Enhancement of bioplastic properties using metal-ligand coordination for applications in food packaging

Bioplastics, as natural materials, provide a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics derived from fossil fuels. Starch is one of the polymers used in the production of these bioplastics. However, despite their environmental benefits, starch-based bioplastics still face challenges. These challenges include managing the agricultural resources needed for starch production, competing with human and animal food sources for these resources, and the need to develop more efficient production processes and formulations for bioplastics to meet the requirements of final applications. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that these bioplastics remain truly biodegradable and compostable to minimize their environmental impact throughout their life cycle. In this context, our study aims to enhance the properties of starch-based bioplastics by examining the impact of coordination between starch-ligand and copper nanoparticles. The results from thermogravimetric analysis, contact angle measurements, water swelling rate, as well as antimicrobial and antifungal tests, demonstrated that the addition of metal to starch-based films strengthened the thermal stability, hydrophobicity, and moisture resistance of the films. Moreover, these films also exhibited increased antimicrobial and antifungal activity, making them suitable for use in food packaging applications.