PROPERTY EVALUATION OF STARCH-BASED BIOPLASTIC FROM SWEET POTATO (Ipomoea batatas) AS PACKAGING FOR FRESH-CUT POMELO (Citrus maxima)

The study was conducted to investigate the potential of starch-based bioplastic from sweet potatoes as an alternative to petroleum-based plastic in the packaging of fresh-cut fruits. The investigation on the physical and sensorial properties of fresh-cut pomelo was laid out on a randomized complete block design where the treatments were the starch-glycerol (g/mL) ratio used in the manufacture of bioplastic packaging enumerated as follows: 20:20 (Tı), 15:25 (T2), 25:15 (T3), 30:10 (T4) and the control which is a resealable plastic bag (Ts). Results showed that there were no significant differences in the firmness, total soluble solids, and pH level of the samples packaged in the treatments for the entire seven days of storage. Meanwhile, the percentage loss in weight of fresh-cut pomelo only exhibited a significant difference in the fourth up to the seventh day. Yeast and molds were also clearly visible in the samples after seven days of undisturbed storage. In sensorial evaluation, results revealed that there was no significant difference in all of the parameters except during the seventh day of storage. Moreover, there were no significant differences accounted for among the biodegradability of the bioplastic samples. Regardless of the starch-glycerol ratio, the biodegradability did not significantly differ.