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Rourkela, July 21, 2026: NIT Rourkela researchers have created a new biodegradable composite film set to potentially replace plastics used in healthcare. This innovation aims to solve the disposal crisis involving non-biodegradable medical plastics, and simultaneously address the problem of the lack of sustainable, flexible biomaterials in the market.
Led by Dr. Angana Sarkar, Associate Professor, and research scholar Dr. Pritam Bajirao, the team applied for the patent "Biodegradable and Antimicrobial Bio-composite Film and Process for Preparing Thereof" (Patent No. 594073; Application No. 202531060261).
Bandages and wound dressings are manufactured using non-biodegradable plastic that is made from petroleum. Disposal of these products adds to environmental pollution. Alternatives like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable; however, use of these materials has been limited as a result of brittleness and slow degradation in comparison to other materials.
In this research, a naturally occurring bioplastic from a bacterial source that is grown on sugarcane molasses was made into a bio-composite. To enhance the strength and flexibility of the composite, the researchers added neem oil. The result is a medical product that is a composite of bioplastic and a sustainable alternative to plastic.
Innovatively, this can offer sustainable alternatives to healthcare products that are plastic-based. Dr. Angana Sarkar commented:
"The developed material is biodegradable and does not harm the environment. In-lab testing showed that it has increased mechanical strength and flexibility, as well as increased thermal stability and hydrophobicity. This demonstrates that it can be a viable alternative to existing biomedical films."
The research team stated that this technology can be used in healthcare products including antimicrobial films and coatings, sustainable healthcare materials, and bandages and wound dressings that are free of plastic.
Speaking of its ability to heal wounds, Dr. Sarkar continued:
“In our innovation, antimicrobial potential and wound care property are inbuilt. The designed film having neem oil will not only discourage germs, but also promote healing of wounds.”
The produced biocomposite film is designed with an estimated production cost of ₹14.33 for a 44.18 cm² sheet, meaning that this technology has a great potential for being economically produced at scale.
The research team believes that this innovation meets the aims of the Government of India's flagship programs, especially Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and especially the National BioE3 Policy. By removing petroleum-based plastic and introducing bio-based plastic, this technology has the potential to significantly reduce plastic waste from healthcare and improve patient safety through its built-in antimicrobial nature.
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