Bioplastics are becoming increasingly interesting as a packaging material for medical devices. Researchers of the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences tested three different materials from protein sources – albumin, whey and soy proteins. The scientists discovered that the materials, especially albumin that is found in egg whites, have antibacterial properties if blended with plasticizers such as glycerol.<\/p>\n
According to the scientists, this could not only make them suitable for packaging, but also for use in wound healing dressings, sutures, catheter tubes and drug delivery. \u201cIt was found that it had complete inhibition, as in no bacteria would grow on the plastic once applied,” explained Alex Jones, a PhD who was part of the research group. “The bacteria wouldn’t be able to live on it.” According to the study, the albumin\u2013glycerol and whey\u2013glycerol didn\u2019t show any signs of bacterial growth after 24 h of inoculation.<\/p>\n
Discoveries like this might lead to the replacement of oil-based plastics in the industry. Currently, about five percent of the world’s total oil consumption is used in the production of plastics. The bioplastics might not only reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturers, but also make packaging biodegradable. “If you put it in a landfill, this being pure protein, it will break down,” Jones explained. “If you put it in soil for a month–at most two months–these plastics will disappear.”<\/p>\n