Exploring Java Plum (Syzygium cumini ) Seed: Production of Bioplastic as a Solution to

Plastic Pollution

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A Research Proposal Presented to the Faculty of

City of Naga Integrated Center for Science, Technology, Culture and Arts

Inoburan, City of Naga, Cebu

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In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of Practical Research 1

Student Researchers:

Gonzales, Atasha Nicoline, A.

Padernal, Mikelouie, J.

Suzuki, Divine Nikki, J.

Tapanan, Belle Nathalie, L.

Villanueva, Jinken, G.

Yangan, Bonever Azi Jode, L.

 CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The research methodology utilized in this study outlines the details of the research design,

research instrument, data gathering procedure, how the data was analyzed, and the scope and

limitations of the study. Also, this gives an understanding of the different processes that were

involved in the making and production of bioplastics from java plum seeds.

Research Design

This study employs a quantitative research design, focusing on experimental research

methodology.According to Langkos (2014), quantitative research aims to define characteristics,

quantify them, and construct statistical frameworks to better understand observed events.

Anilkumar (2014) stated that experimental research aims to assess the relationship between

variables by manipulating one variable while observing the effect on the other variable.

Experimental procedures are utilized in any scientifically valid research. The success of

experimental studies is dependent on the researchers confirming that the change of a variable is

based solely on the manipulation of the constant variable. As a result, establishing a clear cause-

and-effect relationship is essential for the success of experimental studies ("Experimental

Research - Definition, types of designs and advantages," 2020). Experimental research involves

the manipulation of an independent variable by the researcher and the influence or effect on a

dependent variable. Any changes in the dependent variable will be recorded. In this study, the

independent variable is Java plum seed starch, and the dependent variables are its physical

properties such as tensile strength, water solubility, biodegradability, and molding capabilities.
Therefore, this research design is the most suitable type of design for this research as it involves

conducting experiments and trials to determine the efficacy and potential of Java Plum (S.

cumini) seed starch on the production of bioplastic as a solution to plastic pollution.

Research Instruments

This study used observational sheets in the form of a table to collect and keep track of the

data from the experiment. Observation sheets collected and recorded data on what happened

throughout the researchers' activities (Bryman, 2004). This entails collecting data on numerical

qualities and other acquired variables. It recorded the monitored and measured data (Quantitative

Observation, 2021). As a result, this acted as a tool for monitoring the quality of bioplastic

production in accordance with ASTM International Standards for Plastic Biodegradation. This

included information on tensile strength, biodegradability evaluation, water solubility testing,

antimicrobial analysis, and molding assessment. research as it involves conducting experiments

and trials to determine the efficacy and potential of Java Plum (Syzygium cumini) seed starch on

the production of bioplastic as a solution to plastic pollution.

The data on each property of bioplastic will be anchored on the properties of

biodegradable plastic made from starch, according to Arjun et al. (2023) and Manimaran et al.,

(2016). The researchers have adopted the observation sheet that they have structured for the

presence of properties for bioplastic production. Substantiatingly, these researchers main goal

and focus were on researching different starch-based bioplastics and their properties. While the

tensile strength of the bioplastic is based on and sourced from the study of Mulligan (2022),

Comparing the Tensile Strength of Starch Bases in Biodegradable Plastic Alternatives - Future
Science Leaders. Moreover, this will aid in the assessment of the potential and efficacy of this

starch-based bioplastic.

Data Gathering Procedure

This section contains information on the materials used in the experiment. Also, the

process of how the starch-based bioplastic will be produced and tested. The gathering of data

will also be elaborated and expounded.

Materials

Throughout the experiment, safety and precaution will be followed, as contact

with and exposure to sodium metabisulfite can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose,

throat, and lungs, which can lead to breathing difficulties, coughing, and wheezing (Sheet,

2003). Because sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) are highly acidic

and can burn and harm tissue, handling these substances will also be monitored and

handled carefully. The Java Plum (S. cumini) will be obtained in Inoburan, City of Naga,

Cebu, as part of the material gathering process. The distilled water and vinegar will be

purchased at Save More in the City of Naga, Cebu, while the other materials, such as

sodium metabisulfite, glycerin, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and cinnamon

powder, will be purchased online.

