Development of antibacterial bioplastic from PVA and corn starch for packaging applications

Persistent plastic packaging waste demands sustainable alternatives; bioplastics from accessible resources offer a promising solution. Using a straightforward solution casting technique, a bioplastic film based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), corn starch, acetic acid (vinegar), glycerol, and a commercial antibacterial agent was created and systematically characterized. Structure-property interactions were examined by systematically varying the PVA-to-starch ratio. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a transition from a smooth, continuous PVA-rich matrix to a heterogeneous morphology with increasing starch content, while Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy verified successful component integration. Higher PVA content resulted in better mechanical strength (up to 3.61 MPa) and thermal stability (residual mass of 36.62% at 316°C). Antibacterial activity assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli showed zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 12 mm and 10 mm, respectively. Overall, this work demonstrates that a balanced combination of mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties can be achieved using readily available ingredients, offering a practical framework for inexpensive bioplastic materials for flexible packaging applications.