Development of novel polysaccharide derived hybrid microcellular biocomposite and evaluation of cytotoxicity

Polysaccharide has become one of the most promising resources to substitute synthetic plastics because of its wide abundance, renewability, low cost and near-zero carbon footprint. In this work, a novel polysaccharide-derived biopolymer has been investigated as a potential candidate in developing hybrid biocomposite foam. Through the study of microcellular morphology and thermal degradation behaviour, an optimised processing methodology was identified. A synergistic technique of ball milling of modified biopolymer granules and two-step foam processing resulted in achieving reduced particle sizes, narrower particle size distribution and improved dispersion of biopolymer, which in turn resulted in enhanced microcellular morphology within the hybrid biocomposite foam. Considering the renewed interest for such bio-based materials and their potential use as reinforcements and fillers, a much needed study was undertaken to assess its health safety in terms of in vitro biocompatibility and cytotoxicity. The results from the studies indicated that modified biopolymer did not pose any health safety risks and were non-cytotoxic.