Evaluation of Functional and Degradation Properties of Enzyme‐Embedded PLA Films: A Multi‐Analytical Approach and Evaluation of Microplastics Post‐Degradation

ABSTRACT This study investigates the functional properties of enzyme‐embedded polylactic acid (PLA) films, focusing on their mechanical, thermal, morphological, and chemical characteristics and enzyme stability. PLA films embedded with 1% Candida rugosa lipase (Lcr) exhibited a 10% reduction in tensile strength compared to neat PLA, indicating enzyme‐induced structural modifications. DSC revealed a decrease in crystallinity from 31.2% (PLA_0) to 27.6% (PLA_1). At the same time, TGA revealed a decrease in the maximum decomposition temperature ( T max ) from 275.8°C to 268.4°C, confirming a decrease in thermal stability with increasing Lcr concentration. SEM revealed surface erosion and increased porosity in degraded 1% Lcr‐embedded PLA films, while AFM showed a 45% increase in surface roughness, supporting enzymatic degradation. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the stability of embedded lipase, with characteristic amide bond peaks remaining intact, indicating that the enzyme retained its structural integrity within the polymer matrix. CHNO elemental analysis showed significant carbon loss post‐degradation, with 1% Lcr‐embedded PLA biomass retaining only 6.1% carbon compared to 28.9% in neat PLA biomass, highlighting accelerated enzymatic breakdown. The results have potential applications in developing eco‐friendly mulching films and disposable packaging, where accelerated degradation and reduced microplastic generation are critical.