EFFICACY OF POTATO (solanum tuberosum), BANANA (Musa

acuminata) AND CORN (Zea mays) AS AN ALTERNATIVE

COMPONENT IN MAKING BIOPLASTIC

A Science Investigatory Project Presented to the Faculty of

Malacampa National High School
Malacampa, Camiling, Tarlac

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

Research II – Science Investigatory Project

by:

Alyssa Joy Taming Domingo

Errol Joaquin Limayo Ramirez
Jhon Loyd Domingo Santiago
Mark Edrian Tomas Penaranda
May 2022
 Introduction

Nowadays, life without plastic seems to be unthinkable as they play such an important role in

our daily lives. Food packaging, for example, plays a significant role in our daily lives. The

conventional plastic is the most commonly used which made from non-renewable resources.

However, with an alternative solution of starch-based Bioplastics, we have the ability to reduce the

plastic waste in our environment. According to Goodall (2011), Manufacturing of conventional

plastics uses substantial number of toxics. Its litter disfigures the oceans and the coastlines.

Ingestions of conventional plastic kill marine creatures and fishes. The world needs to find a

solution that allow us access to plastics but avoids these serious problems.

Society’s interest in environmental awareness continues to grow and with it the demand for

sustainable, environmentally-friendly products. In response, many shops and supermarkets have

stopped giving away plastic bags. According to Ciel (n.d), Microplastics entering the human body

via direct exposures through ingestion or inhalation can lead to an array of health impacts, including

inflammation, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and necrosis, which are linked to an array of

negative health outcomes including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory bowel disease,

diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammation, auto-immune conditions, neuro-degenerative

diseases, and stroke.

Plastic waste production around the world is increasing, which leads to global plastic waste

pollution. The need for an innovative solution to reduce this pollution is inevitable. Increased

recycling of plastic waste alone is not a comprehensive solution. Furthermore, decreasing fossil-

based plastic usage is an important aspect of sustainability.

 Packaging consumes large amounts of petrochemical plastics and pollutes the environment.

So-called biobased plastic compounds, such as Wood-Plastic Composites (WPC), could potentially

ease the burden. They incorporate up to 80% wood-fibers into a plastics matrix. Applications as

packaging are rare, and studies have so far concentrated on products in the construction industry

(Hocking, n.d)

Bioplastics make it valid to expand resourceful, Alternative solutions related to conventional

plastics. Even better, Biobased plastics reduce dependence on fossil resources whilst modifying a

products carbon speck. Bioplastics allow enhanced end-of-life theories for disposal and recycling.

This may decrease the burden on our existing waste systems also the environment. The packaging

industry is currently the largest user of bioplastic, but there are many other suitable applications

possible, and consumers are increasingly interested in alternative bio solutions (Feddersen, n.d.).

This root vegetable (Solanum Toberosum) is a native to the Americas, a starchy tuber of the

plant “potato”. The Incas has a great reverence for Solanum. Tuberosum. They used it to treats

injuries. Incas were the first to cultivate potato around 8,000 BC to 5,000 BC (Slayzay, 2017).

The resin that can be found in corn, also known as polylactic acid (PLA), will be formed into

containers and packaging for food and consumer goods. The trendy plastic has several things going

for it. It’s made from a renewable resource, which means it has a big leg up both politically and

environmentally on conventional plastic packaging. Also, PLA is, in principle, compostable,

meaning that it will break down under certain conditions into harmless natural compounds. That

could take pressure off the nation’s mounting landfills. Corn-based plastics are starting to look

cheap now that oil prices are so high (Royte, n.d).

 (Zea mays), often known as Corn, it is one of the world's most widely consumed cereal

grains. It's the seed of a grass plant native to Central America but grown in various variants

worldwide. Popcorn and sweet. Corn are popular varieties, although refined corn products, regularly

used as ingredients in processed foods, are also widely consumed. Tortillas, tortilla chips, polenta,

cornmeal, corn flour, corn syrup, and corn oil are examples Whole-grain maize is as nutritious as

any cereal grain since it is high in fiber and contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and

antioxidants. Corn usually is yellow, although it also occurs in red, orange, purple, and other hues.

