ALUGBATI FRUIT EXTRACT AS AN ALTERNATIVE INK

FOR MARKERS

ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

BY GROUP I

MEMBERS

AIRON CHRISTIAN EARL Q. ACOPIADO

FAITH GREANE S. REGENCIA

FARRAH MAY M. MAYLON

LARA L. CARBON

OCTOBER 2019
 Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Introduction

Alugbati (Basella rubra L) is commonly known in the states as Malabar

spinach. It has a purplish or green stem and leaves that are somewhat fleshy. Its fruits are

stalkless, fleshy and can reach 5 to 6 millimeters, and turn purple when mature. Alugbati

fruit extract has a component that is usable to make an alternative marker ink which is

anthocyanin. Anthocyanin is a soluble glycoside pigments that can produce colors in

flowers and plants.

White board markers and permanent markers require ink for them to be usable to

many individuals. Ink is a liquid or semi-liquid material used for writing, printing or

drawing. Chemists view it is a colloidal system of fine pigment particles dispersed in a

solvent. Pigments are commonly known to be the chief constituent of an ink and contributes

to about 50 percent of its cost. Many inks are sold in markets and stores but are expensive,

not organic and some are even toxic that can potentially damage human health.

This study provides the idea that alugbati fruit extract can be an alternative ink for

markers. It will not only benefit the environment, but it can also be a big help to the people

for it is less toxic, affordable and most of all, it is organic.

Background of the Study

Some schools in the Philippines have whiteboards instead of chalkboards, and as

students, the researchers were one of the individuals who got into schools having

whiteboards. In this case, instead of using chalk, the students were required to use markers.
 There are many kinds of markers that are sold to many stores, and although not that

expensive, the researchers thought that there would still be a way to make it cheaper.

Furthermore, they wanted to improve its strong scent, and they thought about using organic

materials. The given idea captured the interest of the researchers which led them to the

thought of creating an alternative marker ink. Because of that, they surfed the internet some

information regarding organic materials that can be used as a substitute for ink on markers.

According to their research, they found out that alugbati fruit extract can be used as an

alternative marker ink. They also found out that the alugbati plant is available in many areas

in their community. Since the alugbati fruit is commonly found in their area, they thought

that it was very possible for them to conduct a research study about it.

Objectives of the Study

This study aims to make an alternative ink for markers using the fruit extract of the

alugbati plant and to determine whether it is effective to use the alugbati fruit extract as a

substitute for marker ink.

Specifically, the study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is the effectiveness of the alugbati fruit extract as an alternative ink for

markers?

2. Is there a significant difference between the commercial marker ink and alugbati

fruit extract in terms of:

 a. color intensity

b. odor acceptability

3. What are the components of alugbati fruit extract that are essential for being an

alternative ink for markers?

Hypothesis

H0: There is no significant difference between the alugbati fruit extract marker ink and

commercial marker ink in terms of:

a. color intensity

b. odor acceptability

Conceptual Framework

This study is about using alugbati fruit extract as an alternative ink for markers. In the

conceptual framework (see Figure 1), the independent variable is identified, which is the

alugbati fruit extract. The researchers are going to use it as a substitute for inks in markers.

The alugbati fruit extract is tested in order for the dependent variables’ results to be shown.

The dependent variables are color intensity and odor acceptability. These two are the

variables that are to be observed.

Color intensity

Alugbati fruit extract Dependent variable

Independent variable
Odor acceptability

Dependent variable
 Figure 1.Schema of the Study

Significance of the Study

The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the alugbati fruit extract as an

alternative ink for markers and hope to benefit the following:

To users. By using natural inks such as alugbati fruit extract, users can be benefited

since it lessens the cost of buying commercial ink. They could also get a perk since

the materials used in the alternative ink are organic.

To the health of the people. Conscious people are one of those who could be

benefited with this product in terms of their health. Organic ink reduces the risks of

exposure to chemicals from commercial inks. Furthermore, the alugbati fruit extract

ink has lower toxicity than commercial inks in terms of odor and other factors

especially to young children.

