Evaluación de la biodegradación y propiedades mecánicas de diferentes formulaciones de bioplástico obtenidas a partir del aprovechamiento de colágeno residual y almidón de papa (Solanum tuberosum)

Abstract

Plastic pollution is one of the most critical problems we face, as the population continues to prefer this material for its versatility in daily life. However, the accumulation of plastics causes serious problems in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, affecting all beings that inhabit them. In addition, poor waste management has similar repercussions. This study focused on evaluating the biodegradation and mechanical properties of a bioplastic made from biopolymers recovered from organic waste, such as starch and collagen. For the production of bioplastics, collagen and starch were extracted by thermal hydrolysis and the wet method. Different formulations were used, varying the concentrations of starch and collagen, and two plasticizers were used: polyvinyl alcohol and glycerin. The aim was to develop a rapidly degrading material with optimal mechanical strength characteristics. It was determined that the most efficient collagen extraction was achieved at 120 minutes, with the highest yield. The presence of glycerin increased the flexibility of the sheets, while polyvinyl alcohol gave them more rigidity. The sample with a 1:1 ratio of flesh collagen showed higher tensile strength compared to the others. In biodegradation tests, faster decay was observed in water than on land; On land, the sheets with flesh collagen degraded more quickly. Therefore, it can be deduced that sheets made with flesh collagen and wet blue have optimal characteristics for the manufacture of bioplastics.