Bioplastic films from cassava peels: Enzymatic transformation and film properties

Annually, millions of tons of cassava peels are generated as agro-waste. This research repurposed entire cassava peels into biodegradable films as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. Enzymes (cellulase, xylanase, and glucanase) were employed to catalyze the process, and cassava peels were effectively converted into films, which exhibited comparable or even better mechanical properties and water resistance to commercial packaging materials. The films also presented high water solubility of 44–50% and good light barrier properties, with 15–23% transmittance values for visible light and less than 3% for UV light. Extended enzymatic treatment time resulted in films characterized by increased elasticity, solubility, water resistance, transparency, and smoother surfaces, which can be attributed to the enzymatic breakdown of cassava peel fibers into smaller saccharide units. The optimal enzymatic treatment time was found to be 4 h which produced films with favorable mechanical characteristics, barrier properties, and solubility. A sustainable and ecologically-friendly approach is provided to fully harness cassava peels in fabricating packaging films, particularly suited for food items necessitating dissolution in water.