Research article

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This study focused on developing compostable packaging materials possessing beneficial microbiological characteristics and evaluating their degradation process. We explore the use of nisin as a versatile antimicrobial additive in biodegradable materials. Our findings demonstrate nisin’s significant influence on the processing and degradation of composites. Nisin’s amphiphilic structure, characterized by both hydrophobic and hydrophilic components, enhances its interaction with the polymer matrix. This interaction affects smaller molar mass reduction during processing and leads to variations in degradation dynamics. The results suggest that nisin has minimal impact on the thermal stability of the matrix during processing, with less than a one-degree increase observed. Thermal stability improved for all materials during degradation, but nisin’s presence slowed this increase. Nisin’s influence on the matrix of jute fiber composites, was more pronounced, affecting the material during processing and subsequent degradation. The results indicate that samples containing nisin inhibit the growth of the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) after 24 h of incubation. The inclusion of fillers in composites elevates the microbiological activity by filler ‘antibacterial promotion’ effects in samples containing nisin. Connection with previous studies highlights the significance of polymer chain length on the composite’s antimicrobial properties.