"EVALUATION OF PHYTOTOXICITY AND BIODEGRADATION OF CELLULOSE REINFORCED STARCH BIOCOMPOSITES "

Abstract

With increasing environmental pollution, sustainable alternatives for packaging materials are important. This study aimed to evaluate the phytotoxicity and biodegradation of corn starch films reinforced with cellulose extracted from pineapple crowns. The films were produced by casting mixtures of corn starch, glycerol and cellulose at different concentrations (5%, 10% and 15%), along with a pure starch control film. The phytotoxicity assay showed that the addition of films to the soil does not negatively influence the germination and growth of lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa). In the biodegradation assay, the films were completely degraded after 60 days, especially the film containing 15% cellulose, which experienced rapid biodegradation, with a high rate of initial mass loss. Analysis of the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra after degradation of the films showed no structural changes. These materials have no harmful effects on the environment and have great potential for application as rapid-use packaging.