Pleurotus florida Waste Biomass as a Feedstock for Eco-Friendly Bioplastic Development.

The present study reports, for the first time, the fabrication of bioplastics utilizing Pleurotus florida derived spent mushroom substrate (SMS) through a solvent-casting technique, establishing a biotechnological approach for agro-waste valorization within a circular bioeconomy framework. The novelty of this work lies in the exploitation of SMS containing residual fungal mycelium, which contributes to enhanced polymer matrix interactions, improved mechanical and thermal integrity, and intrinsic antibacterial functionality. It exhibited lower thickness (0.32 ± 0.001 mm) and higher moisture absorption (12.6 ± 0.32%) Water solubility and soil burial assessments demonstrated that it underwent slower aqueous dissolution (30 days) and faster biodegradation (20 days), indicating superior environmental degradability. Thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analyses revealed higher thermal stability, glass transition, and melting temperatures, supported by X-ray diffraction results indicating a more amorphous structure. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed efficient cross-linking between the polymer matrix and plasticizer components. Furthermore, this Bioplastic exhibited significant antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria. These findings underscore the prospective applicability of waste substrate-derived bioplastics in sustainable food packaging, soil fertility enhancement, and other eco-compatible material innovations. Future research should concentrate on improving mechanical qualities for broader commercial applications while also increasing moisture resistance via hydrophobic chemicals or cross-linking technologies.