To the environment. This study will contribute to the prevention of the atmosphere

and the surroundings from getting destroyed. Commercial inks for markers contain

toxic chemicals that may be harmful to people’s surroundings.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

 This study focuses on the effectiveness of the alugbati fruit extract as an alternative

ink for markers in terms of color intensity as well as odor acceptabilityand does no longer

include other possible parameters (i.e. stick consistency and texture of the paper). This

research only investigates about the extract of the alugbati fruits, not the alugbati plant itself

or its stem, leaves and other parts.

The experimentation will be conducted in the premises of Zamboanga del Norte

National High School (ZNNHS), Turno Campus specifically the science laboratory. For the

research equipment during the experimentation, the researchers will be given the lab

apparatus from the science laboratory by their research teacher that they will require. The

researchers aim for the experimentation to end within a period of one (1) week considering

the fact that they are only given limited time for their research. As for the collection of data,

the researchers will conduct a survey after the experiment since the dependent variables are

considered as qualitative data. The respondents will be grade eight (8) STE students from

sections A and B in ZNNHS, Turno Campus in which 15 randomly chosen respondents will

be from section A and the other half from section B.

Definition of Terms

To ensure better understanding of the study, the following terms are defined:

Alugbati- is an edible perennial vine in the family and is found in tropical Asia or

Africa where it is widely used as a leaf vegetable. It is native to the Indian

subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and New Guinea.

Ink- colored liquid that is used for writing or printing

Pigment- a natural substance that gives color to animals and plants

Preservative- a substance used to preserve foodstuffs, wood, or other materials

against decay. It makes the product last longer and provides stability to it.

Odor acceptability- the acceptability of the odor that has likeable scent and is not

dangerous to those who smell it.

Polymer- a substance that has a molecular structure consisting chiefly or entirely of a

large number of similar units bonded together, e.g., many synthetic organic materials

used as plastics and resins. It is a critical component for manufacturing inks.

Charcoal- a hard black material that is made by burning wood with a small amount of

air with a dark gray color

Color intensity- also called chroma or saturation, refers to the brightness or darkness

of a color

Synthetic- synthetic products are made from artificial substances, often copying a

natural product
 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Related Literature

Ink from Historical Times

In ancient times, natural products were used to create simple but efficient inks (Farusi,

2012)- as the juice of the fruits was reportedly used in ancient China as ink for official seals

and paintings of prehistoric civilizations in which the ink used to create them were made

from the fruit extracts from plants. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and a variety of

other berry fruits were often used to create a wide range of ink colors, including red or

blue. Another natural materials used to create ink in early times were tea leaves which were

used for centuries to make ink due to its various shades that create yellow-green, brown or

black ink. (Lopierre, Lopi.)

Ink: Definitions, Components, Odor

In this modern world, with technology rising including few advancements in

industrialization, products were taken in a higher level, and this include ink. Ink

manufacturers use synthetic substances such as synthetic polymers in creating inks used in

printers, markers, and ballpoint pens.

According to encyclopedia.com (2019), an ink is a pigmented fluid used for writing

and drawing or a viscous compound used for printing, both of various colors but most

frequently black. It is also a mixture of dyes or pigments and a binder compound, which helps

the ink stick to the surface to be painted.

 With the advancement in technology in this current time, the most frequently used ink

were synthetic inks, which contain chemicals and artificial substances. An essential

component of an ink is the substance that imparts the color: the pigment or dye. A pigment is

a finely divided solid that is insoluble in the dispersion of the ink and provides- in addition to

color- opacity and strength, whereas dyes are generally compounds that are soluble in the ink

medium.

Marker ink is composed of three elements: colorant, solvent, and resin. The colorant

may be a pigment or a dye. The solvent is like a liquid carrier in order to dissolve and

transport the ink colorant and ink resin through the sponge. Ink solvents must be non-polar to

dissolve colorants and resins, which are non-polar (e.g ethanol). The resin is a glue-like

polymer, and ensures that the ink colorant “sticks” to the paper once the solvent evaporates.

