resource depletion, water withdrawals and consumption, climate change, and natural land transformation/occupation. In this chapter, we highlight some key environmental issues across two broad areas: (a) processes that use biobased feedstocks and (b) industrial activity that is supported by biological processes. We also address further issues in accounting for related environmental impacts such as geographic and temporal scope, co-product management, and uncertainty and variability in impacts. Case studies relating to (a) lignocellulosic ethanol, (b) biobased plastics, and (c) enzyme use in the detergent industry are then presented, which illustrate more specific applications. Finally, emerging trends in the area of environmental impacts of biotechnology are discussed.

Use of Ginger Nanofibers for the Preparation of Cellulose Nanocomposites and Their Antimicrobial Activities

Ginger residues left after the extraction of active ingredients from ginger rhizomes are considered to be a bio-waste, available in abundance and very rarely used. Extraction and isolation of natural nanofibers from the agro-waste is economical, environmentally benign, and an alternate strategy to replace synthetic fibers. Here, we report, for the first time, the isolation of ginger nanofibers (GNF) from ginger rhizomes spent by acid hydrolysis and followed by high-pressure homogenization. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to identify the surface morphology of the GNF and the widths ranged between 130 to 200 nm. Structural analysis of GNF was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction methods. This GNF was used to make natural nanocomposites by the solvent-casting method reinforcement, using potato starch (PS) and tapioca starch (TS), and was characterized through various methods. These composites were prepared by the addition of 1, 3, 5, and 7 weight % of GNF with PS or TS. Among these, 5% of the GNF composites of these starches showed very high mechanical properties. The antibacterial test showed that the bionanocomposites with 5% GNF exhibited good antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium, due to the addition of GNF in the biopolymer matrices. The viable use of GNF from the unexploited ginger agro-waste would create additional profit and it would help to diminish a large amount of waste generation. Thus, the developed bio-composite could also be employed for development of packing materials and be used in medical applications, such as wound healing pads and medical disposables.

Biodegradable Plastic Blends Create New Possibilities for End-of-Life Management of Plastics but They Are Not a Panacea for Plastic Pollution

Plastic waste pollution is a global environmental problem which could be addressed by biodegradable plastics. The latter are blended together to achieve commercially functional properties, but the environmental fate of these blends is unknown. We have tested neat polymers, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxyoctanoate, poly(butylene succinate), thermoplastic starch, polycaprolactone (PCL), and blends thereof for biodegradation across seven managed and unmanaged environments. PLA is one of the world's best-selling biodegradable plastics, but it is not home compostable. We show here that PLA when blended with PCL becomes home compostable. We also demonstrate that the majority of the tested bioplastics and their blends degrade by thermophilic anaerobic digestion with high biogas output, but degradation times are 3-6 times longer than the retention times in commercial plants. While some polymers and their blends showed good biodegradation in soil and water, the majority of polymers and their blends tested in this study failed to achieve ISO and ASTM biodegradation standards, and some failed to show any biodegradation. Thus, biodegradable plastic blends need careful postconsumer management, and further design to allow more rapid biodegradation in multiple environments is needed as their release into the environment can cause plastic pollution.

Reinforcement of Thermoplastic Corn Starch with Crosslinked Starch/Chitosan Microparticles

Microparticles of corn starch and chitosan crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, produced by the solvent exchange technique, are studied as reinforcement fillers for thermoplastic corn starch plasticized with glycerol. The presence of 10% w/w chitosan in the microparticles is shown to be essential to guaranteeing effective crosslinking, as demonstrated by water solubility assays. Crosslinked chitosan forms an interpenetrating polymer network with starch chains, producing microparticles with a very low solubility. The thermal stability of the microparticles is in agreement with their polysaccharide composition. An XRD analysis showed that they have crystalline fraction of 32% with V_a-type structure, and have no tendency to undergo retrogradation. The tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and toughness of thermoplastic starch increased by the incorporation of the crosslinked starch/chitosan microparticles by melt-mixing. Toughness increased 360% in relation to unfilled thermoplastic starch.

