PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF KERATIN CHITOSAN COMPOSITE BIOPLASTIC FILM FROM POULTRY AND FISH-SCALE BIOMASS FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD PACKAGING

Abstract

Background: The rising accumulation of non-biodegradable plastic garbage has caused enormous environmental challenges, demanding the development of sustainable alternatives. Keratin and chitosan produced from poultry feathers and fish-scale waste represent promising renewable biopolymers for biodegradable food-packaging applications. Methods: The chicken feathers were used for keratin extraction while the fish scales were demineralised, deproteinised and deacetylated to obtain chitosan. The biopolymers were removed and then mixed with glycerol and composite films were fabricated. Characterization of the films was done by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). Soil-burial tests and chemical resistance tests were also carried out. Result: The composite film was formed in a uniform shape with distinct functional groups, demonstrating successful interaction between keratin and chitosan that was successfully synthesized. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed that the degradation temperatures were 59.67%, 14.39% and 11.85% during the different degradation stages, which revealed good thermal stability. The lack of detectable harmful heavy metals, such as Cd, Pb, Cr, and Hg, was verified by XRF analysis. The film retained its structural stability in diluted environments of acidic, alkaline, saline and ethanol solutions. Soil-burial tests show good biodegradability after 60 days, with a weight loss of approximately 78.2%. Conclusion: Fish and poultry waste-based keratin–chitosan composite film exhibited promising physicochemical properties and biodegradability, promising it a sustainable biodegradable packaging material.