(Arnarson, 2019).

In addition, legal requirements such as plastic bag bans in a number of countries have led to

an increased demand for environmentally-friendly solutions. These facts gave the researchers the

idea of conducting a research study that will be an alternative source of plastic. Growing use of

bioplastics helps to reduce the amount of waste produced, which in turn has a positive effect on

environment.

Specifically, the main concern of this research is to determine the efficacy of potato, banana

and corn as alternative component in making bioplastic.

Research Questions

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of potato, banana, and corn as
alternative component in making as bioplastic.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. How may the potato, banana and corn as alternative component in making
bioplastic be described in terms of:

1.1 appearance;
 1.2 durability;

1.3 odor; and

1.4general acceptability?

2. To what extent do the three treatments in making bioplastic vary in terms of:

2.1 appearance;

2.2 durability;

2.3 odor; and

2.4 general acceptability?

Hypothesis of the Study

The study was designed to determine the Potato, Corn, and Banana peels as an
alternative bioplastic in terms of appearance, durability, odor, and general acceptability.

Significance of the Study

The findings of the study could provide information beneficial to the following:

To the community, this study aims reduce the number of plastic user due to the use of
bioplastic ang to obtain knowledge on bioplastics and be aware of how this would benefit
the environment.

To the environment, to reduce dependence on fossil resources, greenhouse gas

emissions, and plastic waste.

To researchers, this study can provide more insight on future studies.

To plastics manufacturer, to acquire new ideas and assist them to select economical
plastic made from new product.
To policy makers, the result of this study will prompt them to propose additional
policies and guidelines regarding the full implementation of bioplastic in all small and
medium manufacturer enterprises in the country.

Time and Place of the Study

The study was conducted in the researcher’s residence at Barangay Tuec,

Camiling, Tarlac because of the abundance of the primary materials needed for the

research such as potato, corn, and banana.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

For better understanding of this study, the following terms were defined based on

the sources from which they were drawn on and how these terms will be used to

understand this study better.

Banana. An elongated, often pointed tropical fruit with soft flesh enclosed in smooth,
yellow skin, usually a bunch of bananas sliding over a banana peel.

Biodegradable. It refers to the ability of things to get decomposed by the action of

microorganism such as bacteria or fungi while getting assimilated into the natural
environment.

Bioplastic. Biodegradable plastic can break down on its own, derived from renewable
biomass sources, such as vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, pea starch, or microbiota.

Conventional Plastic. It's a polymer made of high molecular mass that can intoxicate the
environment.

Corn. It is a tall American cereal grass plant that widely grows with a large ear of starchy
grain that has many types of varieties.
Durability. The ability to last a long time without significant deterioration.

Litters. Chemicals and microparticles are released such as cans, and bottles, and plastics
that is left lying in an open or public place.

Microplastics. Pollutant that can be harmful to the environment and both animal and
human health.

Packaging. Material used enclosed or protecting products or goods

Peel. It is the outer covering or the skin of vegetables or fruit. Usually, it is always
discarded.

Pollution. the presence or introduction of a dangerous or deadly chemical or object into

the environment

Polylactic Acid. A thermoplastic monomer derived from the renewable sources such as
cornstarch and which can be a bioplastic.

Potato. Its starchy tubers. They are a root vegetable native to the United States, and the
plant itself is a perennial plant in the family Solanaceae.

Recycle. Way of converting waste in a reusable material.

Resin. Are typically viscous substances that convert into rigid polymers through a curing
process.

Starch. An odorless, tasteless white substance occurring widely in plant tissue and
obtained chiefly from cereals and potatoes. It is a polysaccharide which functions as a
carbohydrate store and is an important constituent of the human diet.
Toxic. Extremely dangerous or unpleasant in a pervasive or insidious manner

Wood fiber. These are usually cellulosic elements that are extracted from trees and used
to make materials including paper.

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK

Identifying problems in the community that can be solved through newly

conceptualized products

Conducting the study with the guidance of the scientists and adviser.

