A new study published in Polymer Testing explores how hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) oil and boronic acid-functionalized chitosan can be used to create more durable, sustainable, and antimicrobial biopolymer packaging.
CBD oil.
Researchers from Copernicus University and Poznan University in Poland developed starch-based films infused with 3% cannabis oil, then enhanced them through a cross-linking technique using chitosan functionalized with boronic acid. The resulting material, referred to as Cs-FPBA-CBD-S, showed several key improvements over non-crosslinked versions.
The modified films had better water resistance, with the water vapor transmission rate dropping from 5 g/m²·day to 3 g/m²·day. Mechanical strength under moist conditions was also preserved more effectively, with tensile strength decreasing less dramatically than in unmodified films. After 10 days of dry storage, the crosslinked material retained elasticity and structure despite some loss in stress tolerance.
Researchers also found improvements in antioxidant activity—scavenging capacity rose from 65% to 74%—as well as increased thermal stability. Additionally, the crosslinked films degraded more quickly, reaching 80% biodegradation after 30 days, and displayed significant antibacterial activity against Aliivibrio fischeri, a Gram-negative bacterium.
These findings highlight the potential of hemp oil-enhanced, crosslinked starch films as an environmentally friendly alternative for food packaging and related applications.
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