Microplate reader and imager software

Absorbance was measured in the visible light spectrum (frequency range: 230–700 nm; step: 5 nm) through a Cytation3 spectrophotometer (Cytation3 Imaging reader, Biotek, Santa Clara, CA, USA) (Figure S1a). This measurement was performed to assess any changes in the transparency of the material after thermoforming. Each specimen was fixed to a customized thermoplastic holder (Polylactic Acid PLA, FILOALFA^®, Torino, Italy) (Figure S1b,c), and then inserted into a plate (take 3) of the machine. The above-mentioned holder was realized using a 3D printer (Creality Ender-3, Longhua Dist., Shenzhen, China). After the measurement, the data were transferred from the machine to specific software (Gen 5, Microplate Reader and Imager Software, Biotek, Santa Clara, CA, USA) capable of collecting and analysing them. All measurements were performed at a constant temperature of 23 °C.