Claim Missing Document
Check
Articles

Characterization and Biodegradation Test of Palm Kernel Meal Galactomanan-Based Bioplastics with Succinic Acid-Polyvinyl Alcohol Cross-Linking Agent Djaleha, Novelista; Rahim, Erwin Abdul; Nurhaeni; Ruslan; Sumarni, Ni Ketut; Prismawiryanti
KOVALEN: Jurnal Riset Kimia Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): April Edition
Publisher : Chemistry Department, Mathematics and Natural Science Faculty, Tadulako University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.22487/kovalen.2026.v12.i1.18014

Abstract

Environmental pollution caused by non-biodegradable plastic waste has become a major global concern, prompting the development of eco-friendly alternative materials. Bioplastics derived from natural polymers are considered a promising solution due to their biodegradability and renewability. A study has been conducted on the manufacture of bioplastics from palm kernel meal galactomannan, with the addition of succinic acid and PVA, as an effort to reduce pollution caused by plastic waste. This study aims to determine the characteristics of bioplastics, including tensile strength, elongation, Young's modulus, chemical structure, and biodegradation. Bioplastics were obtained by mixing galactomannan, PVA, and variations of succinic acid (0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 g). The results showed a tensile strength of 3.61–8.76 MPa, elongation of 260.83–432.92%, and Young's modulus of 1.21–2.49 MPa. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of ester bonds, indicating cross-linking, while the biodegradation test showed that all samples were completely degraded within 1 day. The 0.10 g variation produced the best tensile strength, while the control had the most stable surface. This galactomannan-based bioplastic has the potential to be an alternative to conventional plastic due to its good mechanical properties and very rapid degradation.
Growth Response, Flavonoid Content, and Antioxidant Activity of Mustard Microgreen under Reduced Water Availability An'nisa, An'nisa; Harso, Wahyu; Lambui, Oryyani; Prismawiryanti, Prismawiryanti
Jurnal Biologi Tropis Vol. 26 No. 2 (2026): April - Juni
Publisher : Biology Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, University of Mataram, Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.29303/jbt.v26i2.11701

Abstract

Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) has often been cultivated as a microgreen. Investigation into the impact of water stress effects on mustard in the microgreen stage is currently limited. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of reduced water availability on growth performance, flavonoid concentration, and antioxidant potential in mustard microgreens. Samples used to assess plant growth, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were collected from mustard plants grown in growth media under water availability of 90%, 70%, and 50% of field capacity. All acquired data were further evaluated by applying a one-way ANOVA. Reducing water availability to 50% field capacity did not impact growth, but it did enhance flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity. Peak values occurred at 70% of field capacity, with flavonoid content positively correlated with antioxidant activity. A water availability of 70% field capacity can be recommended as the optimal condition for producing mustard microgreens, as it effectively increases flavonoid content without inhibiting plant growth. This study confirms that growth parameters do not always accurately reflect the functional quality of plants; therefore, the evaluation of horticultural crops needs to include aspects related to secondary metabolites.