Collection of materials such as Banana and Corn

Preparation of materials to be used in Bioplastics

Testing the products for Efficacy

 Data collection and statistical analysis.

METHODS AND PROCEDURE

The study was designed to determine the Potato, Corn, and Banana peels as an
alternative bioplastic in terms of appearance, durability, odor, and general acceptability.

Research Design

The study will be conducted using three treatments with three replications using

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of Completely Randomized Design (CRD).

The Completely Randomized Design (CRD) will be used in this study wherein

the subjects are randomly assigned to treatments. The treatments are as follows:

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3

(21.25) grams of starch
banana peel and cook with
(12) oz of distilled
water ,2.84 g glycerol, 4
table spoon of vinegar and
dry it for 2 to 5 days.
(21.25) grams of starh corn
peel and cook with (12) oz
of distilled water ,2.84g
glycerol , 4 tablespoons of
vinegar and dry it for 2 to 5
days.
(21.25) grams of starch
potato peel and cook with
(12) oz of distilled
water ,2.84g glycerol , 4
tablespoons of vinegar and
dry it for 2 to 5 days.
Materials

The following materials used to conduct the study.

Materials Quantity

Corn 21.25 grams

Banana 21.25 grams
Potato 21.25 grams
Distilled Water 12 oz
Glycerol 2.84grams
Vinegar 1 tablespoon

Procedures in making Bioplastics

Extraction Of Starch in Potato peel, Banana peel, and Corn peel

Step 1: Researchers needed to extract the Starch from the potato peel, banana peel, and
corn peel.

Step 2: The peels need to crush in the blender, and strain the peels and then reserve the
water. The starch will be at the bottom part of the water.

Dry the Wet Starch

Step 3: After extracting the peels, the researchers need to spread the wet starch in a flat
surface and let it to dry under the sun.

Making of Bioplastics

Step 5: The starch made from the peels, glycerol, vinegar, and water were all stirred and
combined together in a container.
Step 6: The container should be put in a heat and the ingredients should be stirred in a
continuous way.

Step 7: When the mixture is thickened, the researchers proceeded to pour the mixture in a
flat surface container and the let it try under the sun. After it hardened it can be called as
a bioplastics.

Data Gathering

Ten evaluators from Pinpinas. Santa Ignacia, Tarlac evaluated the appearance,

durability, odor, and general acceptability of the bioplastics. Surveyor were chose using

purposive samples. Their knowledge and abilities as a vendor are evaluated.

The study will employ a five-point (5) Likert scale, and the following
information will be gathered:

Appearance

The researchers will assess the samples in terms of appearance or how each
sample seemed based on the respondent's preferences.

Durability

The bioplastic durability will be determine into a test by stretching the product.

Odor

The bioplastics will be assessed according to the respondents’ qualities.

General Acceptability

The respondent's overall qualifications for banana peel, corn peel, and
potato peel-based bioplastics.
 The scales were used for the appearance are as follows

Scale Interval Description

5 4.21-5.00 Very satisfactory(no

damage, extremely
attractive)

4 3.41-4.20 Satisfactory (no damage,

very attractive)

3 2.61-3.40 Good (no damage,

attractive)

2 1.81-2.60 Poor (extensive damages,

unattractive)

1 1.00-1.80 Very Poor ( severely

damaged, very
unattractive)

The scales were used for the durability are as follows

Scale Interval Description

5 4.21-5.00 Very satisfactory

(extremely strong, no tear,
best condition)

4 3.41-4.20 Satisfactory (very strong,

no visible tear, good
condition)

3 2.61-3.40 Good (strong, no visible

tear, fine condition)

2 1.81-2.60 Poor (weak, torn in small

pieces)

1 1.00-1.80 Very Poor (extremely

 damaged)

The scales were used for the odor are as follows

Scale Interval Description

5 4.21-5.00 Very satisfactory (smells

good)

4 3.41-4.20 Satisfactory (smells okay)

3 2.61-3.40 Good (no foul odor)

2 1.81-2.60 Poor (quite smelly)

1 1.00-1.80 Very Poor (extremely

smelly)

The scales were used for the general acceptability are as follows

Scale Interval Description

5 4.21-5.00 Very satisfactory

4 3.41-4.20 Satisfactory

3 2.61-3.40 Good

2 1.81-2.60 Poor

1 1.00-1.80 Very Poor

Data Analysis
 For research question no. 1, mean will be computed. To get the mean, researchers

need to add up all the ratings given by their respondents, then divide by the total number

of respondents and which is 10 respondents.

