Bioplastic Production from Corn and Potato Starch and Its Industrial Applications

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Abstract Plastic has become an inevitable part of our daily life. According to OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), around 460 million tonnes of plastic is produced worldwide, of which merely 9% plastic waste gets recycled while 22% is mismanaged. This causes severe hazards to the environment and lifeforms. In order to overcome this problem, bio-plastics are introduced. They are considered green materials substitutes for plastics which are environment-friendly and biodegradable. Bioplastic can be prepared from renewable resources consisting of biomass mainly starch, cellulose, etc. This paper presents a detailed process of preparation of bioplastic from corn and potato starch followed by its mechanical strength testing. Also, the real-life applications of the obtained bioplastic are discussed. The bioplastic produced initially lacks plasticity so sorbitol was added as a plasticizer. The newly prepared bioplastic has higher elongation and less water absorptivity. Hence it can be concluded that the bioplastic obtained meets the requirement to be considered as an alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastic.
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According to OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), around 460 million tonnes of plastic is produced worldwide, of which merely 9% plastic waste gets recycled while 22% is mismanaged. This causes severe hazards to the environment and lifeforms. In order to overcome this problem, bio-plastics are introduced. They are considered green materials substitutes for plastics which are environment-friendly and biodegradable. Bioplastic can be prepared from renewable resources consisting of biomass mainly starch, cellulose, etc. This paper presents a detailed process of preparation of bioplastic from corn and potato starch followed by its mechanical strength testing. Also, the real-life applications of the obtained bioplastic are discussed. The bioplastic produced initially lacks plasticity so sorbitol was added as a plasticizer. The newly prepared bioplastic has higher elongation and less water absorptivity. Hence it can be concluded that the bioplastic obtained meets the requirement to be considered as an alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastic. Environmental Engineering Bioplastic Microplastic Biodegradability Water adsorption Corn Starch Potato Starch and Sorbitol Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 INTRODUCTION The non-biodegradability of conventional plastic has always been a threat to sustainable development. The most common approach that many countries adopt is dumping them into the land fields, but it only worsens the condition by providing a route for microplastic to enter the ecosystem and subsequently to the food chain. Studies suggest that the microplastic that enters the human body causes a variety of infirmity in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as cancer (Sridharan et al., 2021 ) also the microplastic can get transported throughout the body and gets logged into organs (Baeza-Martínez et al. 2022 ). Traditional approaches of reduce, reuse and recycle had failed to mitigate the consequences of plastic due to lack of technical skills in workers for managing hazardous waste and the unavailability of proper infrastructures for recycling purposes. All these methods focus on managing the produced plastic, but the situation will not improve unless the main raw material of polymer is replaced with an eco-friendly alternative. And bioplastic serves this purpose. Bioplastics are bio-based plastics synthesized from biomass or renewable resources such as starch and cellulose obtained from corn starch, potato starch, sugarcane, banana peels, agricultural waste, weeds, algae, etc. There are plenty of benefits of biodegradable plastics such as they increase soil fertility, leads to low accumulation of large plastic materials within the environment which invariably can minimize injuries to wild animals, etc. Thus, the production of bioplastics with a high degree of degradability has become the best solution for the environment. This research aims to produce biodegradable plastic films from biomass, reduce soil pollution problems, optimize the process condition of the starch plasticized with glycerol, and evaluate its properties. Sorbitol and glycerol are used as plasticizers respectively. Literature review There has been a lot of research on the production and enhancement of bioplastic to decrease as well as to halt the use of conventional plastic which is harmful to the environment. Some research proposed preparation from corn starch along with additives including tamarind seeds, and berry seeds (Mohommad et al. 2022) and rice starch along with glycerol, citric acid, and gelatin (M.K. Marichelvam et al. 2019 ). The samples prepared showed better biodegradability than what the conventional plastics showed. Patrick et al. (2023) made bioplastic with potato peels whose water absorption value tends to increase with time. In a study conducted for the purpose of food packaging, natural materials were taken, the sourcing of bioplastics from these materials was developed and characterized by Chowdhury et al. in 2023. With regards to its Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), antimicrobial properties, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), biodegradability, and mechanical properties the materials were chosen that were extensively charge with these and bioplastic films were finally prepared using natural ingredients. The researchers employed a computer-controlled CMT-10 electronic universal testing machine and followed the ASTM-D638-14 standard to conduct mechanical tests on the bioplastic samples. A Perkin Elmer Spectrometer was used to generate the FTIR profiles of the bioplastic samples. Additionally, with use of a Hitachi S-4800 scanning electron microscope (SEM) the microstructure of the bioplastic films was analyzed. Following the ASTM E2149-01 standard, the antimicrobial properties of the bioplastic films were assessed using the disk diffusion method against gram-positive S. aureus and gram-negative E. coli bacteria. The biodegradation and mechanical characteristics of a cornstarch-produced bioplastic, in quite a few research, were assessed without the addition of strengthened components. On this basis of analysis of characterization for the manufacture of bioplastics through the proposed mechanism was included. The results produced denoted that even though the mechanical properties were not up to the mark that can be considered for basic-level bioplastics, but revealed that it had commendatory biodegradability properties (A.B.D. Nandiyanto et al. 2020 ). In order to enhance the mechanical properties, it is necessary to incorporate additional reinforcing materials. Evidence of surfacing of fungi on its surface revealed that it started to degrade after it was soaked in water for five days, other than that the bioplastic remained stable when exposed to the open air. All this basically tells us that until the plastic remains dry, it can be used as a packaging material. Hence, if this is disposed of into the environment after use, it won’t cause any hazards to the environment. Improvement in mobility and mechanical properties were observed after using glycerol as a plasticizer. It also helped increase Young’s modulus and the elongation at break, but the tensile strength had the opposite exhibition. Due to the innate properties of glycerol itself, water absorption showed an increment while excessive amounts of glycerol led to poor mechanical properties (Ahmed et al., 2017). Research has been done on the market dynamics of biodegradable bio-based plastics (Niklas et al. 2022). Dynamic modeling has been done to understand the market's future growth opportunities. Methodology, social awareness, and technological progress are some of the critical factors affecting the market size of bioplastics. Drivers and Barriers to consumers purchasing bioplastics are also integral factors to study for the commercialization of bioplastics. (Edina et al. 2023) reviewed 67 scientific journal articles for understanding the consumers’ nature towards the application of bioplastics. The majority of studies examined the applicability of bioplastic in packaging primarily to food and beverage, utilizing consumer surveys that focused on investigating consumer preferences