How UGA researchers are redefining sustainable packaging with jellyfish bioplastics

In the quest to combat the global plastic crisis, Joinul Islam, a PhD student and Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Georgia (UGA) – Department of Food Science and Technology (FST), is looking to an unlikely source: the ocean. Working under the guidance of Dr. Kevin Mis Solval, Joinul is developing intelligent biodegradable bioplastics derived from jellyfish collagen.

But turning a marine organism into a viable and intelligent food packaging material requires more than just innovative chemistry, it requires extreme technical precision. To ensure these bio-based films can actually protect food from spoilage, Joinul relies on the AQUALAB VSA (Vapor Sorption Analyzer) and the WVTR (Water Vapor Transmission Rate) Cell.

Solving the microplastic problem

Traditional synthetic plastics are a double-edged sword: they are incredible at protecting food, but they stay in the environment for centuries. Joinul’s research aims to break this cycle by creating edible, biodegradable alternatives.

“The main idea of my research is to develop a biodegradable bioplastic from jellyfish collagen,” Joinul explains. “We know that the microplastic problem is huge right now. By using digested jellyfish collagen (gelatin), we can create bioplastic films that are not only sustainable but also functional for the food packaging industry.”

However, for any bioplastic films to succeed in the market, it must prove its moisture barrier properties. If a film is too "breathable," the food inside will spoil. This is where the challenge of measuring the WVTR begins.

Moving beyond manual error

Before adopting AQUALAB technology, Joinul and his team faced the hurdles of the traditional ASTM E96 method, a manual and slow, gravimetric process that is notoriously labor-intensive.

“Previously, we used the conventional method, which involves using a cup, sealing it with wax, and weighing it every hour or every few hours,” says Joinul. “It’s very difficult to get a perfect seal with wax, and if you have even a tiny leak, your data is ruined. Plus, you have to manually record everything, which opens the door for human error.”

In a high-stakes research environment where data accuracy is the difference between a successful publication/patent and a failed experiment, these manual variables were a significant bottleneck.

Precision and automation with the VSA

By integrating the AQUALAB VSA equipped with the WVTR Cell, the UGA-FST lab transformed their workflow. The VSA serves as the primary meter, providing a controlled environment where moisture and temperature are held constant, while the WVTR Cell provides the specific data source Joinul needs to evaluate his bioplastic films.

The shift from manual to automated testing provided three key advantages:

1. Elimination of manual error: The WVTR Cell uses a specialized design that ensures a perfect seal without the need for messy wax or manual handling.
2. Data logging and syncing: Every data point is automatically logged. “The best part is the automation,” Joinul notes. “I can set the parameters, leave it, and come back to a complete data set that is synced and ready for analysis. I don't have to stay in the lab overnight to take weights.”
3. Unmatched accuracy: The VSA measures changes in weight to a fraction of a milligram, providing a level of precision that manual scales simply cannot match.

“With the AQUALAB system, I have more confidence in my results. It removes the uncertainty of the manual process and allows me to focus on the science of the film itself rather than the mechanics of the test.” — Joinul Islam, University of Georgia

From research lab to industry reality

As Joinul moves into the final stages of his PhD research, his goal is to see these jellyfish-based bioplastic films used in real-world packaging applications, perhaps for snacks or dry foods that need a moderate moisture barrier.

By combining innovative marine science with the technical rigor of AQUALAB technology, the University of Georgia is proving that the future of packaging is green, edible, and thanks to precision data, scientifically sound.

Elevate your lab’s precision

Whether you are an academic researcher pushing the boundaries of biomaterials or a packaging R&D professional looking to replace synthetics with sustainable alternatives, the right tools make the difference. The AQUALAB VSA removes the manual variables, letting you focus on the science that matters.

Ready to see how AQUALAB can streamline your research? Talk to an expert today to learn more about our automated moisture analysis solutions.
‍
‍