Measurement of the biodegradation of starch-based materials by enzymatic methods and composting |
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Authors: | Minna Vikman Merja Itävaara Kaisa Poutanen |
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Institution: | (1) VTT Biotechnology and Food Research, P.O. Box 1500, FIN-02044 VTT, Finland |
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Abstract: | The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of in vitro enzymatic methods for assaying the biodegradability of new starch-based biopolymers. The materials studied included commercial starch-based materials and thermoplastic starch films prepared by extrusion from glycerol and native potato starch, native barley starch, or crosslinked amylomaize starch. Enzymatic hydrolysis was performed using excessBacillus licheniformis -amylase andAspergillus niger glucoamylase at 37°C and 80°C. The degree of degradation was determined by measuring the dissolved carbohydrates and the weight loss of the samples. Biodegradation was also determined by incubating the samples in a compost environment and measuring the weight loss after composting. The results indicated that the enzymatic method is a rapid means of obtaining preliminary information about the biodegradability of starch-based materials. Other methods are needed to investigate more accurately the extent of biodegradability, especially in the case of complex materials in which starch is blended with other polymers. |
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Keywords: | Composting starch-based biopolymers enzymatic degradation biodegradation |
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