and willingness to pay for bioplastics (Boz et al 2023). However, aspects such as knowledge and awareness of consumers, and their post-purchase behavior, including product usage and disposal, received comparatively less attention. It is worth noting that most of these studies relied on textual or oral stimuli, with real product stimuli being rarely employed. The findings of the analysis highlighted various obstacles to purchasing bioplastics, including consumers’ limited awareness regarding the environmental impact, characteristics like material source and end-of-life properties of bioplastics, as well as their uncertainty regarding differentiating bioplastics from traditional plastics. Consumer drivers for purchasing bioplastics were identified, including positive consumer attitudes, access to product information, and consumers' environmentally conscious values. Additionally, bioplastic products aligned with consumer preferences, such as affordability, a biogenic resource base, and locally sourced materials, were influential factors in consumer purchases. Research studies have indicated that providing consumers with information about bioplastics influences their willingness to pay for such products. The review of existing literature identified gaps in research, specifically emphasizing the importance of conducting cross-cultural studies, employing non-hypothetical research designs, and analyzing labeling systems associated with bioplastic products. Materials and Methods Materials Glycerol: Glycerol is employed as a plasticizer to produce starch-based biodegradable films. It breaks the current hydrogen bonds between hydroxyl groups in starch molecules and forms new hydrogen bonds with starch. Sorbitol: It is a commonly used plasticizer having a molecular weight of 182.17 g/mol which is greater than those of other commonly used plasticizers. Vinegar: 6% vinegar in an acetic acid solution liberates acetate ions and hydrogen ions in the solution. This can be necessary because ions react with the starch polymers and build them disordered a lot simply within the solution. This disorder, resulting from the water's disruption and the acetic acid's ionization, makes the cast film more homogenous. Corn Starch: One of the most abundant agro cereals planted on earth is corn. It contains amylose (around 27%) and amylopectin (around 73%) used as a matrix for bioplastic production. Potato Starch: Potato starch is a commercial product consisting of 79% amylopectin and 21% amylose. Methods Extraction of starch: Rather than directly using corn and potato starch available in the market, the extraction methods were performed to obtain them for the desired experiment. The process starts with washing and boiling 100 gms of corn for an hour, followed by grinding with 100 mL of purified water. The mixture was filtered and the leftover solid mass was put into the beaker. For obtaining more starch, repeated the procedure five times. The blend was kept undisturbed for 5–10 min allowing the starch to settle in the beaker. The excess water is removed. Fresh water is added to remove impurities present in it until white starch is obtained. Potato starch was extracted from potato peels which were granulated and centrifuged to obtain a mixture. The mixture was kept undisturbed for 5–10 min allowing the starch to settle in the beaker followed by filtration with water. The starch was then dried at 50°C for 2 hr. Thus, we were able to produce starch through two different sources, i.e., corn, potato as well as potato starch. Experiments Conducted In order to optimize the physical characteristic of the bioplastic it is important to determine the right combination. For doing so, the amount of plasticizer is varied by performing the following experiments. Experiment 1: The milky white watery mixture was made by adding 10gm corn starch, 7.5 ml glycerol, 7.5 ml white vinegar, and 60 ml distilled water mixed in a beaker and stirred continuously. The beaker was then placed on an electric heater and the mixture was continuously stirred till it became thick and translucent. The mixture was removed from the heater after 3 min when it reaches the temperature of 73˚C. Then the heated mixture was spread on the aluminum foil or on the petri dish. The sample was dried undisturbed at room temperature for three days. Experiment 2: For the 2nd experiment, 10 gm corn starch, 7.5gm glycerine, 7.5 ml white vinegar, and 60 ml distilled water were taken along with 7.5g of another plasticizer sorbitol. Further steps were the same as that of Experiment 1. Experiment 3: In the 3rd experiment, the starch extracted from the potatoes taken along with 7.5gm glycerin, 7.5 white vinegar, and 60 ml of water. Experiment 4: Sorbitol is added to the sample with the same composition as the sample in Experiment 3. The samples obtained from all four experiments were kept in the electric oven for 20 to 30 minutes of time for heating so that most of the moisture will be dried off and the samples become non-sticky. Figure 4. shows the bioplastic mixture after removing it from the heating stove. Bioplastic Testing The bioplastic produced from corn and potato starch without sorbitol is hard, lacks plasticity, and tends to break when bent whereas bioplastic produced from corn and potato starch with sorbitol is soft, elastic, and flexible. For a proper evaluation of the mechanical properties of the samples, the following tests were performed. Tensile and Elongation Test In order to evaluate the tensile characteristics of the bioplastics, the samples were subjected to standardized testing, ASTM D 882:2012. This test method involves analyzing the thin plastic sheeting by applying tensile force on the material until it breaks, allowing the measurement of its yield strength, Young’s modulus, elongation, and tensile strength at break. The results obtained from the testing procedure are presented in Tables 1 and 2 . The tensile strength values are expressed in megapascals (MPa), while the elongation values are presented as percentages. Table 1 Tensile and Elongation Test Result for Corn Starch Bioplastic. Sr. No. Test Parameter Observation Test Method 1. Tensile Strength, MPa 0.68 ASTM D 882:2012 2. Elongation Strength, percent 24 ASTM D 882:2012 Table 2 Tensile and Elongation Test Result for Potato Starch Bioplastic. Sr. No. Test Parameter Observations Test Method 1. Tensile Strength (MPa) 0.49 ASTM D 882:2012 2. Elongation Strength (percent) 16 ASTM D 882:2012 Water Absorption Test Understanding water absorption characteristics is crucial for evaluating the performance and durability of bioplastics in different environments. It is also essential to evaluate their suitability for applications where exposure to moisture or water is common, such as agricultural films, food packaging, or single-use items. Understanding how bioplastics absorb water and potentially degrade in aquatic environments helps us determine their environmental impact and potential for pollution. ASTM D570 is commonly used in the plastics industry to assess the ability of a material to absorb water and evaluate its potential for dimensional changes or degradation when exposed to moisture. The ASTM D570 test measures the percentage of water absorbed and helps to determine the material's equilibrium moisture content (EMC). The shape and size of the samples required for the test depend on the material and its intended application. As our sample is small having a diameter of 12 cm, we will cut them into 2” *2” square-shaped pieces. Accurately weigh the conditioned specimens before testing. This initial weight is used as a reference point. Immerse the specimens in distilled water or expose them to a high-humidity environment, depending on the testing requirements. Take 24 hours as an evaluation period. After the specified immersion time, remove the specimens from the water and carefully dry their surfaces using a blotting material to remove any surface moisture. Immediately weigh the specimens after drying to determine the weight gained due to water absorption. Calculate the percentage of water absorption using the following formula and record the water absorption percentage for each specimen tested and report the average value. Water Absorption (%) = [(W₂ - W₁) / W₁] x 100 where W₁ and W₂ are the weight of the specimen before and after immersion. Table 3 Water Absorption test results Sample Corn Starch Potato Starch Unit Dry Weight 1.82 2.15 grams Wet Weight 2.0 2.4 grams % Absorption 9.89 11.627 It's important to note that the ASTM D570 standard provides a guideline for testing