Biodegradable polylactide and thermoplastic starch blends as drug release device – mass transfer study

Four different compositions of polylactide/thermoplastic starch blends (PLA/TPS blends) for application as drug carriers were examined. Initially, using cyanocobalamin (1.355 kDa) as a model compound, the blend with the highest starch content (wt. 60%) was selected for further research of mass transfer phenomenon. In this case, different concentrations of acetaminophen (0.151 kDa), doxorubicin hydrochloride (0.580 kDa) and cyanocobalamin (1.355 kDa) were used for determination of particular releasing profiles. Besides from the comparative analysis of obtained results, the values of the overall mass transfer coefficient (K) were calculated for each of tested drug molecules. Depending on the size and properties of used compound, determined values of the coefficient range from 10−11 to 10−13 m/s. Based on these outcomes, it could be stated that PLA/TPS blend selected in preliminary research, seems to be preferred material for fabrication of long-term drug delivery systems, which could be successfully applied for example in anti-cancer therapy.

Application of ultrasonic irradiation as a benign method for production of glycerol plasticized-starch/ascorbic acid functionalized MWCNTs nanocomposites: Investigation of methylene blue adsorption and electrical properties

A solution mixing and ultrasonic dispersion method as a green, the fast, inexpensive and effective technique was utilized to prepare glycerol plasticized-starch (GPS)/ascorbic acid (AA)-MWCNTs nanocomposites (NCs) via the introduction of various amounts of AA-MWCNTs (3, 6 and 9wt%) as filler into GPS matrix. The GPS was synthesized by addition of glycerol (50%) as a plasticizer to starch which enhances its flexibility. Characterization of the obtained GPS/AA-MWCNTs NCs was accomplished by different techniques. The optimum filler content for the generation of fine electrical conductivity and good mechanical properties was found to be about 3wt%. The distribution of AA-MWCNTs at the low content (3wt%) in the GPS matrix was better due to the strong linkage between nanofiller and GPS in GPS/AA-MWCNTs NC. The results of adsorption studies showed that the fabricated NC can be a good adsorbent for removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions.

Do single-use medical devices containing biopolymers reduce the environmental impacts of surgical procedures compared with their plastic equivalents?

Background

While petroleum-based plastics are extensively used in health care, recent developments in biopolymer manufacturing have created new opportunities for increased integration of biopolymers into medical products, devices and services. This study compared the environmental impacts of single-use disposable devices with increased biopolymer content versus typically manufactured devices in hysterectomy.

Methods

A comparative life cycle assessment of single-use disposable medical products containing plastic(s) versus the same single-use medical devices with biopolymers substituted for plastic(s) at Magee-Women’s Hospital (Magee) in Pittsburgh, PA and the products used in four types of hysterectomies that contained plastics potentially suitable for biopolymer substitution. Magee is a 360-bed teaching hospital, which performs approximately 1400 hysterectomies annually.

Results

There are life cycle environmental impact tradeoffs when substituting biopolymers for petroplastics in procedures such as hysterectomies. The substitution of biopolymers for petroleum-based plastics increased smog-related impacts by approximately 900% for laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomies, and increased ozone depletion-related impacts by approximately 125% for laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomies. Conversely, biopolymers reduced life cycle human health impacts, acidification and cumulative energy demand for the four hysterectomy procedures. The integration of biopolymers into medical products is correlated with reductions in carcinogenic impacts, non-carcinogenic impacts and respiratory effects. However, the significant agricultural inputs associated with manufacturing biopolymers exacerbate environmental impacts of products and devices made using biopolymers.

Conclusions

The integration of biopolymers into medical products is correlated with reductions in carcinogenic impacts, non-carcinogenic impacts and respiratory effects; however, the significant agricultural inputs associated with manufacturing biopolymers exacerbate environmental impacts.

