Project is conducted at Aalto University, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, in CHEMARTS laboratory.
All thanks to CHEMARTS for possibility to make this project!
Development by Elizaveta Lingonberg
2024
Polysaccharides Plastic
Overcoming Water Sensitivity
A cellophane-like by sound and texture
Handles water
Each year, about 430 million metric tons of plastic are produced globally, with 36% used for packaging, the largest source of single-use plastic waste.
Can biopolymers, specifically polysaccharides, replace conventional plastic?
What are Polysacchirides?
Polysaccharides, the most abundant macromolecules in nature, obtained from various sources, from plants and fruits to algae and shrimp shells.
They are complex carbohydrates composed of long chains of monosaccharide units. They play various roles in plants, fruits, and shells, such as structural support and energy storage. Isolated mechanically or chemically, they are turned into powder and used in various applications like food, cosmetics etc. Examples of polysaccharides include:
From Plants:
Cellulose: A structural component in plant cell walls
Starch: A storage polysaccharide found in seeds, tubers and roots.
From Fruits:
Pectin: Found in fruit cell walls, particularly in apples and citrus fruits. It's used in food as a gelling agent, for example in making jams.
From Shells:
Chitin: Present in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects, and in fungi cell walls. It provides rigidity and protection.
Isolated, it can be turned into chitosan and used for example in coatings.
The Challenge of Water Sensitivity in Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides are abundant, bio-based, biocompatible, and have excellent film-forming abilities, making them ideal for various applications. However, their sensitivity to water limits their use -> natural polymers tend to absorb moisture, compromising the films' durability and mechanical properties. Overcoming this challenge would expand their use in material area.
Future plans: Continuing working on films!
Polysaccharides Soft Foam
Same polysaccharides can be used to fabricate bio-based soft foam which can be potentially used in the packaging. Find about it HERE:
Dissolvable packaging:
see about it Here!
Water sensitivity can be useful in certain packaging applications:
Special Thanks:
to Prof. Tapani Vuorinen, Janika Lehtonen, Prof. Pirjo Kääriäinen, Anna Van Der Lei and amazing colleague Pia Johansson
Project from March 2024
Last update August 2024