water absorption in plastics but does not specify pass/fail criteria. The acceptability of a material's water absorption rate depends on its intended application and the specific requirements of the industry or product standard. By conducting the ASTM D570 test, manufacturers and researchers can gain valuable information about a material's behavior when exposed to water, helping them make informed decisions about its suitability for various applications, such as outdoor equipment, piping systems, or electronic components. Degradation Test Understanding the degradation properties of bioplastics helps in determining appropriate end-of-life management strategies. If bioplastic is designed to biodegrade in a specific environment, such as composting or soil, it can be directed to the appropriate waste management stream, reducing the burden on landfills or other waste disposal methods. There are several standard tests available to determine the biodegradability of bioplastics, including the following: ASTM D6400: This test is specific to compostable plastics and measures their ability to biodegrade in a controlled composting environment. It assesses the disintegration of the material, as well as the conversion of the material into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. ISO 17556: This international standard provides guidelines for determining the biodegradation of plastics in marine environments. The test assesses plastic samples' disintegration and potentially harmful microplastic formation. ASTM D7075: This test method evaluates the anaerobic biodegradation potential of plastic materials in a laboratory setting. It measures the production of biogas, including methane and carbon dioxide, as indicators of the material's biodegradation. Results and Discussion Upon analyzing the data, it becomes evident that the corn starch bioplastics exhibit higher tensile and elongation strength compared to the potato starch bioplastics. These findings indicate that the incorporation of corn starch in the bioplastic formulation contributes to improved mechanical properties, making it a more promising material in terms of tensile strength and elongation. The water absorption test reveals that the produced bioplastic absorbs less water compared to other existing bioplastics. When buried in a beaker containing moist soil, the samples provided degradation test data. It was observed that the potato starch samples tend to degrade early as compared to the corn-starch samples. The biodegradability increases with the addition of plasticizer sorbitol. This information is significant for further research and development in the field of bioplastics, as it highlights the potential of corn starch-based bioplastics as a viable alternative in various applications. Effects of plasticizer Glycerol and sorbitol compete with water to occupy hydrophilic active sites available thus reducing moisture content of the bioplastics. Film moisture content increases when glycerol content reaches 10–12% of starch. There are certain factors that could increase the durability of the bioplastic. Some of the optimizing factors are starch source selection, cross-linking, and reinforcements. Choose starch sources with higher amylose content and smaller granule size. This selection promotes higher tensile strength and lower water absorptivity. Varieties of corn and potato starch with these characteristics can be beneficial. The incorporation of reinforcing agents into the starch matrix enhances tensile strength and reduces water absorption. Applications of Bioplastic Although bioplastic finds its application in various domains, the ones below justify the physical properties of the produced bioplastic having low tensile strength, low water absorption, and high elasticity. Agriculture Bioplastics find applications in agriculture, particularly for mulching films. These films are laid on land and have cuttings at intervals for plantation purposes. They are used to control weed growth, retain moisture, and improve soil quality. Biodegradable mulching films eliminate the need for removal after use, reducing labor and environmental impact. Medical Sector Medical packaging, prosthetics, and implants are the key areas in which plastic is extensively used in the medical sector. As microplastic could easily pass through biological barriers (Binelli et al., 2020 ), the persistent contact of plastic with the body surface or the operated organs causes the microplastic to penetrate the body. Once it makes its way into the biological system, it starts its detrimental effect causing oxidative stress, toxicity in body cells, neurons, and reproductive tracks, carcinogenicity, disruption in the immune system, alteration in metabolism, translocation of cells, and inflammation (Bhuyan et al., 2022). Bioplastics are a possible solution to this problem as they are non-reactive and do not release harmful chemicals that could interfere with the biological system. Also, the ability of the bioplastic to get molded into complex shapes, its lightweight nature, and its durability make it an ideal material to be used for making medical equipment like sutures, drug delivery systems, syringes, implants, and other surgical equipment. Edibles Gelatin has its own importance in pharmaceutical manufacturing as it is easily soluble and non-reactive but the main concern is its source of extraction, mainly from animal collagen from cows or pigs. The bioplastic obtained can be used as an alternative to gelatin as it contains all edible components including sorbitol, in fact, sorbitol is majorly used as an artificial sweetening agent. Thus, this bioplastic can be used as a covering material for medicines. Packaging Bioplastics are commonly used in packaging materials, including bottles, films, and trays. They can be used for food packaging, cosmetics, and various consumer products. Bioplastics offer similar functionalities to conventional plastics but with the advantage of being biodegradable or compostable, reducing waste and pollution. Disposable cutlery and food containers Single-use items like cutlery, cups, and food containers are often made from bioplastics. These items are typically used in food service industries and events, providing a more sustainable alternative to conventional plastic products. Textiles and fibers Bioplastics can be processed into fibers for use in textile applications. They are used in clothing, upholstery, carpets, and other textile products. Bioplastic fibers can offer advantages such as improved breathability and reduced environmental impact compared to synthetic fibers. 3D printing Bioplastics are used as filaments in 3D printing, enabling the production of biodegradable or compostable objects. This application offers a more sustainable option for manufacturing prototypes, custom parts, and small-scale production. Consumer goods Bioplastics are increasingly used in various consumer goods, such as toys, electronics, and stationery. These products can be made from biodegradable or compostable bioplastics, contributing to waste reduction. Market Study: The global production capacity of bioplastics was observed to be increased by 16% in 2021 to 2.4 million metric tons. Out of which the biodegradable bioplastics accounted for 1.6 million metric tons, which is just two-thirds of the total production (Jan-Georg et al., 2022). On the other hand, the annual production of conventional plastic is greater than 380 million tonnes. The growth of the bioplastics market can be attributed to factors such as increasing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products, stringent government regulations and policies promoting the use of biodegradable and renewable materials, and rising awareness about reducing plastic waste and carbon footprint. It is worth mentioning that the market size can vary across regions and depends on factors such as the level of industrial development, government support, and consumer awareness. Europe and North America have traditionally been the largest markets for bioplastics due to favorable regulatory frameworks and consumer preferences for sustainable products. