Abstract

This study investigates the degradation kinetics of microbial biopolymers, specifically polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), for their potential application in sustainable packaging. We examined the influence of various environmental factors, including temperature, pH, and enzyme concentration, on the degradation rates of PHA films. Utilizing a combination of spectroscopic techniques and weight loss measurements, we quantified the degradation process and developed a kinetic model to predict the degradation behavior under different conditions. The results demonstrate the feasibility of tailoring PHA degradation rates for specific packaging applications, highlighting their potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.