Biosynthesis and Characterization of Edible Films from Kepok Banana Peel Starch with a Combination of Glycerol-Sorbitol Plasticizer

Research on making edible films from kepok banana peels with glycerol-sorbitol plasticizer aims to analyze the mechanical properties and functional groups of edible films from kepok banana peels with a comparison of the concentration of the plasticizer combination of glycerol-sorbitol. This research consisted of 3 stages, namely making kepok banana peel starch, making edible films, and characterizing kepok banana peel starch and edible films. The yield of kepok banana peel starch obtained was 11.94%. Edible film production was carried out with variations in the glycerol-sorbitol concentration ratio of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100 on a basis of 40% (w/w) of total starch weight. Functional group analysis of kepok banana peel starch and edible film was carried out with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Testing the characteristics of the edible film includes thickness, tensile strength, elongation, and Young's modulus. The results showed that edible film was successfully made with mechanical properties that tended to comply with the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) 1975 on the parameters of thickness, tensile strength, and young's modulus.