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth in the bioplastics market due to increasing industrialization, urbanization, and rising environmental concerns. The market is moderately consolidated, with large companies such as NatureWorks LLC, Total Corbion PLA, BASF SE, Biome Technologies plc present, PTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd., as well as some small and medium-sized global and regional businesses. Conclusion The future of biodegradable plastics shows great potential, and various research is being carried out to make an effective bioplastic. In our research, we prepared bioplastic from corn and potato starch. The tests carried out for physical properties reveal that the bioplastic possesses higher elongation and less water absorptivity. The major advantages of bioplastics include their reduced carbon footprint, energy efficiency, eco-safety, and recyclability. However, they also have disadvantages including their thermal instability and higher cost. The tensile strength and elasticity of the bioplastic can be changed by varying the concentration of the plasticizer. The main limitation of bioplastic entering the market is uncertain feelings about bioplastics and a lack of general knowledge. Bioplastics can also be fabricated from various materials like sugarcane, jute, rice straw, etc. Declarations Funding: The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose. Author Contributions: All the authors were responsible for the conceptualization of the work. Manuscript preparation (TK, YU, and SB). Editing and formatting (TK and YU). Ethical approval: Not applicable. Consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent to Publish: All authors give our consent for the publication of the data provided in the manuscript including all the photographs to be published and made available online. References A.B.D. Nandiyanto, M. Fiandini, R. Ragadhita, A. Sukmafitri, H. Salam, F. Triawan. (2020). Mechanical and biodegradation properties of cornstarch-based bioplastic material. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18720/MPM.4432020_9 Ahmed Edhirej, S. M. Sapuan, Mohammad Jawaid, Nur Ismarrubie Zahari. "Tensile, barrier, dynamic mechanical, and biodegradation properties of cassava/sugar palm fiber reinforced cassava starch hybrid composites", BioResources, 2017. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15376/biores.12.4.7145-7160 Baeza-Martínez, C., Olmos, S., González-Pleiter, M., LópezCastellanos, J., García-Pachón, E., Masiá-Canuto, M., Hernández-Blasco, L., & Bayo, J. (2022). 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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13538 Niklas Döhler, Claudia Wellenreuther, André Wolf (2022) Market dynamics of biodegradable bio-based plastics: Projections and linkages to European policies, EFB Bioeconomy Journal, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioeco.2022.100028 Patrick Ehi Imoisili & Tien-Chien Jen. (2023). Synthesis and characterization of bioplastic films from potato peel starch; effect of glycerol as plasticizer. Materials today proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.05.565 Sridharan, S., Kumar, M., Singh, L., Bolan, N. S., & Saha, M. (2021). Microplastics as an emerging source of particulate air pollution: A critical review. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 418, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. jhazmat.2021.126245 Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. 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07:24:47","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":{"humanSubjects":false,"vertebrateSubjects":false,"conflictsOfInterestStatement":false,"humanSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false,"humanSubjectConsent":false,"humanSubjectClinicalTrial":false,"humanSubjectCaseReport":false,"vertebrateSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false,"coiExplicitlySet":false},"doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3865690/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3865690/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":49707260,"identity":"fd8a70c7-5eb5-45d9-8188-a5ff51dcaf2b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-16 18:48:38","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":585374,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eBioplastic without sorbitol made from a. corn starch b. potato starch\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3865690/v1/81a63e5ea137b93183f8875a.png"},{"id":49707259,"identity":"3e0efd62-e80f-40f1-95d1-a04dbbded984","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-16 18:48:38","extension":"jpg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":50448,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eCorn starch bioplastic with sorbitol\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3865690/v1/8f327fd21bc66c02925135a7.jpg"},{"id":49707258,"identity":"5584d3d1-97b5-4194-813f-28eb4f9c1240","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-16 18:48:38","extension":"jpg","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":59183,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePotato starch bioplastic with sorbitol.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3865690/v1/c0c2a9f27c8752a88d902b64.jpg"},{"id":49707561,"identity":"0d04e66e-f745-40cb-929c-f2038f12a3c0","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-16 18:56:38","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":970550,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3865690/v1/91ab5097-0534-411f-9287-0d889a524d6d.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"The authors declare no competing interests.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eBioplastic Production from Corn and Potato Starch and Its Industrial Applications\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe non-biodegradability of conventional plastic has always been a threat to sustainable development. The most common approach that many countries adopt is dumping them into the land fields, but it only worsens the condition by providing a route for microplastic to enter the ecosystem and subsequently to the food chain. Studies suggest that the microplastic that enters the human body causes a variety of infirmity in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as cancer (Sridharan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e) also the microplastic can get transported throughout the body and gets logged into organs (Baeza-Mart\u0026iacute;nez et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Traditional approaches of reduce, reuse and recycle had failed to mitigate the consequences of plastic due to lack of technical skills in workers for managing hazardous waste and the unavailability of proper infrastructures for recycling purposes. All these methods focus on managing the produced plastic, but the situation will not improve unless the main raw material of polymer is replaced with an eco-friendly alternative. And bioplastic serves this purpose.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBioplastics are bio-based plastics synthesized from biomass or renewable resources such as starch and cellulose obtained from corn starch, potato starch, sugarcane, banana peels, agricultural waste, weeds, algae, etc. There are plenty of benefits of biodegradable plastics such as they increase soil fertility, leads to low accumulation of large plastic materials within the environment which invariably can minimize injuries to wild animals, etc. Thus, the production of bioplastics with a high degree of degradability has become the best solution for the environment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis research aims to produce biodegradable plastic films from biomass, reduce soil pollution problems, optimize the process condition of the starch plasticized with glycerol, and evaluate its properties. Sorbitol and glycerol are used as plasticizers respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLiterature review\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere has been a lot of research on the production and enhancement of bioplastic to decrease as well as to halt the use of conventional plastic which is harmful to the environment. Some research proposed preparation from corn starch along with additives including tamarind seeds, and berry seeds (Mohommad et al. 2022) and rice starch along with glycerol, citric acid, and gelatin (M.K. Marichelvam et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). The samples prepared showed better biodegradability than what the conventional plastics showed. Patrick et al. (2023) made bioplastic with potato peels whose water absorption value tends to increase with time.