Preparation and Characterization of Novel Green Seaweed Films from <i>Ulva rigida</i>

oleh: Uruchaya Sonchaeng, Phanwipa Wongphan, Wanida Pan-utai, Yupadee Paopun, Wiratchanee Kansandee, Prajongwate Satmalee, Montakan Tamtin, Prapat Kosawatpat, Nathdanai Harnkarnsujarit

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2023-08-01

Deskripsi

<i>Ulva rigida</i> green seaweed is an abundant biomass consisting of polysaccharides and protein mixtures and a potential bioresource for bioplastic food packaging. This research prepared and characterized novel biodegradable films from <i>Ulva rigida</i> extracts. The water-soluble fraction of <i>Ulva rigida</i> was extracted and prepared into bioplastic films. <sup>1</sup>H nuclear magnetic resonance indicated the presence of rhamnose, glucuronic and sulfate polysaccharides, while major amino acid components determined via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were aspartic acid, glutamic acid, alanine and glycine. Seaweed extracts were formulated with glycerol and triethyl citrate (20% and 30%) and prepared into films. <i>Ulva rigida</i> films showed non-homogeneous microstructures, as determined via scanning electron microscopy, due to immiscible crystalline component mixtures. X-ray diffraction also indicated modified crystalline morphology due to different plasticizers, while infrared spectra suggested interaction between plasticizers and <i>Ulva rigida</i> polymers via hydrogen bonding. The addition of glycerol decreased the glass transition temperature of the films from −36 °C for control films to −62 °C for films with 30% glycerol, indicating better plasticization. Water vapor and oxygen permeability were retained at up to 20% plasticizer content, and further addition of plasticizers increased the water permeability up to 6.5 g·mm/m<sup>2</sup>·day·KPa, while oxygen permeability decreased below 20 mL·mm/m<sup>2</sup>·day·atm when blending plasticizers at 30%. Adding glycerol efficiently improved tensile stress and strain by up to 4- and 3-fold, respectively. Glycerol-plasticized <i>Ulva rigida</i> extract films were produced as novel bio-based materials that supported sustainable food packaging.