Phb‑based laminated trilayer films with modified starch and chitosan for enhanced moisture barrier
The solution involves laminated trilayer films using polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), modified starch, and chitosan, offering enhanced moisture barrier, mechanical strength, and heat-sealability for active food packaging. Developed by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, it is suitable for partnership or licensing, with demonstrated up to 99% reduction in water vapor transmission rate and active packaging compatibility.
This technology features laminated trilayer films combining polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) layers, plasticized with epoxidized vegetable oil, with a modified starch–chitosan inner layer that is dynamically cross-linked to reduce water solubility and improve mechanical properties. The multilayer structure significantly enhances barrier properties, achieving up to approximately 99% reduction in water vapor transmission rate compared to unmodified biofilms, and improves heat-sealability. It is compatible with active packaging applications and ready for partnerships with converters or licensing for PHB supply and coating integration (Scientific Reports 2025). The technology is developed by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and is suitable for commercialization.
About University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university—the flagship of the UT System—classified as R1 and serving more than 40,000 students. Industry engagement is anchored by the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm, where corporate R&D and joint university–national lab facilities sit just across the river from campus, including assets such as the Volkswagen Innovation Hub and an AT&T 5G testbed. UT’s long‑standing partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory—via UT‑Battelle and the UT–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute—gives companies streamlined access to national lab capabilities, talent, and joint programs. A statewide Extension network and established co‑op programs connect companies to faculty expertise and student talent across Tennessee and into federal labs. Research is supported by competitive federal sponsors such as the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy. Commercialization is managed by the University of Tennessee Research Foundation, which handles IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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