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn a study conducted for the purpose of food packaging, natural materials were taken, the sourcing of bioplastics from these materials was developed and characterized by Chowdhury et al. in 2023. With regards to its Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), antimicrobial properties, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), biodegradability, and mechanical properties the materials were chosen that were extensively charge with these and bioplastic films were finally prepared using natural ingredients. The researchers employed a computer-controlled CMT-10 electronic universal testing machine and followed the ASTM-D638-14 standard to conduct mechanical tests on the bioplastic samples. A Perkin Elmer Spectrometer was used to generate the FTIR profiles of the bioplastic samples. Additionally, with use of a Hitachi S-4800 scanning electron microscope (SEM) the microstructure of the bioplastic films was analyzed. Following the ASTM E2149-01 standard, the antimicrobial properties of the bioplastic films were assessed using the disk diffusion method against gram-positive S. aureus and gram-negative E. coli bacteria.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe biodegradation and mechanical characteristics of a cornstarch-produced bioplastic, in quite a few research, were assessed without the addition of strengthened components. On this basis of analysis of characterization for the manufacture of bioplastics through the proposed mechanism was included. The results produced denoted that even though the mechanical properties were not up to the mark that can be considered for basic-level bioplastics, but revealed that it had commendatory biodegradability properties (A.B.D. Nandiyanto et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). In order to enhance the mechanical properties, it is necessary to incorporate additional reinforcing materials. Evidence of surfacing of fungi on its surface revealed that it started to degrade after it was soaked in water for five days, other than that the bioplastic remained stable when exposed to the open air. All this basically tells us that until the plastic remains dry, it can be used as a packaging material. Hence, if this is disposed of into the environment after use, it won\u0026rsquo;t cause any hazards to the environment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImprovement in mobility and mechanical properties were observed after using glycerol as a plasticizer. It also helped increase Young\u0026rsquo;s modulus and the elongation at break, but the tensile strength had the opposite exhibition. Due to the innate properties of glycerol itself, water absorption showed an increment while excessive amounts of glycerol led to poor mechanical properties (Ahmed et al., 2017).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eResearch has been done on the market dynamics of biodegradable bio-based plastics (Niklas et al. 2022). Dynamic modeling has been done to understand the market's future growth opportunities. Methodology, social awareness, and technological progress are some of the critical factors affecting the market size of bioplastics. Drivers and Barriers to consumers purchasing bioplastics are also integral factors to study for the commercialization of bioplastics. (Edina et al. 2023) reviewed 67 scientific journal articles for understanding the consumers\u0026rsquo; nature towards the application of bioplastics. The majority of studies examined the applicability of bioplastic in packaging primarily to food and beverage, utilizing consumer surveys that focused on investigating consumer preferences and willingness to pay for bioplastics (Boz et al 2023). However, aspects such as knowledge and awareness of consumers, and their post-purchase behavior, including product usage and disposal, received comparatively less attention. It is worth noting that most of these studies relied on textual or oral stimuli, with real product stimuli being rarely employed. The findings of the analysis highlighted various obstacles to purchasing bioplastics, including consumers\u0026rsquo; limited awareness regarding the environmental impact, characteristics like material source and end-of-life properties of bioplastics, as well as their uncertainty regarding differentiating bioplastics from traditional plastics. Consumer drivers for purchasing bioplastics were identified, including positive consumer attitudes, access to product information, and consumers' environmentally conscious values. Additionally, bioplastic products aligned with consumer preferences, such as affordability, a biogenic resource base, and locally sourced materials, were influential factors in consumer purchases. Research studies have indicated that providing consumers with information about bioplastics influences their willingness to pay for such products. The review of existing literature identified gaps in research, specifically emphasizing the importance of conducting cross-cultural studies, employing non-hypothetical research designs, and analyzing labeling systems associated with bioplastic products.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMaterials\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlycerol: Glycerol is employed as a plasticizer to produce starch-based biodegradable films. It breaks the current hydrogen bonds between hydroxyl groups in starch molecules and forms new hydrogen bonds with starch.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSorbitol: It is a commonly used plasticizer having a molecular weight of 182.17 g/mol which is greater than those of other commonly used plasticizers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVinegar: 6% vinegar in an acetic acid solution liberates acetate ions and hydrogen ions in the solution. This can be necessary because ions react with the starch polymers and build them disordered a lot simply within the solution. This disorder, resulting from the water's disruption and the acetic acid's ionization, makes the cast film more homogenous.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorn Starch: One of the most abundant agro cereals planted on earth is corn. It contains amylose (around 27%) and amylopectin (around 73%) used as a matrix for bioplastic production.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotato Starch: Potato starch is a commercial product consisting of 79% amylopectin and 21% amylose.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExtraction of starch:\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than directly using corn and potato starch available in the market, the extraction methods were performed to obtain them for the desired experiment. The process starts with washing and boiling 100 gms of corn for an hour, followed by grinding with 100 mL of purified water. The mixture was filtered and the leftover solid mass was put into the beaker. For obtaining more starch, repeated the procedure five times. The blend was kept undisturbed for 5\u0026ndash;10 min allowing the starch to settle in the beaker. The excess water is removed. Fresh water is added to remove impurities present in it until white starch is obtained.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotato starch was extracted from potato peels which were granulated and centrifuged to obtain a mixture. The mixture was kept undisturbed for 5\u0026ndash;10 min allowing the starch to settle in the beaker followed by filtration with water. The starch was then dried at 50\u0026deg;C for 2 hr. Thus, we were able to produce starch through two different sources, i.e., corn, potato as well as potato starch.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExperiments Conducted\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn order to optimize the physical characteristic of the bioplastic it is important to determine the right combination. For doing so, the amount of plasticizer is varied by performing the following experiments.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExperiment 1: The milky white watery mixture was made by adding 10gm corn starch, 7.5 ml glycerol, 7.5 ml white vinegar, and 60 ml distilled water mixed in a beaker and stirred continuously. The beaker was then placed on an electric heater and the mixture was continuously stirred till it became thick and translucent. The mixture was removed from the heater after 3 min when it reaches the temperature of 73˚C. Then the heated mixture was spread on the aluminum foil or on the petri dish. The sample was dried undisturbed at room temperature for three days.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExperiment 2: For the 2nd experiment, 10 gm corn starch, 7.5gm glycerine, 7.5 ml white vinegar, and 60 ml distilled water were taken along with 7.5g of another plasticizer sorbitol. Further steps were the same as that of Experiment 1.