Development of antimicrobial of bioplastic incorporated with Malaysian herbs extracts: (piper betle and centella asiatica) /
Nur Syazwina Binti Rustan
- xi, 54 pages : illustrations ;
Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology
Final Year Report (Bachelor of Chemical Engineering Technology) -- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah - 2025
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In Malaysia, as in many parts of the world, the pervasive use of conventional plastics has led to severe environmental repercussions. The escalating concerns about plastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems have spurred the search for sustainable alternatives. Bioplastics, derived from renewable resources, has emerged as a promising solution. This study focuses on enhancing the performance of bioplastics through the incorporation of essential oils extracted from two Malaysian herbs, Piper betle and Centella asiatica. These herbs possess unique chemical compositions and have been traditionally recognized for their medicinal and aromatic properties. The investigation involves varying concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) of essential oils from these herbs, aiming to discern the optimal ratio for maximizing the bioplastic's mechanical properties and functional characteristics. The research employs a comprehensive array of testing methods, including mechanical properties testing, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water absorption tests, calorimetry analysis, and agar disk diffusion tests. Mechanical properties testing will assess the strength, flexibility, and durability of bioplastics. For tensile strength and elongation, the piper betle may give the best results for both of this but the fluctuations results may occur due to the uneven thickness of the bioplastic. FTIR will elucidate any molecular changes induced by the herbal essential oil incorporation and this test showed the functional group of OH compounds in all bioplastics, but alkene group only exists at the peak for the bioplastic that consists essential oil. Water absorption tests will evaluate the material's ability to resist moisture, an essential criterion for effective food packaging. Furthermore, calorimetry analysis will provide insights into the thermal behavior of bioplastics for constant temperature between 30.3°C to 35.3°C, offering valuable information for their processing and potential applications. The agar disk diffusion test serves to investigate the antimicrobial properties of bioplastics, an attribute crucial for food packaging to ensure product safety and shelf-life extension. The anticipated outcomes of this research hold significant promise for the future of sustainable food packaging. By enhancing the performance of bioplastics with Malaysian herbs, not only can the environmental impact of conventional plastics be mitigated, but the incorporation of natural antimicrobial agents may also contribute to food preservation and safety. This multidimensional approach to bioplastic modification underscores the potential for a paradigm shift in the packaging industry, aligning with global efforts towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. In addition, for this research, Piper betle and Centella asiatica are two Malaysian herbs that have exhibited antimicrobial properties. Both herbs have a long history of traditional use in Malaysian folk medicine for various health conditions. Studies have shown that extracts from Piper betle possess antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria and fungi, while Centella asiatica has demonstrated antibacterial effects against certain pathogens. These antimicrobial properties are often attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and essential oils in these herbs. To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of essential oils derived from these herbs, researchers typically conduct antimicrobial tests, including disc diffusion test for the inhibitory zone. These tests help evaluate the inhibitory effects of the essential oils against specific microorganisms, providing valuable insights into the potential use of these herbs as natural antimicrobial agents.
THE0010557 (Local)
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