Synthesis and characterization of edible plastic based on waste-derived durian seed starch with patchouli leaf extract as eco-friendly primary packaging

¹ Department of Food Engineering, Politeknik Dewantara, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
² Department of Agricultural, Politeknik Negeri Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia
³ Department of Multimedia, Politeknik Dewantara, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
⁴ Department of Food Engineering, Institut Teknologi Habibi, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Plastic pollution from single-use food packaging remains a critical environmental challenge due to its persistence and non-biodegradability. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize edible bioplastics derived from durian seed starch enriched with patchouli leaf extract (Pogostemon cablin) as a bioactive agent. Starch was obtained through sedimentation and drying, while patchouli oil was extracted via the Soxhlet method. Bioplastic films were prepared using starch concentrations of 6%, 8%, and 10%, supplemented with 1% glycerol, 0.5 g CMC, and 1 mL patchouli extract through solvent casting. Increasing starch concentration enhanced film thickness (0.020-0.032 mm), tensile strength (up to 3.3913 MPa), and elongation (13.5801%). The films exhibited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (<3.0 MPN/g) and achieved 65% biodegradation after 14 days. These results highlight the potential of durian seed starch enriched with patchouli extract as a sustainable bioplastic for primary food packaging applications.