According to a new study by the University of Georgia's Family and Consumer Sciences, bioplastics made from proteins such as proteins and whey have significant antibacterial properties. This bioplastic can be used in medical applications such as sutures, drugs, delivery Catheters and healing dressings can also be used for food packaging.
The researchers tested three non-traditional bioplastic materials used to replace conventional plastics—protein, whey, and soy protein—that were found to reduce the risk of contamination. For example, when the protein (protein in egg white) is mixed with a conventional plasticizer, it shows strong antibacterial properties. "Experiments have found that there will be no bacterial growth on this plastic," said Alex Jones. "Bacteria cannot survive on this plastic."
One of the researchers’ goals is to make every effort to reduce the amount of petroleum used in traditional plastic products. Another goal is to find a biodegradable bioplastic. And albumin glycerol mixed bioplastic meets both criteria.
"If you put it in a landfill, this pure protein will break down," he said. "If you bury it in the earth, these plastics will disappear in a month or two." The next step will be to further analyze the potential of this protein-based bioplastic in biomedical and food packaging applications in order to kill bacteria or prevent their spread to 100% antibacterial effects.
Second, packaging will interact with consumers in a more subtle way. This is a continuing challenge for packaging designers. Packages that match simple labels may choose more transparent packaging or "window-opening" methods to make them more open to consumers;
Third, antioxidants can prevent rancidity of the product, and packaging can be done. When choosing simple labels and simple packaging, you can also choose high barrier ingredients to slow down the speed of food rancidity.