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExperiment 3: In the 3rd experiment, the starch extracted from the potatoes taken along with 7.5gm glycerin, 7.5 white vinegar, and 60 ml of water.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExperiment 4: Sorbitol is added to the sample with the same composition as the sample in Experiment 3.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe samples obtained from all four experiments were kept in the electric oven for 20 to 30 minutes of time for heating so that most of the moisture will be dried off and the samples become non-sticky. Figure\u0026nbsp;4. shows the bioplastic mixture after removing it from the heating stove.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBioplastic Testing\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bioplastic produced from corn and potato starch without sorbitol is hard, lacks plasticity, and tends to break when bent whereas bioplastic produced from corn and potato starch with sorbitol is soft, elastic, and flexible. For a proper evaluation of the mechanical properties of the samples, the following tests were performed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTensile and Elongation Test\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn order to evaluate the tensile characteristics of the bioplastics, the samples were subjected to standardized testing, ASTM D 882:2012. This test method involves analyzing the thin plastic sheeting by applying tensile force on the material until it breaks, allowing the measurement of its yield strength, Young\u0026rsquo;s modulus, elongation, and tensile strength at break. The results obtained from the testing procedure are presented in Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. The tensile strength values are expressed in megapascals (MPa), while the elongation values are presented as percentages.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTensile and Elongation Test Result for Corn Starch Bioplastic.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSr. No.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTest Parameter\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObservation\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTest Method\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTensile Strength, MPa\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.68\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eASTM D 882:2012\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElongation Strength, percent\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eASTM D 882:2012\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTensile and Elongation Test Result for Potato Starch Bioplastic.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSr. No.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTest Parameter\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObservations\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTest Method\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTensile Strength (MPa)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.49\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eASTM D 882:2012\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElongation Strength (percent)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eASTM D 882:2012\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Absorption Test\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderstanding water absorption characteristics is crucial for evaluating the performance and durability of bioplastics in different environments. It is also essential to evaluate their suitability for applications where exposure to moisture or water is common, such as agricultural films, food packaging, or single-use items. Understanding how bioplastics absorb water and potentially degrade in aquatic environments helps us determine their environmental impact and potential for pollution. ASTM D570 is commonly used in the plastics industry to assess the ability of a material to absorb water and evaluate its potential for dimensional changes or degradation when exposed to moisture. The ASTM D570 test measures the percentage of water absorbed and helps to determine the material's equilibrium moisture content (EMC).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shape and size of the samples required for the test depend on the material and its intended application. As our sample is small having a diameter of 12 cm, we will cut them into 2\u0026rdquo; *2\u0026rdquo; square-shaped pieces. Accurately weigh the conditioned specimens before testing. This initial weight is used as a reference point. Immerse the specimens in distilled water or expose them to a high-humidity environment, depending on the testing requirements. Take 24 hours as an evaluation period. After the specified immersion time, remove the specimens from the water and carefully dry their surfaces using a blotting material to remove any surface moisture. Immediately weigh the specimens after drying to determine the weight gained due to water absorption. Calculate the percentage of water absorption using the following formula and record the water absorption percentage for each specimen tested and report the average value.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater Absorption (%) = [(W₂ - W₁) / W₁] x 100\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewhere W₁ and W₂ are the weight of the specimen before and after immersion.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater Absorption test results\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSample\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorn Starch\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotato Starch\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnit\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDry Weight\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.82\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.15\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003egrams\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWet Weight\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.0\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003egrams\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e% Absorption\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e9.89\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11.627\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's important to note that the ASTM D570 standard provides a guideline for testing water absorption in plastics but does not specify pass/fail criteria. The acceptability of a material's water absorption rate depends on its intended application and the specific requirements of the industry or product standard. By conducting the ASTM D570 test, manufacturers and researchers can gain valuable information about a material's behavior when exposed to water, helping them make informed decisions about its suitability for various applications, such as outdoor equipment, piping systems, or electronic components.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDegradation Test\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderstanding the degradation properties of bioplastics helps in determining appropriate end-of-life management strategies. If bioplastic is designed to biodegrade in a specific environment, such as composting or soil, it can be directed to the appropriate waste management stream, reducing the burden on landfills or other waste disposal methods.