Table 1. Materials in making of the bioplastic

Material Purpose

Java Plum seeds The seeds are used as the source of starch for the production of

bioplastic.

Glycerin Glycerin acts as a plasticizer, improving the flexibility and

durability of the bioplastic produced.

Vinegar Helps to break down the amylopectin, which allows the dried

bioplastic to be more flexible.

Distilled water Acts as a solvent to dissolve the starch and for rinsing the java plum

to remove other chemical.

Sodium metabisulfite It is used as an antioxidant and preservative. This would help

increase the biodegradation period of bioplastics.

HCl (hydrochloric To remove amylopectin in the starch

acid)

NaOH (sodium Neutralizes excess acid

hydroxide)

Cinnamon powder Help increase the antimicrobial property of bioplastics.

Blender Use to grind the Java plum seeds

Mesh filter bag Filter the pureed seeds

Plate A surface for drying the extracted starch.

Cooking pot The cooking pot will be used for boiling the mixture need for

bioplastic production

Beaker For measuring and mixing various solutions during the production

of bioplastic.

Measuring cups and These will be use for accurate measurement of ingredients

spoons

Container Will be used to store various solutions and the final bioplastic

product.

Rubber spatula For mixing and transferring materials during the production process.

Stove To heating the bioplastic mixture to a certain temperature during

production.
Process of Making the Bioplastic

The researchers will first collect and prepare the needed materials for the

experimentation. The researchers will be using the seeds of a Java plum. In commencing the

extraction of starch from the Java plum seeds, the seeds will be washed and cleaned thoroughly

beforehand. After, the seeds will be peeled and then soaked in a sodium metabisulphite (0.2M)

solution for 45 minutes. Then, a cooking pot with distilled water will also be prepared for the

boiling process. The seeds will be boiled for about 30 minutes. After boiling, the seeds will be

blended until evenly smooth and pureed using a blender. The pureed seeds will be filtered using

a mesh filter bag. Distilled water will be poured over to help wash all the starch out. After that,

the starch water will sit for at least 15 minutes, and then the water will be poured off. Then, the

starch will be transferred into a smaller and taller container, which will make washing easier.

The starch will be washed by adding distilled water. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes, then dump

off the water. This will be done until the water is clear and the starch has settled at the bottom of

the container. After that, the starch will be laid on a flat, wide plate to dry. The starch will be

dried for at least 4 days.

After the starch is obtained, 10g, 20g, and 30g of starch will be weighed and placed in

three different cooking pots, followed by 2 teaspoons of cinnamon powder, which would help

increase the antimicrobial properties of bioplastics. Then, 16.2 mL of vinegar, 10.8 mL of

glycerin, 135 mL of distilled water, 3 mL of hydrochloric acid, which helps in film formation,

and 3 mL of sodium hydroxide will be added in order to neutralize the pH up to 7. The mixture
will be well mixed before turning on the stove on a low fire. Once bubbles appear, the fire can

now be turned off. After that, the mixture will be placed in a flat and wide container. The

mixture will then be left to air dry for about 48 hours, and the bioplastic will be produced in

sheet form.

Process of Testing the Properties of Bioplastic

Subsequently, quality testing of the starch-based bioplastic will be conducted. Additional

materials such as spring balance, soil, pot, water, beaker, ammonia, acetone, ethyl alcohol, water,

methanol, acetic acid, aluminum foil, and different shapes of silicon mold will be prepared.

First, each bioplastic will have a weight fastened to one end in order to assess its tensile

strength. After that, the other end will be attached to clips, and a spring balance will pull it. Next,

the bioplastic's ultimate strength was determined using the following equation: force expressed

in Newtons divided by millimeters of thickness (Mulligan,2022).