Effect of nanocellulose as a filler on biodegradable thermoplastic starch films from tuber, cereal and legume

Starches from different vegetal sources (tuber, cereal and legume) were plasticized with an invariant glycerol content and reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals by solution casting method. The influence of both, starch nature and filler amount, in the crystallinity and the extension of plasticization have been analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Thermoplastic starches (TPS) morphologies were obtained by scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical properties and thermal stability were analyzed by dynamomechanical and thermogravimetric analysis. Water absorption evolution was studied as well. A major extension in plasticization (high amylopectin starches) led to matrices with large starch-rich domains, a good thermal stability and resistance to water absorption but low stiffness. The incorporation of cellulose nanoparticles favoured plasticization and increased the rigidity in TPS films, as well as the thermal stability and moisture resistance. The aim of this work was to obtain bio-based thermoplastic starch films for replacing petroleum-derived ones in packaging industry, especially for short-life applications.

Low Density Wood-Based Particleboards Bonded with Foamable Sour Cassava Starch: Preliminary Studies

This work investigates the feasibility of producing low density particleboards using an adhesive system based on sour cassava starch, taking advantage of its adhesive and self-expansion properties. Relevant properties of the produced particleboards were evaluated according to European Standards including: density, internal bond, moisture content and thickness swelling. Low density particleboards were produced with densities between 207 kg/m³ and 407 kg/m³. The best performance corresponded to particleboard with a density of 318 kg/m³, an internal bond strength of 0.67 N/mm², and a thickness swelling of 8.7%. These values meet the standard requirements of general purpose lightweight boards for use in dry conditions. Heat post-treatment (24 h at 80 °C) led to lower internal bond strength, due to retrogradation (recrystallization of amylose and amylopectin chains upon cooling) causing higher rigidity of the starch binder. However, it showed to have a significant effect on decreasing the thickness swelling.

Uncertainty in the Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions from U.S. Production of Three Biobased Polymer Families

Interest in biobased products has been motivated, in part, by the claim that these products have lower life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than their fossil counterparts. This study investigates GHG emissions from U.S. production of three important biobased polymer families: polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and bioethylene-based plastics. The model incorporates uncertainty into the life cycle emission estimates using Monte Carlo simulation. Results present a range of scenarios for feedstock choice (corn or switchgrass), treatment of coproducts, data sources, end of life assumptions, and displaced fossil polymer. Switchgrass pathways generally have lower emissions than corn pathways, and can even generate negative cradle-to-gate emissions if unfermented residues are used to coproduce energy. PHB (from either feedstock) is unlikely to have lower emissions than fossil polymers once end of life emissions are included. PLA generally has the lowest emissions when compared to high emission fossil polymers, such as polystyrene (mean GHG savings up to 1.4 kg CO2e/kg corn PLA and 2.9 kg CO2e/kg switchgrass PLA). In contrast, bioethylene is likely to achieve the greater emission reduction for ethylene intensive polymers, like polyethylene (mean GHG savings up to 0.60 kg CO2e/kg corn polyethylene and 3.4 kg CO2e/kg switchgrass polyethylene).

Performance and environmental impact of biodegradable polymers as agricultural mulching films

In the aim of resolving environmental key issues such as irreversible soil pollution by non-biodegradable and non-recoverable polyethylene (PE) fragments, a full-scale field experiment was set up to evaluate the suitability of four biodegradable materials based on poly(butylene adipate-co-terephtalate) (PBAT) to be used as sustainable alternatives to PE for mulching application in vineyard. Initial ultimate tensile properties, functional properties during field ageing (water vapour permeability and radiometric properties), biodegradability and agronomical performance of the mulched vines (wood production and fruiting yield) were studied. In spite of their early loss of physical integrity that occurred only five months after vine planting, the four materials satisfied all the requested functional properties and led to agronomic performance as high as polyethylene. In the light of the obtained results, the mulching material lifespan was questioned in the case of long-term perennial crop such as grapevine. Taking into account their mulching efficiency and biodegradability, the four PBAT-based studied materials are proven to constitute suitable alternatives to the excessively resistant PE material.

