Home Preparation and properties of biodegradable antibacterial polylactic acid/modified chitin antibacterial agent composites
Article
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

Preparation and properties of biodegradable antibacterial polylactic acid/modified chitin antibacterial agent composites

  • Yuhan Zhang , Kang Zhang , Rui Zhang , Lisha Pan EMAIL logo , Nai Xu and Yuhong Feng
Published/Copyright: June 25, 2025
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill

Abstract

As a biodegradable material, polylactic acid (PLA) is widely used in healthcare industries, however, its bacterial properties cannot meet the requirements. Chitin, a natural antibacterial agent, is difficult to directly melt blend with PLA due to agglomeration. In order to enhance the compatibility between chitin and PLA, in this study, firstly, chitin was decomposed by cellulase to prepare enzymolysis chitin (EC). The viscosity and particle size of EC were measured and the optimal enzymolysis conditions were chosen. Then, the modified chitin antibacterial agent (MCAA) was prepared by mixing EC with glyceryl triacetate (GTA) and polyethyleneglycol (PEG), and the biodegradable PLA/MCAA composite was prepared by melt blending. Finally, the tensile, thermal, antibacterial properties, and the micromorphology of the PLA/MCAA composite were investigated. The results show that at a pH of 6.4 and a temperature of 55 °C, EC exhibited low viscosity and particle size after an enzymatic hydrolysis time of 4.5 h. Compared with PLA, PLA/MCAA composite exhibited better antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, in comparison to the PLA/chitin composite, there was less agglomeration in the PLA/MCAA composite, and the particle distribution of MCAA was more uniform.


Corresponding author: Lisha Pan, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China, E-mail:

Funding source: The authors are grateful for the financial support from the National Science Foundation of China

Award Identifier / Grant number: 22268017

  1. Research ethics: Not applicable.

  2. Informed consent: Informed consent was obtained from all individuals included in this study, or their legal guardians or wards.

  3. Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

  4. Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.

  5. Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.

  6. Research funding: The authors are grateful for the financial support from the National Science Foundation of China (22268017).

  7. Data availability: Data will be made available on request.

References

Amiri, S., Moghanjougi, Z.M., Bari, M.R., and Khaneghah, A.M. (2021). Natural protective agents and their applications as bio-preservatives in the food industry. Ital. J. Food Sci. 33: 55–68, https://doi.org/10.15586/ijfs.v33iSP1.2045.Search in Google Scholar

Collazo-Bigliardi, S., Ortega-Toro, R., and Chiralt, A. (2019). Using grafted poly(ε-caprolactone) for the compatibilization of thermoplastic starch-polylactic acid blends. React. Funct. Polym. 142: 25–35, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2019.05.013.Search in Google Scholar

Congde, Q., Fuyan, H., Zhizhou, Y., Yingkai, L., and Jinshui, Y. (2021). Experimental teaching reform of polymer molecular weight measurement by viscometry. Chinese Polym. Bull. 269: 74–78.Search in Google Scholar

Dexing, S., Zhiqing, T., and Jin, S. (1997). Structure and properties of chitosan fibers. Journal of China Text. Appar. Univ. 01: 63–69.Search in Google Scholar

El-Saber Batiha, G., Hussein, D.E., Algammal, A.M., George, T.T., Jeandet, P., Al-Snafi, A.E., Tiwari, A., Pagnossa, J.P., Lima, C.M., Thorat, N.D., et al.. (2021). Application of natural antimicrobials in food preservation: recent views. Food Control 126: 108066, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108066.Search in Google Scholar

Guicui, C., Lei, Z., and Lifeng, Z. (2016). Development of antibacterial blended yarn with three components of chitin fiber. Cotton Text. Technol. 44: 36–39.Search in Google Scholar

