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<p>The pressing issue of plastic pollution calls for immediate attention, and one promising avenue lies in replacing conventional packaging with innovative viable alternatives. This study introduces packaging films made from proteins sourced from aquatic macrophytes such as <i>Nymphaea mexicana, Azolla cristata, Trapa natans, Nelumbo nucifera</i> and <i>Ceratophyllum demersum</i>, enriched with bioactive extracts and plasticized with glycerol. Starch derived from <i>Trapa natans</i> was also added. These films were assessed for characterization, release behaviour and biodegradability. Protein yields ranged from 11 to 21.16%, with significant variation observed in film thickness, moisture content, swelling index, solubility, Lab color space, and opacity. Tensile strength ranged from 1 to 4.7&#xa0;MPa, while elongation at break ranged from 16.8 to 44%. Youngs modulus ranged from 1.13 to 3&#xa0;MPa. Thermal analysis unveiled distinct thermal properties. Release studies showed differences in quercetin and rutin release among films. Furthermore, biodegradation tests exhibited significant weight loss over 7&#xa0;days in laboratory conditions and in natural settings, with substantial degradation after 25&#xa0;days. Utilizing aquatic macrophytes, often considered waste, for film production not only reduces plastic pollution but also contributes to waste minimization and ecosystem restoration. This approach transforms environmental burdens into valuable resources, promoting a circular economy. By harnessing macrophyte proteins, incorporating strategic bioactives, these biodegradable films beckon as a promising frontier for sustainable future and envisions a harmonious synergy between economic progress and environmental protection paving the way for a world where innovation becomes nature's ally in the battle against plastic pollution.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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Unravelling the potential of aquatic macrophyte polymers fortified with bioactives for replacement of plastic packaging: a strategy for waste reduction and sustainable solution

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月8日

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  • Irfana Assad,
  • Sami Ullah Bhat,
  • Adil Gani

摘要

The pressing issue of plastic pollution calls for immediate attention, and one promising avenue lies in replacing conventional packaging with innovative viable alternatives. This study introduces packaging films made from proteins sourced from aquatic macrophytes such as Nymphaea mexicana, Azolla cristata, Trapa natans, Nelumbo nucifera and Ceratophyllum demersum, enriched with bioactive extracts and plasticized with glycerol. Starch derived from Trapa natans was also added. These films were assessed for characterization, release behaviour and biodegradability. Protein yields ranged from 11 to 21.16%, with significant variation observed in film thickness, moisture content, swelling index, solubility, Lab color space, and opacity. Tensile strength ranged from 1 to 4.7 MPa, while elongation at break ranged from 16.8 to 44%. Youngs modulus ranged from 1.13 to 3 MPa. Thermal analysis unveiled distinct thermal properties. Release studies showed differences in quercetin and rutin release among films. Furthermore, biodegradation tests exhibited significant weight loss over 7 days in laboratory conditions and in natural settings, with substantial degradation after 25 days. Utilizing aquatic macrophytes, often considered waste, for film production not only reduces plastic pollution but also contributes to waste minimization and ecosystem restoration. This approach transforms environmental burdens into valuable resources, promoting a circular economy. By harnessing macrophyte proteins, incorporating strategic bioactives, these biodegradable films beckon as a promising frontier for sustainable future and envisions a harmonious synergy between economic progress and environmental protection paving the way for a world where innovation becomes nature's ally in the battle against plastic pollution.

Graphical abstract