Direct transformation of industrial vegetable waste into bioplastic composites intended for agricultural mulch films

Abstract

The development of mulch films from wastes of vegetables represents a sustainable alternative to the traditionally used polyethylene ones that follows the principles of circular economy. In this work, we...

Biodegradable and Active Mulch Films: Hydrolyzed Lemon Peel Waste and Low Methoxyl Pectin Blends with Incorporated Biochar and Neem Essential Oil

“…LP obtained after juice removal was dried at 40 °C for 48 h and ground in a blender (Oster, VERSA) to a particle size inferior to 300 μm. After that, 2 g of particles was hydrolyzed in 40 mL of 1 M acetic acid solution at 30 °C for 24 h, following the methodology reported by Merino et al 23 Then, the hydrolyzed LP (hLP) was precipitated by adding 70% of the solution volume in cold ethanol (98%). The solution was subsequently centrifuged in a Sartorius Centrisart G-16C at 10,000 rpm, 20 °C, and 10 min to remove acid media.…”

Avocado Peels and Seeds: Processing Strategies for the Development of Highly Antioxidant Bioplastic Films

“…The recovery of biomass from inedible fruit and vegetable wastes for the preparation of bioplastics is a growing research trend due to its expected positive impact on the environment through the circular economy model. − Bioplastics are defined as either biodegradable or biobased plastic materials or both. Nevertheless, nonbiodegradable bioplastics of biobased origin or biodegradable bioplastics from fossil sources principally follow a linear economy model and can hardly be considered sustainable.…”

“…For this purpose, biomass is generally dried and milled to a powder form to inhibit the enzyme and bacterial activity and thus halt its decomposition during storage . Bioplastics cannot be directly obtained from this dried form, given the absence of thermoplasticity; therefore, different methods have been proposed for its dissolution or digestion. ,, Among them, the acid hydrolysis stands out, which allows obtaining bioplastics through the disruption of plant cell walls, partial hydrolysis of constituent polymers, and release of cellulose microcrystals . This process commonly results in a viscous solution, and films are obtained by casting or other drying techniques.…”

A second life for fruit and vegetable waste: a review on bioplastic films and coatings for potential food protection applications

“…Details on the methods of synthesis and properties of bio-based polyesters, polyesteramides and BC are not part of the scope of this manuscript and for more information about them the reader can refer to other recent publications. 87,[100][101][102] Regarding chemical transformation, the entire plant biomass from agrowastes, when treated with different acids, such as hydrochloric, 12 formic 103 and acetic, 104 but also with alkali solutions such as ammonium hydroxide, 105 results in deconstruction of its plant cell structure and hydrolysis of its components, and eventually, in solutions or dispersions of partially hydrolyzed natural polymers and phytochemicals. The resulting solutions and dispersions, after casting or spraying and solvent evaporation, can reassemble into stand-alone, compact, self-assembled composites, but sometimes, the hydrolyzed vegetable biomass needs to be combined with other additives or natural polymers or biopolymers to obtain consistent materials suitable for food packaging.…”