For research question no. 2, the variation on the results on the test on the

appearance and odor on the study will be subjected to ANOVA of be Completing

Randomized Design (CRD). ANOVA will be used because we are to compare the

difference of potato peel-based bioplastic, banana peel-based bioplastic and corn peel-

based bioplastic in terms of appearance, odor, durability and general acceptability.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This section confer the results and discussions from the gathered data and

observations throughout the experiment processes.

Table 1. Mean and Verbal Description of the treatments for appearance

Treatments Mean Verbal Description

1 4.20 Satisfactory (no damage,

very attractive)

2 2.90 Poor (extensive damages,

unattractive)

3 3.40 Good (no damage,

attractive)

As demonstrated in table 1 has the mean scores of the treatment in terms for

appearance test. The result of the study shows that Treatment 1 ranked first with a mean

of 4.20 and a verbal description "Satisfactory" followed by Treatment 3 with a mean of

3.40 and a verbal description of "Good". Lastly is Treatment 2 with a mean 2.90 and a

verbal description of "Poor".

Table 2. Mean and Verbal Description of the treatments for durability

Treatments Mean Verbal Description

1 3.20 Good (strong, no visible

tear, fine condition)

2 2.40 Poor (weak, torn in small

pieces)

3 4.20 Satisfactory (very strong,

no visible tear, good
condition)

As shown in the table 2 has the mean scores of the treatment in terms for durability

test. The result of the study shows that Treatment 3 ranked first with a mean of 4.20 and a

verbal description "Satisfactory" followed by Treatment 1 with a mean of 3.20 and a

verbal description of "Good" and lastly the Treatment 2 with a mean 2.40 and a verbal

description of "Poor".

Table 3. Mean and Verbal Description of the treatments for odor

Treatments Mean Verbal Description

1 2.60 Poor (quite smelly)

2 2.60 Poor (quite smelly)

3 3.50 Good (no foul odor)

 Table 3 shows the mean scores of the treatment in terms for odor test. The result of

the study shows that Treatment 3 ranked first with a mean of 3.50 and a verbal

description "Good" and lastly the Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 with a mean of 2.60 and a

verbal description of "Poor".

Table 4. Mean and Verbal Description of the treatments for general acceptability

Treatments Mean Verbal Description

1 4.10 Satisfactory

2 3.00 Good

3 3.60 Good

As gleaned in table 4 has the mean scores of the treatment in terms for general

acceptability test. The result of the study shows that Treatment 1 ranked first with a mean

of 4.10 and a verbal description "Satisfactory" followed by Treatment 3 with a mean of

3.60 and a verbal description of "Good" and lastly the Treatment 2 with a mean 3.00 and

a verbal description of "Good".

Table 5. Significant variation among the treatments for appearance

Treatment Mean

1 4.20 a

2 2.90 a

3 3.40 a
 Sig. = 0.076

The analysis of Variance (ANOVA) gleaned that there is no significant variation

among the treatments in terms of appearance because the probability is greater than 0.05.

According to the table above T1, T2, and T3 are comparable with each other.

Table 6. Significant variation among the treatments for durability

Treatment Mean

1 3.20 ab

2 2.40 b

3 4.20 a

Sig. = 0.002

The analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that there is a significant variation

among the treatments in terms of durability because the probability is less than 0.05, T1

and T2 are comparable and so as T1 and T3. However, T2 and T3 are significantly

different from each other. This means that T3 has a better durability than T2. T3 was

described to very strong in terms of durability.

Table 7. Significant variation among the treatments for odor

Treatment Mean

1 2.60 a

2 2.60 a
 3 3.50 a

Sig. = 0.05

The analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that there is no significant

variation among the treatments because the probability is exact 0.05 and all the

treatments are comparable. According to the statistics shown above, the three treatments

are comparable. The table above demonstrate that the low mean implies that all the

treatments fall between “Poor” and “Good.”