While some people may find the odor of most markers acceptable, others can’t even

tolerate its strong and toxic scent. According to Malishenko Y. (2017), some markers even

have risks of skin irritation if ever there is unnecessary contact with the marker. Actions like

intentionally sniffing in the marker fumes for a long period of time may be potentially

dangerous to one’s health and a chance to damage the lungs (“Marker Ink (Permanent)” n.d.).

One factor of this is the strong odor of the marker ink, which is one of the things that

indicates its toxicity. The basic cause of its scent is the solvent which contain a special type

of chemicals called “alcohols” that exhibit a strong odor.

Alugbati Plant

Alugati (Basella rubra Linn, Basella alba Linn) is a fast growing perennial vine

which belongs to family Basellaceae (Rathee et al., 2010). It is commonly known as Malabar

spinach, Indian spinach, Ceylon spinach and vine spinach (Roy et al., 2010) and is of African

and East Asian origin. It often grows on tropical areas such as Philippines and Malaysia due

to it being an extreme heat tolerant. The alugbati plant is commonly known for its soft,

spinach-like leaves and shoots. The stem is purplish (shade of red) with heart shape leaves.

Anthocyanin in Alugbati Fruits

The fruits of the alugbati plant were extracted and a red pigment was found, according

to previous researches. Because of that, the alugbati fruits had a great potential in producing

products such as natural food colorant and also for cosmetics since it was nontoxic and had

good stability in pH nature.

Furthermore, its fruits were reported to have high anthocyanin content, which is one

of the main reasons why the alugbati fruit extract has potential in being an alternative marker

ink. Anthocyanin is a water-soluble, reddish or blue pigment in flowers, plants, and some

insects. Anthocyanin is a crucial factor due to the fact that it is a pigment which is a major

component of inks.

Preservatives and Additives

Natural inks require preservatives and additives to create an efficient product and

make it last longer since it is only made of organic materials which need proper preservation

and storage. Recommended preservatives were white vinegar to enhance the color, salt to

absorb excess water and prevents bacteria from proliferating, while rubbing alcohol hastens

after drying. Meanwhile, the researchers are going to use pulverized charcoal as an additive

for the natural ink.

 Charcoal is defined as “A dark or black porous carbon prepared from vegetable or

animal substances; as from wood by charring in a kiln from which air is excluded” (Merriam

Webster Online). In fact, charcoal can be produced from a range of synthetic materials, such

as polymers, as well as from natural sources. (Armstrong, et al., 2015-2016)

According to Kunjappu, J. T. (2009), polymeric materials constitute an integral

ingredient in any ink composition, and in this very statement, it is clear that charcoal has

essential components for the alternative ink. Furthermore, charcoal can also intensify the

color of the ink and add stability, making the said product last longer and more efficient.

Related Studies

A. Foreign Studies

A study about ink formulation from natural colorants was conducted by Nishan

Singh and Vishal Sharma on May 2017. In this research, they used organic materials

as substitute for printer ink. The study involved the collection of raw materials like

fruits and vegetables, through which they used Jamun, also known as Java plum

(Syzygium cumini) and extracted colouring components from it by Aqueous

Extraction. In addition, the study also included fine filtration of the extract, adding

resin, additives, and preservatives for ink preparation and lastly, packing of prepared

ink for its long term use. Singh and Sharma had a comparison between synthetic inks

and natural inks.

As Singh and Sharma’s findings, Jamun ink is feasible for printing on paper.

Although the period of time the inks lasted is from 40-45 days but the quality of print

is as good as other inks.

 According to them, different variation of shades can be produced based on the

concentration of colorant, and that the natural ink should be stored in proper, cool and

dark places, or else the inks would be spoiled. In the end, they concluded that

prepared purple jamun ink can be a good alternate to synthetic inks.

