Eco-Friendly Preparation and Characterization of Bioplastic Films from Marine Fish Wastes

Abstract

Synthetic plastics are highly hazardous contaminants; hence they must be replaced with alternatives. This study aimed to prepare corn starch-based bioplastics using fish scale through film casting technique as an alternative to synthetic plastics. In this work, four types of bioplastic films containing different percentages of fish-scale powder and corn starch were prepared. Physical and chemical properties such as texture, color, solubility in hot water, tensile strength, organic content, and morphology of all the four types of the synthesized biopolymer were analyzed. The mixture of fish-scale powder and corn-flour powder in the ratio of 1: 3 yielded the best results. In the biodegradability test, degradation was noticed after 7 days of treatment with organic waste. The degradation was confirmed by surface changes in the morphology and the development of Aspergillus sp. The produced bioplastics were synthesized from eco-friendly, inexpensive, and natural materials. Thus, the present research has provided a viable alternative to synthetic plastics.