International Journal of Industrial Biotechnology and Biomaterials
BIOPLASTIC INNOVATION THROUGH THE INTEGRATION OF PINEAPPLE LEAF CELLULOSE, TOMATO FIBER, AND POTATO STARCH
1, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Mar Augusthinose College Ramapuram, Kottayam, Kerala.
2 Student, Department of Biotechnology, Mar Augusthinose College Ramapuram, Kottayam, Kerala.
3 Department of Agricultural Economics, University of agricultural Economics, Bangalore.
4 Head of the Department, Department of Biotechnology, Mar Augusthinose College Ramapuram, Kottayam, Kerala.
Abstract
Growing concerns over the environmental impact of conventional plastic waste have accelerated the search for sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the development of biodegradable plastics using agricultural residues—specifically pineapple leaves, potatoes, and tomatoes. Pineapple leaves provide cellulose for structural strength, potato starch improves film-forming capacity, and tomato-derived pectin and fiber enhance elasticity and moisture resistance. The bioplastics were prepared through extraction, gelatinization, and crosslinking processes to achieve mechanical stability and biodegradability. Their tensile strength, water absorption, and degradation under natural conditions were analyzed and compared with conventional plastics. The results demonstrate the potential of these agricultural-waste-derived films as eco-friendly substitutes, supporting the transition to sustainable packaging while reducing dependence on petroleum-based materials.
Keywords: Bioplastic, Biodegradable materials, Agricultural residues, Pineapple leaf cellulose, Tomato fiber, Potato starch, Natural polymers, Pectin, Cellulose extraction, Starch recovery, Gelatinization process, Crosslinking, Biopolymer films, Sustainable packaging, Circular economy.
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