Potentials of Edible Canna (Canna edulis Kerr) Starch for Bioplastic: A Review

Abstract

Starch-based bioplastic was more economical and competitive compared to bacteria-based bioplastics (polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, and polyhydroxyalkanoates) due to the starch variances and the availability in Indonesia, along with the simple techniques that can be applied. This review aimed to describe the potential and opportunities of edible canna starch as an alternative raw material of bioplastics production. Edible canna tuber productivity in Java, Indonesia, with a harvest age of about eight months reaches 30-49.4 tons/ha. It will produce a mature segment 70.2% of the total harvest weight. Edible canna tuber was a carbohydrate source that contains 88.10% starch with an advantage of 68% higher fiber and mineral content than other tubers. Furthermore, canna tuber starch contains amylose proportions of 35.0%. The high amylose content in canna starch is one of the properties that can position its function for developing packaging materials. The gelatinization process of canna starch requires a short time and low energy because of its large granule size (56 μm). A literature review of canna starch as an alternative of bioplastic raw materials needs to be carried out to obtain accurate data and information regarding treatment, use of additional materials, and characteristics of bioplastic products resulting from experimental studies so that they can be further implemented.