Bacterial cellulose based greener packaging material: A bioadhesive polymeric film

Abstract

Conventional polymer-based packaging material (polyethylene, polypropylene) has several harmful effects on the ecological aspect as well as human well beings. Thus an eco-friendly alternative to reduce/solve the problem is desirable. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is the purest form of cellulose available from microbes. A wide range of application of BC is reported, from packaging to health care, mainly due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility. In the present paper, the emphasis has been given to characterize and compare the physicomechanical properties of BC-based polymeric films with 'Neat BC' film. The BC based polymeric films are designated as 'PVP-BC' and 'PVP-CMC-BC' as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are present as a base polymer. Structural (morphology, porosity, XRD and optical properties), mechanical and bioadhesive properties were analyzed. The results revealed that 'PVP-CMC-BC' film has better tensile strength but lowest elastic properties among the three test samples. The 'PVP-CMC-BC' film can be stretched longer than others with the highest deformation rate. All the films are glossier on the lower side than the upper side of the films due to the evaporation of water from the upper surface of the film in the casting tray. 'PVP-CMC-BC' film is a bit more yellowish than the other two samples. All the films (air dry state) have shown air transmittance resistance even at an air pressure of 5 ml/50 mm, as in the air dry state the porous structure of hydrogel films disappears. Though elasticity and deformation are a prerequisite for selection of food packaging material, due to better tensile properties, transparent nature, printability 'PVP-CMC-BC' film is considered as the best and a novel green packaging material. It can be recommended for food packaging application which will be less expensive, recyclable/biodegradable, sustainable and alternative to the conventional food packaging material. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.