Irradiated and Ultrasonication‐Induced Structural Modifications of Indian Teff (Eragrostis tef) Starch and Its Application in Preparation of Biofilms

This study investigates the development and characterization of biofilms produced from physically modified teff starch. Biofilms were fabricated using the solution casting, incorporating glycerol and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as plasticizers. Key properties analyzed included surface morphology, thickness, moisture content, solubility, and mechanical performance. The water vapor permeability (WVP) of biofilms was improved in films prepared from heat‐moisture treated starch (HMF: 3.51 × 10 − ⁸ g/m 2 /s/Pa), ultrasonicated starch (USF1: 3.89 × 10 − ⁸ g/m 2 /s/Pa; USF2: 3.97 × 10 − ⁸ g/m 2 /s/Pa), and gamma‐irradiated starch (GIF1: 3.52 × 10 − ⁸ g/m 2 /s/Pa; GIF2: 3.43 × 10 − ⁸ g/m 2 /s/Pa) compared to native starch films (NF: 4.09 × 10 − ⁸ g/m 2 /s/Pa). Oxygen permeability (OP) decreased in HMF (17.54 g/g) and USF1, USF2 films (21.35 and 12.44 g/g, respectively), indicating improved barrier performance, whereas it increased slightly in GIF1 and GIF2 (26.73 and 28.55 g/g, respectively). The tensile strength of the films ranged from 3.07 to 4.72 MPa, while elongation at break varied between 37.84% and 38.57%. All films exhibited complete biodegradation within 7 days under soil burial conditions. Biofilms from heat‐moisture‐treated teff starch showed the best overall performance, meeting packaging needs and offering strong potential as sustainable, biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics for medical and agricultural use.