Wheat gluten materials biodegradation

Zhang, X., Do, M.D., Hoobin, P. and Burgar, I. 2006. The Phase Composition and Molecular Motions of Plasticized Wheat Gluten-Based Biodegradable Polymer Materials Studied by Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy. Polymer, 47, 5888-5896. 

Zhang, X., Do, M. D., Hoobin, R, Burgar, I. [2006]. The phase composition and molecular motions of plasticized wheat gluten-based biodegradable polymer materials studied by solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Polymer, 47,5888-5896. 

The ability of a degradable plastic to decay depends on the structure of its polymer chain. Biodegradable plastics are often manufactured from natural polymers, such as cornstarch and wheat gluten. Micro-organisms in the soil can break down these natural polymers. Ideally, a biodegradable plastic would break down completely into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass within six months, just like a natural material. 

Until recently, the ordy uses and apphcations for proteins were in food sciences [55]. The development of studies on non-food uses of agricultiual raw materials initiated an interest in protein-based plastics. A number of proteins of plant origin have received attention for the production of biodegradable polymers. These proteins are com zein, wheat gluten, soy protein, and sunflower protein. 

Figure 4. Biodegradation of wheat gluten based materials, comparison with cellulose STURM method (52).

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