Taweechai Amornsakchai
This study investigates the development of biodegradable films derived from pineapple stem starch, enhanced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, aimed at extending banana shelf life. The films were prepared by incorporating varying amounts of glycerol (0–30%) as a plasticizer, CNC (0–1.5%) as a reinforcing agent, and ZnO (0–20%) as a functional additive. Rheological tests revealed that 20% glycerol offered optimal viscosity and viscoelastic properties, while CNC significantly improved film strength and structural integrity. ZnO provided effective UV-blocking capabilities, peaking at a 10% concentration, and was uniformly dispersed in the starch matrix, as confirmed by SEM. Although the addition of ZnO slightly increased water vapor permeability, the films demonstrated notable potential in delaying banana ripening when used as coatings, attributed to their ability to shield the fruit from light-induced oxidative reactions. Overall, this research highlights the potential of pineapple stem waste for creating eco-friendly packaging materials that help reduce food waste and reliance on synthetic plastics.

Reference:
“Cellulose Nanocrystals and Zinc Oxide in Pineapple Starch Films for Enhanced Banana Shelf-Life”, Li, L., Chin, S.X., Rachtanapun, P., Amornsakchai, T., Khiew, P.S., Chowdhury, S., Zakaria, S., Chia, C.H., Sains Malaysiana. 2025, 54(3), 899–911.