Preparation and characterization of bionanocomposite films reinforced with nano kaolin

Effects of nano-kaolin incorporation into semolina films on the physical, mechanical, thermal, barrier and antimicrobial properties of the resulting bio-nanocomposite films were investigated. The properties included crystal structure (by X-ray diffraction), mechanical resistance, color, Fourier transform infrared spectra, decomposition temperature, water-vapor permeability (WVP), oxygen permeability (OP), and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Kaolin was incorporated into biofilms at various amounts (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 %, w/w total solid). All films were plasticized with 50 % (w/w total solid) combination of sorbitol/glycerol at 3:1 ratio. The incorporation of nanokaolin into semolina films decreased OP and WVP. The moisture content and water solubility of the films were found to decrease by nanokaolin reinforcement, and mechanical properties of films were improved by increasing nanokaolin concentration. Tensile strength and Young's modulus increased from 3.41 to 5.44 MPa and from 63.12 to 136.18, respectively, and elongation-at-break decreased. The films did not exhibit UV absorption. In conclusion, nanokaolin incorporation enhanced the barrier and mechanical properties of semolina films, indicating the potential application of these bio-nanocomposites in food-product packaging.

Functional, thermal, and antimicrobial properties of soluble soybean polysaccharide biocomposites reinforced by nano TiO2

This study describes a new polysaccharide-based bionanocomposite developed through solvent casting. Different concentrations (i.e., 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% (w/w)) of nano titanium dioxide (TiO2-N) were incorporated into soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS), and the functional properties of the resultant SSPS films were estimated. Incorporation of TiO2-N into the SSPS matrix decreased water vapor permeability from 7.41 to 4.44 × (10(-11)gm(-1) s(-1) Pa(-1)) and oxygen permeability from 202 to 98 (cm(3)μmm(-2) d(-1) atm(-1)). Moisture content also decreased, the glass transition temperature increased, and the mechanical properties and heat seal strength of the SSPS films improved. SSPS bionanocomposite films showed excellent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In summary, TiO2-N shows potential use as a filler in SSPS-based films for the food and non-food industries.

Mechanical Retention and Waterproof Properties of Bacterial Cellulose-Reinforced Thermoplastic Starch Biocomposites Modified with Sodium Hexametaphosphate

The waterproof and strength retention properties of bacterial cellulose (BC)-reinforced thermoplastic starch (TPS) resins were successfully improved by reacting with sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP). After modification with SHMP, the tensile strength (σ_f) and impact strength (I_s) values of initial and conditioned BC-reinforced TPS, modified with varying amounts of SHMP(TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02SHMP_x), and their blends with poly(lactic acid)((TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02SHMP_x)₇₅PLA₂₅) specimens improved significantly and reached a maximal value as SHMP content approached 10 parts per hundred parts of TPS resin (phr), while their moisture content and elongation at break (ɛ_f) was reduced to a minimal value as SHMP contents approached 10 phr. The σ_f, I_s and ɛ_f retention values of a (TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02SHMP₁₀)₇₅PLA₂₅ specimen conditioned for 56 days are 52%, 50% and 3 times its initial σ_f, I_s and ɛ_f values, respectively, which are 32.5 times, 8.9 times and 40% of those of a corresponding conditioned TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02 specimen, respectively. As evidenced by FTIR analyses of TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02SHMP_x specimens, hydroxyl groups of TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02 resins were successfully reacted with the phosphate groups of SHMP molecules. New melting endotherms and diffraction peaks of V_H-type crystals were found on DSC thermograms and WAXD patterns of TPS or TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02 specimens conditioned for 7 days, while no new melting endotherm or diffraction peak was found for TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02SHMP_x and/or (TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02SHMP_x)₇₅PLA₂₅ specimens conditioned for less than 14 and 28 days, respectively.