Fig. 4: Illustration of Tensile Test on the bioplastic

For the biodegradability test (soil burial method), the biodegradable plastic will be cut

into 2.5cm x 2.5cm. Then the initial weight of the biodegradable plastic will be taken and then

buried at a depth of 5 cm. At a regular interval, which would be every two days, water will be

sprinkled. After 3 weeks, the specimen from the soil will be taken and washed with distilled
water; after that, the specimen will be dried and the weight will be taken (Manimaran et al.,

2016). Thereafter, its water solubility will be assessed. Water solubility tests will be performed

on the produced bioplastics to ensure their persistence. The bioplastic will be cut into 2.5 cm by

2.5 cm and inserted into a beaker containing different solvents: ammonia, acetone, ethyl alcohol,

water, methanol, and acetic acid. It will be kept for two weeks. The solvents were chosen in such

a way that the activity of materials with parameters like high-acid solvent, polar solvent, non-

polar solvent, and weak acid will be checked. After two weeks, the samples will be taken to

check the solubility of the bioplastic, and then the results will be recorded. After which, the

antimicrobial properties of the bioplastic will be tested by disc diffusion (Kirby Bauer) tests. The

biodegradable products will be placed on Muller Hinton agar plates, which contain suspensions

of microorganisms swabbed evenly on their surfaces. Then, petri dishes were incubated for 18–

24 hours. After the incubation period, the inhibitory zone has to be determined around the

biodegradable samples on the agar plate. Lastly, molding tests will be conducted on the starch-

based bioplastic. Molding is the process of forcing melted plastic into a mold cavity. The liquid

bioplastic mixture will be poured into a silicone mold. Once the material gets rigid, it can then

be ejected (Arjun et al. 2023).

As a result, following the experimentation and data gathering, the findings will be

analyzed and presented. In addition, the results of the tests will be used to determine the

consistency of the data.

Data Analysis

The proponents quantitatively assessed the results after examining and interpreting the

data collected from this study. Tables and textual presentations made it easy to evaluate the data.
The first thing that will be analyzed and reported is the outcome of the various testing trials of

the starch-based bioplastic made from Java plum (Syzygium cumini) seed. After that, it will be

compiled and contrasted to see whether the data is consistent.This has aided in analyzing the

performance during the quality testing.

In terms of its quality testing, referencing Mulligan (2022), Comparing the Tensile

Strength of Starch Bases in Biodegradable Plastic Alternatives - Future Science Leaders.,Arjun

et al. (2023), and Manimaran et al., (2016), each test will be analyzed as follows:

The tensile strength of the java plum seed bioplastic will be analyzed based on a spring

balance, each bioplastic will be secured at one end by weight and at the opposing end by clips.

The ultimate strength of the bioplastic was then measured and calculated by the equation: force

in Newtons is divided by thickness in millimeters. Results will be obtained for each bioplastic

variant to compare their tensile strength properties.

Its biodegradability (soil burial method) will assess if the bioplastic will decompose

within 3 weeks. Not being able to decompose within 3 weeks will serve as a failing criterion, as

this study is conducted to produce a bioplastic that can combat plastic pollution.

The water solubility of the java plum seed bioplastic will be conducted to check the

persistence of these product samples from java plum seed, which is cut into small pieces and

inserted into a beaker containing different solvents. It will be kept for two weeks, and after two

weeks, samples will be taken out to check the solubility.

Its antimicrobial (disc diffusion method) will assess an emerging solution to combat

microbial threats to mankind. If the test shows that it has low antimicrobial resistance, this
criterion will fail, as the test is done to ensure the effectiveness of antibacterial finishes used in

product formulation.

The molding of the Java plum seed bioplastic will assess the shaping of the liquid or raw

material using a rigid frame called a mold. Not being able to mold into a different shape will

serve as a failing criterion.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to produce bioplastics utilizing starch extracted from

java plum's seed. The accessibility of java plum seeds may vary depending on geographical

location and seasonal factors. Limited availability may affect the research timeline and sample

size. The research will utilize available laboratory equipment and bioplastic production

techniques. Any limitations or constraints associated with the equipment or technology may

impact the research outcomes. The research will primarily focus on the viability of java plum

seeds for bioplastic production. However, the study may not extensively explore the potential

applications and market opportunities for java plum-based bioplastics beyond the scope of this

research. Assess the tensile strength, biodegradability, water solubility, anti-microbial properties,

and molding of the resulting bioplastic material. Due to limited equipment, funding, resources,

and time constraints, the researchers will only produce small quantities of the bioplastic material.

Furthermore, the study will solely utilize starch from the java plum's seed, excluding any other

parts of the java plum plant.