Preparation and Characterization of Microcrystalline Cellulose/Polylactic Acid Biocomposite Films and Its Application in Lanzhou Lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor) Bulbs Preservation

Abstract

Green biodegradable bio-based films have gained interest in replacing petroleum-derived plastic packaging materials as a new preservation strategy for fruits and vegetables to alleviate environmental pressures. In this study, we aimed to develop novel biodegradable composite films based on microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA). Our results demonstrated that the addition of 3% MCC to PLA could improve its tensile strength. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that MCC dispersed well in PLA at lower content while agglomerated at higher content. It was discovered that all four types of MCC/PLA biocomposite films could retard the color change of Lanzhou lily bulbs, accompanied by maintaining favorable total soluble solid, total sugar, total polyphenols, and flavonoid content, inhibiting the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and the content of malondialdehyde during storage. Moreover, the preservation effect of MCC/PLA biocomposite films on Lanzhou lily bulbs was evaluated using a membership function, and the SSS MCC/PLA biocomposite film demonstrated a favorable fresh-keeping effect. In conclusion, four types of MCC from different biomass materials added to PLA-based products can be beneficial in improving the attractive properties of biocomposite films. These films are expected to replace petroleum-derived plastics as a new packaging material for preserving Lanzhou lily bulbs.

Biobased Composites of Poly(Lactic Acid) Melt Compounded with Bacterial and Vegetal Nanocelluloses Incorporated through Different Strategies

“…Finally, the ductility of all composites was significantly reduced compared to neat PLA, and a slight decreasing trend was found as nanocellulose contents were increased. These findings are consistent with results reported by others for similar systems [34,48,[54][55][56][57]. The reduction in ductility exhibited by the composites in comparison to neat PLA is commonly observed in thermoplastic composites [58] and can be attributed to the re- Finally, the ductility of all composites was significantly reduced compared to neat PLA, and a slight decreasing trend was found as nanocellulose contents were increased.…”

Biocomposites of Poly(Lactic Acid) and Microcrystalline Cellulose: Influence of the Coupling Agent on Thermomechanical and Absorption Characteristics

“…To mitigate this issue, the incorporation of a coupling agent serves to augment the gas barrier by leveraging the combined effects of synergistic tortuosity, crystal nucleation, and chain immobilization . In addition, incorporating renewable and biodegradable fillers, such as cellulose or cellulose derivatives, can enhance the cost-performance equilibrium and augment the mechanical and thermal properties. , …”

“…Several studies have been undertaken to examine the physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of composites comprising polylactic acid (PLA) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). ,, Nevertheless, there has been a scarcity of research undertaken on the advancement of PLA/MCC/MAH–MA biocomposites and the exploration of their physicomechanical and thermal characteristics. ,, Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the coupling agent (MAH–MA) and varying amounts of MCC loading on the properties of PLA/MCC biocomposites. The current study focused on the fabrication of biocomposites comprising polylactic acid (PLA) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) with different weight percentages (2, 3, and 5% w/w) by a solution mixing and solvent casting method.…”

“…10 In addition, incorporating renewable and biodegradable fillers, such as cellulose or cellulose derivatives, can enhance the cost-performance equilibrium and augment the mechanical and thermal properties. 11,12 Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a processed wood pulp variant with a natural fibrous structure characterized by its exceptionally high specific surface area. 13 Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) finds applications as drug-shaping and tablet-disintegrating agents within the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.…”

“… 10 In addition, incorporating renewable and biodegradable fillers, such as cellulose or cellulose derivatives, can enhance the cost-performance equilibrium and augment the mechanical and thermal properties. 11 , 12 …”