Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed a biodegradable and antimicrobial bio-composite film that could serve as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics widely used in healthcare applications such as wound dressings, bandages and medical coatings.

The innovation, developed by Dr. Angana Sarkar, Associate Professor, and Dr. Pritam Bajirao from the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, has been granted an Indian patent titled "Biodegradable and Antimicrobial Bio-composite Film and Process for Preparing Thereof" (Patent No. 594073; Application No. 202531060261).

Healthcare products such as wound dressings and bandages are commonly manufactured using non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastics, contributing significantly to medical waste and environmental pollution. 

Although bioplastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have emerged as potential alternatives, their widespread adoption has been limited by poor flexibility, brittleness and slow degradation.

To overcome these limitations, the NIT Rourkela researchers developed a composite material using a naturally occurring bioplastic produced by bacteria grown on sugarcane molasses. 

The team incorporated naturally extracted neem oil into the composite to improve its mechanical strength, flexibility and durability while also imparting antimicrobial properties.

Explaining the significance of the innovation, Dr. Angana Sarkar said, "The developed material is completely biodegradable and environmentally sustainable.

During laboratory testing, it demonstrated improved mechanical strength, flexibility, thermal stability and hydrophobicity, indicating its potential as an effective alternative to conventionally used biomedical films."