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are several standard tests available to determine the biodegradability of bioplastics, including the following:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eASTM D6400: This test is specific to compostable plastics and measures their ability to biodegrade in a controlled composting environment. It assesses the disintegration of the material, as well as the conversion of the material into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eISO 17556: This international standard provides guidelines for determining the biodegradation of plastics in marine environments. The test assesses plastic samples' disintegration and potentially harmful microplastic formation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eASTM D7075: This test method evaluates the anaerobic biodegradation potential of plastic materials in a laboratory setting. It measures the production of biogas, including methane and carbon dioxide, as indicators of the material's biodegradation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results and Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eUpon analyzing the data, it becomes evident that the corn starch bioplastics exhibit higher tensile and elongation strength compared to the potato starch bioplastics. These findings indicate that the incorporation of corn starch in the bioplastic formulation contributes to improved mechanical properties, making it a more promising material in terms of tensile strength and elongation. The water absorption test reveals that the produced bioplastic absorbs less water compared to other existing bioplastics. When buried in a beaker containing moist soil, the samples provided degradation test data. It was observed that the potato starch samples tend to degrade early as compared to the corn-starch samples. The biodegradability increases with the addition of plasticizer sorbitol.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis information is significant for further research and development in the field of bioplastics, as it highlights the potential of corn starch-based bioplastics as a viable alternative in various applications.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eEffects of plasticizer\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eGlycerol and sorbitol compete with water to occupy hydrophilic active sites available thus reducing moisture content of the bioplastics. Film moisture content increases when glycerol content reaches 10\u0026ndash;12% of starch.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere are certain factors that could increase the durability of the bioplastic. Some of the optimizing factors are starch source selection, cross-linking, and reinforcements. Choose starch sources with higher amylose content and smaller granule size. This selection promotes higher tensile strength and lower water absorptivity. Varieties of corn and potato starch with these characteristics can be beneficial. The incorporation of reinforcing agents into the starch matrix enhances tensile strength and reduces water absorption.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eApplications of Bioplastic\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlthough bioplastic finds its application in various domains, the ones below justify the physical properties of the produced bioplastic having low tensile strength, low water absorption, and high elasticity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAgriculture\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eBioplastics find applications in agriculture, particularly for mulching films. These films are laid on land and have cuttings at intervals for plantation purposes. They are used to control weed growth, retain moisture, and improve soil quality. Biodegradable mulching films eliminate the need for removal after use, reducing labor and environmental impact.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMedical Sector\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eMedical packaging, prosthetics, and implants are the key areas in which plastic is extensively used in the medical sector. As microplastic could easily pass through biological barriers (Binelli et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e), the persistent contact of plastic with the body surface or the operated organs causes the microplastic to penetrate the body. Once it makes its way into the biological system, it starts its detrimental effect causing oxidative stress, toxicity in body cells, neurons, and reproductive tracks, carcinogenicity, disruption in the immune system, alteration in metabolism, translocation of cells, and inflammation (Bhuyan et al., 2022).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBioplastics are a possible solution to this problem as they are non-reactive and do not release harmful chemicals that could interfere with the biological system. Also, the ability of the bioplastic to get molded into complex shapes, its lightweight nature, and its durability make it an ideal material to be used for making medical equipment like sutures, drug delivery systems, syringes, implants, and other surgical equipment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEdibles\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eGelatin has its own importance in pharmaceutical manufacturing as it is easily soluble and non-reactive but the main concern is its source of extraction, mainly from animal collagen from cows or pigs. The bioplastic obtained can be used as an alternative to gelatin as it contains all edible components including sorbitol, in fact, sorbitol is majorly used as an artificial sweetening agent. Thus, this bioplastic can be used as a covering material for medicines.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePackaging\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eBioplastics are commonly used in packaging materials, including bottles, films, and trays. They can be used for food packaging, cosmetics, and various consumer products. Bioplastics offer similar functionalities to conventional plastics but with the advantage of being biodegradable or compostable, reducing waste and pollution.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDisposable cutlery and food containers\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eSingle-use items like cutlery, cups, and food containers are often made from bioplastics. These items are typically used in food service industries and events, providing a more sustainable alternative to conventional plastic products.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTextiles and fibers\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eBioplastics can be processed into fibers for use in textile applications. They are used in clothing, upholstery, carpets, and other textile products. Bioplastic fibers can offer advantages such as improved breathability and reduced environmental impact compared to synthetic fibers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e3D printing\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eBioplastics are used as filaments in 3D printing, enabling the production of biodegradable or compostable objects. This application offers a more sustainable option for manufacturing prototypes, custom parts, and small-scale production.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eConsumer goods\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eBioplastics are increasingly used in various consumer goods, such as toys, electronics, and stationery. These products can be made from biodegradable or compostable bioplastics, contributing to waste reduction.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eMarket Study:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe global production capacity of bioplastics was observed to be increased by 16% in 2021 to 2.4\u0026nbsp;million metric tons. Out of which the biodegradable bioplastics accounted for 1.6\u0026nbsp;million metric tons, which is just two-thirds of the total production (Jan-Georg et al., 2022). On the other hand, the annual production of conventional plastic is greater than 380\u0026nbsp;million tonnes. The growth of the bioplastics market can be attributed to factors such as increasing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products, stringent government regulations and policies promoting the use of biodegradable and renewable materials, and rising awareness about reducing plastic waste and carbon footprint.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt is worth mentioning that the market size can vary across regions and depends on factors such as the level of industrial development, government support, and consumer awareness. Europe and North America have traditionally been the largest markets for bioplastics due to favorable regulatory frameworks and consumer preferences for sustainable products. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth in the bioplastics market due to increasing industrialization, urbanization, and rising environmental concerns. The market is moderately consolidated, with large companies such as NatureWorks LLC, Total Corbion PLA, BASF SE, Biome Technologies plc present, PTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd., as well as some small and medium-sized global and regional businesses.