Hong, S., Yang, Q., Yuan, Y., Ling, C., Yandan, S., and Lanlian, H. (2019). Sustainable co-solvent induced one step extraction of low molecular weight chitin with high purity from raw lobster shell. Carbohydr. Polym. 205: 236–243, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.10.045.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Hongli, Z., Xu, Z., Qi, C., Shuangquan, W., Xiaoqiang, W., Na, P., Danlin, Z., Jinfeng, L., and Huan, X. (2022). Facile fabrication of chitin/ZnO composite hydrogels for infected wound healing. Biomater. Sci. 10: 5888–5899, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2bm00340f.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Ifuku, S., Nogi, S., Abe, K., Yoshioka, M., Morimoto, M., Saimoto, H., and Yano, H. (2009). Preparation of chitin nanofibers with a uniform width as α-chitin from crab shells. Biomacromolecules 10: 1584–1588, https://doi.org/10.1021/bm900163d.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Jiahui, W., Tenggen, H., Hong, W., Minhua, Z., Hong, W., and Peng, W. (2022). Electrospinning of PLA nanofibers: recent advances and its potential application for food packaging. J. Agric. Food Chem. 70: 8207–8221, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.2c02611.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Johana, A., Chelo, G.M., and Amparo, C. (2022). Antimicrobial PLA-PVA multilayer films containing phenolic compounds. Food Chem. 375: 131861, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131861.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Kritchenkov, A. S., Kletskov, A. V., Egorov, A. R., Tskhovrebov, A. G., Kurliuk, A. V., Zhaliazniak, N. V., Shakola, T. V., and Khrustalev, V. N. (2020). New water-soluble chitin derivative with high antibacterial properties for potential application in active food coatings. Food Chem. 343: 0308–8146, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.128696.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Lili, S., Yunfeng, G., Jing, F., Xinyan, F., Yanjun, X., Zefang, X., Haigang, W., Daxin, L., and Yonggui, W. (2022). Alkyl thiol grafted silver nanoparticle-decorated cellulose nanocrystals on poly (lactic acid) composites for enhanced antibacterial activity and toughening effects. Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf. 163: 107231, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2022.107231.Search in Google Scholar

Linqiang, Y., Meiting, W., and Liwei, J. (2017). Preparation and performance study of cyanuric chloride-oil-based amine modified polylactic acid/wood flour composites. Chin. Acad. For. Sci. 37: 53–60.Search in Google Scholar

Ma, Z.Z. and Tang, R.C. (2017). Preparation of silver nanoparticles by using the hydrolyzates of poly (lactic acid) and their application for the antibacterial functionalization of poly (lactic acid) non-woven fabric. Mater. Res. Express 4: 035009, https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/aa5dd0.Search in Google Scholar

Meizhen, Z. (2011). Polymer research methods. China Light Industry Press, Beijing, China.Search in Google Scholar

Mok, C.F., Ching, Y.C., Abu Osman, N.A., Muhamad, F., Mohd Junaidi, M.U., and Choo, J.H. (2020). Preparation and characterization study on maleic acid cross-linked poly (vinyl alcohol)/chitin/nanocellulose composites. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 137: e49044, https://doi.org/10.1002/app.49044.Search in Google Scholar

Motloung, M.P., Mofokeng, T.G., Mokhena, T.C., and Ray, S.S. (2022). Recent advances on melt-spun fibers from biodegradable polymers and their composite s. Int. Polym. Process. 37: 523–540, https://doi.org/10.1515/ipp-2022-0023.Search in Google Scholar

Poshina, Daria N., Raik, Sergei V., Sukhova, A.A., Tyshkunova, I.V., Romanov, D.P., Eneyskaya, E.V., Kulminskaya, A.A., and Skorik, Y.A. (2020). Nonspecific enzymatic hydrolysis of a highly ordered chitopolysaccharide substrate. Carbohydr. Res. 498: 108191, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carres.2020.108191.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Qiusheng, L. (2020). Research on the preparation and properties of antibacterial PP (polypropylene) microfiber and its nonwoven fabrics. Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.Search in Google Scholar

Rizal, S., Olaiya, F.G., Saharudin, N.I., Abdullah, C.K., Olaiya, N.G., Mohamad Haafiz, M.K., Yahya, E.B., Sabaruddin, F.A., Ikramullah, and Khalil, H.P.S.A. (2021). Isolation of textile waste cellulose nanofibrillated fibre reinforced in polylactic acid-chitin biodegradable composite for green packaging application. Polymers 13: 325, https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13030325.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

