Preparation of Biopolymer from Musa Acuminata (Banana) Peels

Abstract

The banana fruit’s peel was selected as it is a waste material rich of starch. In particular, starch is one of the most attractive feedstock for the development of biodegradable polymers because it is relatively inexpensive, abundant and renewable. Thus, starch-based can be a replacement for conventional plastics which is becoming decrease.  The starch consists of two different types of polymer chains, which called amylose and amylopectin, made up of adjoined glucose molecules. Chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), hydrochloric acid (HCl), Glycerol and sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) were prepared since they are the most helpful agent for the formation of bioplastic film. The hydrochloric acid was used to remove the part of the starch which is amylopectin that will inhibit the formation of a film. The sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was used in the experiment for the starch neutralization and glycerol acts as a plasticizer which make the plastic less brittle. In order to improve the shelf-life, sodium bisulphite (NaHSO₃) was added as an antimicrobial. Analysis such as water absorption was observed to determine the physicochemical properties of the biopolymer prepared. From experimental results showed that sample 1 seemed to have the strong cross-linked structure which it absorbed the lowest percentage of water of about 56.95%. This result may due to phase separation and crystallization of glycerol by making the film more soluble which high in absorption capacity and also affected by the concentration of NaOH and HCl in the biopolymer.