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe future of biodegradable plastics shows great potential, and various research is being carried out to make an effective bioplastic. In our research, we prepared bioplastic from corn and potato starch. The tests carried out for physical properties reveal that the bioplastic possesses higher elongation and less water absorptivity. The major advantages of bioplastics include their reduced carbon footprint, energy efficiency, eco-safety, and recyclability. However, they also have disadvantages including their thermal instability and higher cost. The tensile strength and elasticity of the bioplastic can be changed by varying the concentration of the plasticizer. The main limitation of bioplastic entering the market is uncertain feelings about bioplastics and a lack of general knowledge. Bioplastics can also be fabricated from various materials like sugarcane, jute, rice straw, etc.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding:\u003c/strong\u003e The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting Interests:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor Contributions:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eAll the authors were responsible for the conceptualization of the work. Manuscript preparation (TK, YU, and SB). Editing and formatting (TK and YU).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical approval:\u003c/strong\u003e Not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to participate:\u003c/strong\u003e Not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Publish:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eAll authors give our consent for the publication of the data provided in the manuscript including all the photographs to be published and made available online.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA.B.D. Nandiyanto, M. Fiandini, R. Ragadhita, A. Sukmafitri, H. Salam, F. Triawan. (2020). Mechanical and biodegradation properties of cornstarch-based bioplastic material. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18720/MPM.4432020_9\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAhmed Edhirej, S. M. Sapuan, Mohammad Jawaid, Nur Ismarrubie Zahari. \u0026quot;Tensile, barrier, dynamic mechanical, and biodegradation properties of cassava/sugar palm fiber reinforced cassava starch hybrid composites\u0026quot;, BioResources, 2017. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15376/biores.12.4.7145-7160\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBaeza-Mart\u0026iacute;nez, C., Olmos, S., Gonz\u0026aacute;lez-Pleiter, M., L\u0026oacute;pezCastellanos, J., Garc\u0026iacute;a-Pach\u0026oacute;n, E., Masi\u0026aacute;-Canuto, M., Hern\u0026aacute;ndez-Blasco, L., \u0026amp; Bayo, J. (2022). First evidence of microplastics isolated in European citizens\u0026rsquo; lower airway. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129439\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBhuyan, M. (2022). Effects of microplastics on fish and in human health. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 10, 1\u0026ndash;17. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.827289\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBinelli, A., Pietrelli, L., Di Vito, S., Coscia, L., Sighicelli, M., Della Torre, C., Parenti, C. C., \u0026amp; Magni, S. (2020). Hazard evaluation of plastic mixtures from four Italian subalpine great lakes on the basis of laboratory exposures of zebra mussels. Science of the Total Environment, 699, 1\u0026ndash;31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134366\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoz, Ziynet \u0026amp; Korhonen, Virpi \u0026amp; Sand, Claire. (2020). Consumer Considerations for the Implementation of Sustainable Packaging: A Review. Sustainability. 12. 2192. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12062192\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEdina Findrik, Oliver Meixner (2023) Drivers and barriers for consumers purchasing bioplastics \u0026ndash; A systematic literature review, Journal of Cleaner Production, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137311\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJan-Georg Rosenboom, Robert Langer \u0026amp; Giovanni Traverso. (2022). Bioplastics for a circular economy. Nature Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-021-00407-8\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarichelvam, M. K., Jawaid, M., \u0026amp; Asim, M. (2019). Corn and Rice Starch-Based Bio-Plastics as Alternative Packaging Materials. \u003cem\u003eFibers\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e7\u003c/em\u003e(4), 32. https://doi.org/10.3390/fib7040032Mohammad\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMohommad Asaduzzaman Chowdhury, Nayem Hossain, M.D. Badrudduza, Md. Masud Rana\u003csup\u003e \u003c/sup\u003e(2023) Development and characterization of natural sourced bioplastic for food packaging applications, Heliyon. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13538\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNiklas D\u0026ouml;hler, Claudia Wellenreuther, Andr\u0026eacute; Wolf\u003csup\u003e \u003c/sup\u003e(2022) Market dynamics of biodegradable bio-based plastics: Projections and linkages to European policies, EFB Bioeconomy Journal, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioeco.2022.100028\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePatrick Ehi Imoisili \u0026amp; Tien-Chien Jen. (2023). Synthesis and characterization of bioplastic films from potato peel starch; effect of glycerol as plasticizer. Materials today proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.05.565\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSridharan, S., Kumar, M., Singh, L., Bolan, N. S., \u0026amp; Saha, M. (2021). Microplastics as an emerging source of particulate air pollution: A critical review. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 418, 1\u0026ndash;15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. jhazmat.2021.126245\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"Vishwakarma Institute of Technology Pune","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Bioplastic, Microplastic, Biodegradability, Water adsorption, Corn Starch, Potato Starch, and Sorbitol","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3865690/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3865690/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003ePlastic has become an inevitable part of our daily life. According to OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), around 460\u0026nbsp;million tonnes of plastic is produced worldwide, of which merely 9% plastic waste gets recycled while 22% is mismanaged. This causes severe hazards to the environment and lifeforms. In order to overcome this problem, bio-plastics are introduced. They are considered green materials substitutes for plastics which are environment-friendly and biodegradable. Bioplastic can be prepared from renewable resources consisting of biomass mainly starch, cellulose, etc. This paper presents a detailed process of preparation of bioplastic from corn and potato starch followed by its mechanical strength testing. Also, the real-life applications of the obtained bioplastic are discussed. The bioplastic produced initially lacks plasticity so sorbitol was added as a plasticizer. The newly prepared bioplastic has higher elongation and less water absorptivity. Hence it can be concluded that the bioplastic obtained meets the requirement to be considered as an alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastic.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Bioplastic Production from Corn and Potato Starch and Its Industrial Applications","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-01-16 18:48:33","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3865690/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"51666486-b77a-43a4-9674-0f78a606238b","owner":[],"postedDate":"January 16th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":28140020,"name":"Environmental Engineering"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-01-16T18:48:33+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-01-16 18:48:33","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-3865690","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-3865690","identity":"rs-3865690","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"rHA-KDH7Qsr4HCuvH75dn","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}

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