Interfacial behavior of a polylactic acid active packaging film dictates its performance in complex food matrices

The convergence of food wasted due to spoilage and disposal single use, non-compostable plastic packaging presents a significant economic environmental burden. ongoing market trend reducing additive use in foods generates an opportunity extend shelf life through alternative means. Active technologies which seek ‘clean label’ product at the post-retail level using bioderived polymers thus represents unique solution volumes both municipal solid waste. An understanding active interfacial behavior is necessary predict performance complex systems. Here we present characterization carboxylate pKa for polylactic acid (PLA) films grafted with antioxidant nitrilotriacetic (NTA), PLA-g-NTA. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used determine values 3.97 8.99 carboxylic groups NTA pH dependent ABTS radical scavenging assay performed value 6.74 tertiary amine NTA. These results indicate PLA-g-NTA would be useful as material interface above 6.74, electron transfer from deprotonated shown largest driver capacity. Utilizing biodegradable such gives way protect oxidation while meeting consumer demands reduced towards goal waste impact petroleum based single-use plastics.