Dual-Modified A- and B-Type Wheat Starch–PCL Composite Films: Antibacterial and HACCP-Oriented Biodegradable Packaging from Kazakhstani Resources
Ospankulova G. Saduakhasova S. Kamanova S. Toimbayeva D. Temirova I. Kakimova Z. Yermekov Y. Bulashev B. Tamara T. Muratkhan M.
November 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Foods
2025#14Issue 21
Biodegradable packaging based on starch–polycaprolactone (PCL) composites is a promising route to reduce reliance on petroleum-derived plastics. Here, wheat starches with A- and B-type crystallinity—sourced from Kazakhstani varieties—were dual-modified by electron-beam irradiation followed by acetylation and incorporated into PCL (30–50 wt%) via melt extrusion and compression molding. The resulting films were characterized for morphology, mechanical performance, water-vapor permeability (WVP), thermal behavior, antibacterial activity, and biodegradation under soil and composting conditions. Acetylated A-type starch dispersed more uniformly within the PCL matrix, yielding smoother surfaces, higher tensile strength, and moderate WVP. In contrast, B-type starch produced a more porous microstructure with increased WVP and accelerated mass loss during composting (up to ~45% within 10 days at higher starch loadings). Incorporation of starch slightly decreased thermal stability relative to neat PCL, while agar-diffusion assays against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus showed loading-dependent inhibition zones, with A-type composites generally outperforming B-type at equivalent contents. Taken together, A-type starch–PCL films are better suited for applications requiring mechanical integrity and controlled moisture transfer, whereas B-type systems favor breathable packaging and rapid compostability. These results clarify how starch crystalline type governs structure–property–degradation relationships in PCL composites and support the targeted design of sustainable packaging materials using regionally available starch resources.
acetylated starch , antimicrobial activity , biodegradable films , composting , food packaging , HACCP , polycaprolactone
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Department of Food Technology and Processing Products, Technical Faculty, Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University, Zhenis Avenue, 62, Astana, 010011, Kazakhstan
Department of Food Production Technology and Biotechnology, The Engineering-Technological Faculty, Shakarim University, Glinka 20A, Semey, 071412, Kazakhstan
Department of Food Technology and Processing Products
Department of Food Production Technology and Biotechnology
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