Interface design and reinforced features of arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) starch/polyester-based membranes: Preparation, antioxidant activity, and cytocompatibility

• Composite membranes were prepared from PHA and ASP to explore its characterisation.
• Blended membranes contain rich polyphenols and enhanced antioxidant effect.
• Modified PHA and TASP membranes exhibited better mechanical properties.
• The PHA and ASP membranes facilitated excellent cell viability production.

The structural, mechanical, antioxidant, and cytocompatibility properties of membranes prepared from the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) starch powder (ASP) blend (PHA/ASP) were studied. The acrylic acid-grafted PHA (PHA-g-AA) and the coupling agent treated ASP (TASP) were used to enhance the desired characteristics of these membranes. The PHA-g-AA/TASP membranes had better mechanical properties than the PHA/ASP membrane. This effect was attributed to greater compatibility between the grafted PHA and TASP. The water resistance of the PHA-g-AA/TASP membranes was greater than that of the PHA/ASP membranes, and a cytocompatibility evaluation with human foreskin fibroblasts (FBs) indicated that both materials were nontoxic. Moreover, both ASP and TASP enhanced the polyphenol content and antioxidant properties of the membranes. PHA-g-AA/TASP and PHA/ASP membranes had better antioxidant activity than the control group.

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