A new study published in Polymer Testing explores how hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) oil and boronic acid-functionalized chitosan can be used to create more durable, sustainable, and antimicrobial bio

OG Article  Written By Anthony Martinelli in News, Studies Watch Today's LIVE Episode on YouTube, X, and Rumble

June 27, 2025

Researchers from Copernicus University and Poznan University in Poland devised starch-based films enriched with 3% cannabis oil. They then augmented these films using a cross-linking technique that incorporated chitosan functionalized with boronic acid. The resulting substance, designated Cs-FPBA-CBD-S, exhibited several notable enhancements compared to its non-crosslinked counterparts.

The altered films demonstrated superior water resistance, with the water vapor transmission rate decreasing from 5 g/m²·day to 3 g/m²·day. Mechanical integrity under humid conditions was also maintained more effectively, as tensile strength declined less dramatically than in the unmodified films. Following 10 days of dry storage, the crosslinked material largely preserved its elasticity and structure despite a minor reduction in stress tolerance.

The researchers additionally observed improvements in antioxidant capabilities—scavenging capacity increased from 65% to 74%—as well as heightened thermal stability. Furthermore, the crosslinked films decomposed more rapidly, achieving 80% biodegradation within 30 days, and displayed substantial antibacterial efficacy against Aliivibrio fischeri, a Gram-negative bacterium.

These discoveries underscore the promise of cannabis oil-augmented, crosslinked starch films as an ecologically sound substitute for food packaging and analogous uses.