Another study was conducted by Powar P. V, Lagad S B, Ambikar R.B,

Sharma P. H on June 2014. The research aimed to produce edible ink. In that

statement, they included the utilization of four (4) herbal inks from different

biological sources such as Beet Root (Beta valgaris) Chenopodiaceae, Citrus peel

(Citrus limonene) from Rutaceae family, Butterfly Flow petals (Pentas lanceolate)

from Rubiaceae family, Butterfly tree (Bauhinia purpurea) from the family of

Caesalpiniaceae, etc. The herbal inks were evaluated based on several parameters

such as Color, Odour, Taste, Brightness, Drying time, Flow ability, Non-clogging

nature, Viscosity, Permanency of colour, and stability.

Powar P. V, et al. claimed that colors produced from synthetic dyes were more

consistent from batch to batch than colors produced by natural colorants. They added

that natural dyes, however, were an eco-friendly way to impart almost any color to

textile product with the recent interest in environmental concerns; natural dyes might

have been a good way to produce unique products with a green slant. All inks were

found to be edible, safe, easy to prepare and stable.

B. Local Studies

A study by Alguzar et al. on 2015 focused on plant extracts such as mayana

leaves and alugbati plant extract as an alternative ink for markers. In this study, they

made a comparison between the effectiveness of commercial marker ink and natural

ink in terms of certain factors which are absorption, stick consistency, odor and color.
 After their experimentation, it was then revealed that the commercial ink

produced a stronger tanning of color than the mayana and alugbati extract. However,

the mayana ink and alugbati ink is superior in terms of its odor. Also, its stain,

whether on paper or fabric, was just easy to wash.

 References

Alguzar, J. C., Caballero, C. G., Cayetuna, J. S., Cortez, D. P., Lituanas, J. C., Maldo, R.
S., . . . Talines, C. B. (2015-2016). Plant extract as an alternative ink for markers. Retrieved
from
https://www.academia.edu/22466483/Plants_Extract_as_an_Alternative_Ink_for_Markers

Anthis, C. (2015, August 3) DIY natural herbal ink & feather pen – natural hippy homeschool
series. Retrieved from
https://www.thehippyhomemaker.com/homemade-ink-feather-pen/

Charcoal (n.d.). (2019) In Merriam Webster Online. Retrieved October 13, 2019 from
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charcoal

Farusi G. (2012) Indigo: recreating Pharaoh’s dye. Science in School 24: 40–46.

Ink. (2019, September 23). The Columbia Encyclopedia (6th ed.) Retrieved from
https://www.encyclopedia.com/literature-and-arts/journalism-and-publishing/libraries-books-
and-printing/ink

Johnson, S. (2018, April 29) What is the chemical composition of pen ink? Retrieved from
https://sciencing.com/chemical-composition-pen-ink-17194.html

Marker ink (permanent). (2016, October 4) Retrieved from

https://www.nnepc.org/poisons/m/marker-ink-permanent

Singh, N. & Sharma V. (2017) Detail study of ink fromulation from natural
Colourants. International Journal For Technological Research In Engineering
Volume 4, Issue 9, May-2017. Retrieved from
http://www.ijtre.com/images/scripts/2017040925.pdf

Pauser, D. (2017, April 12) How to make ink from alugbati. Retrieved from
https://ourpastimes.com/make-ink-alugbati-6524991.html

Polymer (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2019 from

https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/polymer
Powar P. V, Lagad S B, Ambikar R.B, Sharma P. H. (2014, June 1) Herbal Ink: Safe, Easy
and Ecofriendly Alternative. International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical
Research 2014; 6(2); 146-150. Retrieved from
http://impactfactor.org/PDF/IJPPR/6/IJPPR,Vol6,Issue2,Article1.pdf

Shimamoto, G. G & Rossi A. V. (2015, February 25) An artistic introduction to anthocyanin

inks. Retrieved from
https://www.scienceinschool.org/content/artistic-introduction-anthocyanin-inks
 Chapter III

METHODOLOGY