Table 8. Significant variation among the treatments for general acceptability

Treatment Mean

1 4.10 a

2 3.00 a

3 3.60 a

Sig. = 0.091

The analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that there is no significant

variation among the treatments in terms of general acceptability because the probability is

less than 0.05 and all the treatments are comparable. This means the three treatments in

terms of general acceptability were favored by the respondents. The high mean indicates

that the three treatments fall somewhere between “Good” and “Satisfactory.”

Conclusion and Recommendation

CONCLUSION
 There are no adverse effects to the environment and nature arising out the
use of bioplastics made from peels of potato, banana, and corn. Based on the data that the

proponents gathered, banana starch and potato starch can be alternative effective

component in the production of bioplastics because both of them stand out in data that

gathered from the respondents. Therefore, T1 and T3 were determined to be generally

favored in terms of appearance, durability, odor, and general acceptability.

RECOMMENDATION

1. The idea of bioplastics is of considerable interest and importance in the

modern world. To develop a product that not only meets the needs of

manufacturers and consumers, but which actively reduces environmental

pollution, is a key goal of researchers and scientists in this industry they

may consider using a peel-based in formulating bioplastics.

2. Integrate environmental policies and practices as a key element of

management.

3. Develop and provide products and services that do not harm the

environment.

4. Educate and motivate employee, customer, and public to carry out their

activities in an environmentally friendly way.

5. Develop and provide products and services that do not harm the

environment.

6. Other researchers may substitute the ingredients that is starchy and it can be

eco-friendly as well.
 7. Combining stability and biodegradability. Enabling biodegradable

packaging to remain stable and durable during use.

8. Replacing a significant proportion of the conventional fossil feedstock by

plant-based or waste-based alternatives would reduce GHG emissions.

9. Some researchers can do more study so that Bioplastic food wrapper can be

edible.

10. Organic recycling is a well-established industrial process ensuring the

circular use for biodegradable plastics while creating a strong secondary

raw material market and opportunity for renewable energy generation.

Bibliography

Ciel, (n.d). Plastic and Human Health: A Lifecycle Approach To Plastic Pollution. Center
for International Environmental Law. Retrieved June 20, 2021 from
https://www.ciel.org/project-update/plastic-and-human-health-a-lifecycle-approach-to-
plastic-pollution/

Ensia, (2019). Are bioplastic better for the environment than conventional plastic?. Ensia.
Retrieved June 20, 2021 from https://ensia.com/features/bioplastics-bio-based-biodegradable-
environment/

Feddersen, K (n.d). Biodegradable biobased compounds. Helping create green solutions

with biodegradable plastics.Retrieved June 20, 2021from https://bio-fed.com/about-
bioplastics/
Goodall, C (2011). An important component of global sustainability. Carbon
Commentary. Retrieved June 20, 2021 from
https://www.carboncommentary.com/blog/2011/09/02/bioplastics-an-important-
component-of-global-sustainability
Hothi, (2020). What is a Science Investigatory Project? DiscoverPHDS. Retrieved June
20, 2021 from https://www.discoverphds.com/blog/

Kim, (2021). How to make Bioplastic. Tiktok. Retrieved February 11, 2022 from
https://www.tiktok.com/@chemicalkim/video/7019717131298196741?
_t=8PmdmDNVv7J&_r=1

Royte, E (2006). Corn Plastic to the Rescue. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved from June
20, 2021 from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/corn-plastic-to-the-
rescue-126404720/
Srinvasa, R (2017). Bio gas generation from biodegradable kitchen waste. Retrived June
20, 2021 from http://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijeab/2.2.15

Wikihow, (2020). Procedures how to do bioplastics. wikiHow. Retrieved November 9,

2020 from https://www.wikihow.com/MakeBioplastic?
fbclid=IwAR2PM_YU4s45MbXCNpaC04SqEqFeehSgrNZRV4EOvng3GEgeVcwgGS6
wR_k