Development and characterization of gelatin-starch bioplastics: A comparative study of cassava, corn, and rice-based alternatives

The increasing global challenge of plastic pollution necessitates the exploration of sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. This study investigates the development of bioplastics using pharmaceutical gelatin residue combined with starches derived from cassava, corn, and rice. The primary objective is to enhance bioplastic formulations by evaluating their mechanical, thermal, and biodegradability characteristics. The bioplastics were subjected to Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess their properties. The results indicate that cassava-based bioplastics exhibit superior hardness, water absorption, and biodegradation rate performance compared to their corn and rice counterparts. Specifically, cassava bioplastics demonstrated a hardness of 57.2 N, a water absorption capacity of 139.8 %, and a biodegradation rate of 67.0 % after 7 days. These findings underscore the potential of cassava-based bioplastics as viable, sustainable alternatives derived from renewable resources, offering an environmentally friendly solution to reduce plastic waste across various sectors, including packaging and agriculture.