Roy, S. and Rhim, J.W. (2020). Preparation of bioactive functional poly (lactic acid)/curcumin composite film for food packaging application. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 162: 1780–1789, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.08.094.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Se-Kwon, K. (2013). Chitin and chitosan derivatives: advances in drug discovery and developments. CRC Press, Boca Raton, https://doi.org/10.1201/b15636.Search in Google Scholar

Surya, I., Olaiya, N.G., Rizal, S., Zein, I., Sri Aprilia, N.A., Hasan, M., Yahya, E.B., Sadasivuni, K.K., and Abdul Khalil, H.P.S. (2020). Plasticizer enhancement on the miscibility and thermomechanical properties of polylactic acid-chitin-starch composite. Polymers 12: 115, https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12010115.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

Tajkarimi, M.M., Ibrahim, S.A., and Cliver, D.O. (2010). Antimicrobial herb and spice compounds in food. Food Control 21: 1199–1218, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2010.02.003.Search in Google Scholar

Toncheva, A., Mincheva, R., Kancheva, M., Manolova, N., Rashkov, I., Dubois, P., and Markova, N. (2016). Antibacterial PLA/PEG electrospun fibers: comparative study between grafting and blending PEG. Eur. Polym. J. 75: 223–233, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2015.12.019.Search in Google Scholar

Xiaogao, L., Qin, Y., Kang, Z., Lisha, P., Yuhong, F., Yaofang, J., and Nai, X. (2022). Property improvement and compatibilization mechanism of biodegradable polylactic acid/maleic anhydride-based/polypropylene spunbonded nonwoven slices. J. Clean. Prod. 375: 134097, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134097.Search in Google Scholar

Xiaojuan, W. (2017). Types of antibacterial agents and their applications in textiles. Prog. Text. Sci. Technol. 197: 21–24.Search in Google Scholar

Xiaoling, M. (2010). Classification and research progress of modern antibacterial agents. J. Simao Teachers College 26: 1–4.Search in Google Scholar

Xin, Z., Xuejie, L., Zhiwei, D., Xiaoyan, L., and Xiaohong, C. (2015). Preparation methods, properties, and applications of chitin fibers. China Sci. Technol. Rev. 11: 138.Search in Google Scholar

Xing, F., Qiaojuan, Y., Jing, W., Yang, S., and Jiang, Z. (2016). Purification and biochemical characterization of novel acidic chitinase from Paenicibacillus barengoltzii. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 91: 973–979, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.06.050.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Yimin, F., Saito, T., and Isogai, A. (2008). Preparation of chitin nanofibers from squid pen β-chitin by simple mechanical treatment under acid conditions. Biomacromolecules 9: 1919–1923, https://doi.org/10.1021/bm800178b.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Yongliang, W., Yaxin, X., Yunfei, W., Baoqiang, L., Chunfeng, W., Zhidong, H., and Ling, W. (2023). Reaction–diffusion process for hydrogels with a tailored layer structure. Processes 11: 1975, https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11071975.Search in Google Scholar

Yumin, W., Ying, M., Yiliang, G., Yuetao, L., and Chuanhui, G. (2022). Poly (lactic acid)-based pH membrane membrane combined with chitosan and alizarin for food packaging. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 214: 348–359, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.06.039.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Zeyang, Y., Yue, J., and Carson Meredith, J. (2022). Multilayer chitin–chitosan–cellulose barrier coatings on poly (ethylene terephthalate). ACS Appl. Polym. Mater. 4: 7182–7190, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsapm.2c01059.Search in Google Scholar

Zhengqiu, L., Lei, L., Rao, Y., Longchang, R., Ting, W., Rong, Anna, D.N., Linya, L., and Zhenming, C. (2019). Mechanical and antibacterial properties of oriented poly (lactic acid). Polym. Eng. Sci. 59: 2121–2127, https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.25214.Search in Google Scholar

Received: 2024-10-28
Accepted: 2025-04-30
Published Online: 2025-06-25
Published in Print: 2025-09-25

© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

Downloaded on 22.11.2025 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/ipp-2024-0148/html
Scroll to top button