A Facile and Green Fabrication of High-Performance Biodegradable Polysaccharide-Based Straws for Sustainable Plastic Replacement

Abstract

Plastic straws are extensively utilized across various sectors owing to their ease of manufacture and low cost, yet their improper disposal raises significant environmental concerns due to their persistent, non-biodegradable nature. While biodegradable alternatives exist, they still face significant challenges, including low mechanical performance, poor water stability, high prices, and complex chemical treatment processes. Herein, a facile, green process for fabricating polysaccharide straws is reported. These straws are produced by physical cross-linking via electrostatic interactions and Ca2+-mediated coordination of polysaccharides, thereby reinforcing the cross-linked network. The resulting straws demonstrated excellent mechanical performance, near-hydrophobic surface behavior, and superior hydrostability, comparable to plastic straws or much superior to present degradable straws (polylactic acid and paper straws). Moreover, the polysaccharide-based straws fully degraded naturally within 90 days. Given their comprehensive performance, these straws represent viable alternatives to plastic straws and offer a promising avenue for the future development of sustainable commercial straw products.