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Analysis of Additives in Biodegradable Polymers Using DSA / TOF Mass Spectrometry

Biodegradable polymers are increasingly being used as an alternative to conventional commercial polymers since, unlike synthetic polymers, they do not persist as long in the environment thus making them an ecofriendly alternative. Biodegradable polymers can be made from renewable resources such as starch, chitin and cellulose or nonrenewable resources like poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate). Additives are added to biodegradable polymers to manipulate selected physical properties, such as toughness, flexibility, or barrier properties, thereby improving their functional capability. These additives can leach into their surroundings, potentially affecting products in contact with them, such as foodstuffs. Characterization of these additives in food packaging is important so as to support good manufacturing practices and address safety concerns. Methods to characterize additives involve exhaustive extractions and often involve separating the additives from the polymer matrix.1 We present a study identifying additives in bioplastics using ambient ionization mass spectrometry. The analysis of each sample was completed in a few seconds and a wide range of additives in different types of biodegradable polymers were identified. Analysis of Additives in Biodegradable Polymers Using DSA/TOF Mass Spectrometry A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E