Day 1: Fundamentals of Nano-Enabled Bioplastics
- Introduction to bioplastics and biodegradable materials
- Role of biotechnology and nanotechnology in bioplastic development
- Common biopolymers: starch, cellulose, chitosan, alginate, PLA, PHA
- Nano-additives: nanocellulose, nano-clay, ZnO, TiO₂, silver nanoparticles
- Hands-on: Design a basic nano-bioplastic formulation
Tools Used: Google Sheets / Excel, Google Scholar, PubMed, Canva or Miro for formulation mapping, online tools
Day 2: Formulation and Film Preparation
- Selection of polymer, plasticizer, nanofiller, and bioactive additive
- Solvent casting and coating methods
- Preparation of bioplastic films and edible coatings
- Basic process flow: mixing, heating, casting, drying, peeling
- Hands-on: Create a formulation sheet for bioplastic film
Tools Used: Google Sheets, formulation template, Jupyter Notebook
Day 3: Testing, Applications, and Product Development
- Basic characterization: thickness, strength, flexibility, water resistance
- Advanced testing: FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA, antimicrobial activity
- Applications in food packaging, edible coating, biomedical, and agriculture
- Lab-to-market pathway and product claims
- Hands-on: Develop one nano-bioplastic product concept
Tools Used: ImageJ, charaterization techniques, antimicrobial testing setup, Canva for product concept presentation
