New biodegradable polylactide material with antimicrobial properties

This study aimed to investigate the bactericidal, fungicidal and non-phytotoxic properties of vapor permeable polylactide films containing five different concentrations (in the range of 0.2-1.0%) of thiabendazole. All films showed bactericidal properties on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Thiabendazole introduced into polylactide affected the antifungal activity of the materials containing 0.8 and 1.0% thiabendazole. The films containing thiabendazole were characterized by increased permeability. The vapor permeability of the film increased with the increase of the biocide content in the composites. The new materials had no a negative effect on the growth and development of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. It has been shown that the presence of thiabendazole increases the water vapor permeability of polylactide films. The obtained materials are biodegradable and can be used in horticulture and agriculture to protect plants against pathogens. The use of films with biocide properties will reduce the use of plant protection products. This is particularly important due to the need to protect biodiversity in the ecosystem of agricultural soils.