We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Physical Characterization of Bioplastics Made from Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peel Waste Pectin and Pandan Leaf (Pandanus amaryllifolius) Cellulose
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists turned orange peels and pandan leaves—both usually thrown away as food waste—into a plastic-like material that breaks down naturally, unlike regular plastic that can linger for centuries and shed microplastics into our food and water. They found that using more pectin (a substance from the orange peels) made the material sturdier, less likely to absorb water, and quicker to decompose. While this bioplastic still needs more testing before showing up in stores, it points toward packaging that could cut down on the plastic pollution linked to microplastic contamination in our bodies and environment.
One effort to reduce environmental pollution is developing bioplastics from organic waste, such as pectin from sweet orange peel (Citrus sinensis) and cellulose from fragrant pandan leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius). Pectin, a polysaccharide from orange peel, and cellulose from pandan leaves can produce biodegradable plastics easily decomposed by soil microorganisms. This study addresses the growing issue of plastic waste accumulation by creating eco-friendly packaging alternatives. Utilizing orange peel and pandan leaves aligns with the circular economy concept by turning food waste into valuable materials. The research aims to reduce plastic pollution and process organic waste into bioplastics based on pectin and cellulose. An experimental laboratory design using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was applied with pectin concentrations of 1 g, 2 g, and 3 g, each repeated three times. The formulation also included 1 g of pandan cellulose, carrageenan (0.8 g) as a stabilizer, and glycerol (2%) as a plasticizer. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in SPSS 24. Results showed that increasing pectin concentration enhanced bioplastic thickness, reduced water absorption, and accelerated degradation over four weeks, indicating improved biodegradable performance.
More Papers Like This
Biodegradable Plastic from Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) Peels and Orange (Citrus × sinensis) Peels: A 1:1 Polymer Blend Experiment
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists turned cucumber and orange peels—food waste that usually gets tossed—into a plastic-like material that can break down naturally instead of sticking around for centuries like regular plastic. Mixing the two peel types in equal amounts worked best, creating a sturdier, more water-resistant film than using either peel alone. While this study focused on material strength rather than health testing, biodegradable alternatives like this matter because conventional plastics shed microplastics that end up in our food, water, and bodies, so finding ways to replace them could help reduce that exposure over time.
Biodegradable Plastic from Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) Peels and Orange (Citrus × sinensis) Peels: A 1:1 Polymer Blend Experiment
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists turned cucumber and orange peels—kitchen scraps most of us toss out—into a plastic-like material that breaks down naturally, unlike regular plastic that can linger for centuries and shed microplastics into our food and water. Mixing the two peel types in equal parts worked best, creating a sturdier, more water-resistant film than using either peel alone. While this is early-stage research, it points to a promising way to cut down on plastic waste and, potentially, our exposure to the microplastics linked to health concerns.
Tuning mechanical, thermal, morphological, barrier, and biodegradation properties of edible pectin-alginate/orange peel biocomposite films
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed biocomposite food packaging films combining pectin and alginate with orange peel extract, testing their mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. The biodegradable films showed tunable properties depending on formulation and degraded naturally, unlike conventional plastic packaging. Replacing petroleum-based food packaging with such materials could help reduce microplastic contamination from packaging waste.
Peningkatan Karakteristik Biokomposit Pektin Kulit Jeruk dan TiO2
AI summary Read the abstract
This Indonesian study developed and characterized biocomposite materials combining orange peel pectin with titanium dioxide as an alternative to conventional plastic. Developing biodegradable packaging materials from agricultural waste reduces the plastic production that ultimately leads to microplastic pollution.
Plant-Derived By-Products as Multifunctional Ingredients in Sustainable Cosmetic Emulsions: Concentration-Dependent Effects of Orange Peel Microparticles
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists turned leftover orange peels into tiny particles that can replace plastic microbeads in lotions and creams—an important swap since microplastics in cosmetics are increasingly banned and linked to environmental and health concerns. In tests, a 2% dose of these orange peel particles boosted skin hydration by over half and cut water loss from skin fourfold, while also acting as a natural antioxidant, all without harming the product's texture or feel. This suggests fruit waste could soon replace plastic in your skincare products while actually making them work better for your skin.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.