Sustainable bioplastic production from banana peel waste: Unveiling antibacterial potential and environmental impact

Abstract

A variety of synthetic and semi-synthetic substances make up the polymer material known as plastic. Plastics are visually appealing, but their breakdown and disposal have created major problems.In order to address the issue of plastic trash, which has been suffocating the globe and contaminating the ecosystem, it is necessary to create plastic in a "eco-friendly" manner using materials that can be easily removed from our biosphere. The goal of this research is to demonstrate that the starch in banana peels (Musa acuminata) can be utilized to create biodegradable plastic as an alternative to traditional plastic.The successful incorporation of glycerol into the starch matrix was confirmed by structural analysis using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) analysis, which also revealed hydroxyl, carbonyl, and C-H stretching vibrations. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed a fibrous microstructure, which improved the bioplastic material's mechanical properties. The elongation test was used to compare the biodegradable film with a synthetic plastic and a control film in order to ascertain the film's strength. The degree of deterioration was assessed for each of the three types of film in the soil burial degradation test. The biodegradable film broke down more quickly than the control film, while the synthetic plastic did not break down at all. Banana peels' antibacterial properties were assessed for use in subsequent bioplastic-based product manufacturing. Banana peel films may be used in food packaging to preserve the environment and improve food quality. The findings show that bioplastic made from banana peels can solve significant industrial issues, boosting productivity and bolstering the economy in a variety of goods where plastics are used extensively in production, such as bags, toys, and water bottles.