Banana Pseudostem Research Articles

High Xylanase and Low Cellulase Producing Bacteria as a Whole Cell Biocatalyst for Eco-Friendly Surface Modification of Banana Pseudostem Fibers

High Xylanase and Low Cellulase Producing Bacteria as a Whole Cell Biocatalyst for Eco-Friendly Surface Modification of Banana Pseudostem Fibers

Effect of process parameters on the rheological properties of banana (Musa acuminata) fiber and optimization using response surface methodology

The labor-intensive, time-consuming, and uneconomical nature of manually extracting banana (Musa acuminata) fibers from pseudo-stem sheaths has prompted the exploration of automation as a solution. This study focuses on automating the feeding process of banana pseudostem sheaths using a quick return mechanism, which is more effective than other approaches. A comprehensive study was conducted to assess the impact of key process parameters, namely the decorticator (480–540 rpm), roller speed (50–80 rpm), and clearance between rollers (2–4 mm), on the mechanical properties of the extracted banana fiber. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed for the experimental design and analysis of data, and the mechanical properties under investigation included the tensile strength, Young's modulus, and strain percentage of the banana fiber. The results revealed that the decorticator speed, roller speed, and clearance between rollers are significantly influenced by their mechanical properties. Herein, the optimal process parameter values are identified as follows: a decorticator speed of 510 rpm, roller speed of 65 rpm, and clearance of 3 mm between rollers. The mechanical characterization of the optimized banana fiber exhibited impressive properties, with an ultimate tensile strength of 679.48 MPa, Young's modulus of 25.47 GPa, and strain of 3 %. This study demonstrates that automation coupled with systematic parameter optimization can enhance the mechanical attributes of banana fibers. This research not only addresses the challenges of manual extraction, but also advances the understanding of how process parameters affect banana fiber quality, thereby facilitating the utilization of this natural fiber in various industrial applications.

Correction: Effect of Banana Pseudostem Derivative Compost and Foliar Spray of Sap on Nutrient Acquisition, Yield and Sugar Content of Corn in Tropical Soil

Correction: Effect of Banana Pseudostem Derivative Compost and Foliar Spray of Sap on Nutrient Acquisition, Yield and Sugar Content of Corn in Tropical Soil

Utilization of non-concentrated banana pseudostem sap waste for converting to bioethanol: In vitro and in silico evidence

The abundantly available waste banana pseudostem fibers have attracted the paper and textile industries, however the stem-sap extracted during fiber processing remains underutilized. Although this sap comprising cellulosic sugars holds potential as a feedstock, its commercial viability in the renewable energy sector remains a challenge. Our study delves into this untapped resource by mechanically extracting sap from banana pseudostems and enhancing its reducing sugar content to approximately 35.5 g/L through acid hydrolysis and detoxification without concentrating the sap. Using separate batch fermentations with pentose and hexose fermenting strains such as Pichia stipitis NCIM 3499 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 2601, we achieved bioethanol production efficiencies of 67.5 % and 70.03 %, respectively. Yield and cost analyses confirmed the feasibility of this approach for industrial application in low-economy settings. Furthermore, gene-interaction network and functional enrichment analysis identified 63 key genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and ethanol conversion pathways within the fermenting organisms. Among these, the PGK1 gene and its direct interactors emerged as promising targets for future biotechnological enhancements aimed at boosting bioethanol production. This study not only underscores the renewable energy potential of unconcentrated banana pseudostem sap but also paves the way for innovative genetic interventions to optimize bioethanol yields.

Effect of Banana Pseudostem Derivative Compost and Foliar Spray of Sap on Nutrient Acquisition, Yield and Sugar Content of Corn in Tropical Soil

Effect of Banana Pseudostem Derivative Compost and Foliar Spray of Sap on Nutrient Acquisition, Yield and Sugar Content of Corn in Tropical Soil

Development of Banana Pseudostem Supported Polymeric Adsorbent for Effective Removal of Cationic Dyes from Wastewater

Development of Banana Pseudostem Supported Polymeric Adsorbent for Effective Removal of Cationic Dyes from Wastewater

Banana pseudo-stem and cattle manure for lactic acid production and the application of polylactic acid-cellulose silver nanoparticle-based nanocomposite films in food storage

Lactic acid is used in various industrial processes, including the production of emulsifiers, polymers, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Fermentation of renewable biomass from natural sources has several advantages over costly chemical methods. Thermal and acidic pretreatments were used to improve the availability of sugars in the medium. Bacillus coagulans was isolated from the banana pseudostem; it was cultured with cattle manure-banana pseudostem for the improved production of lactic acid. Lactic acid production was high in the culture medium containing a 1:1 ratio of cow manure and banana pseudostem after 72 h of fermentation. After 24 h, lactic acid production was 19.4 ± 1.2 g/kg substrate, and it increased after 48 h (20.5 ± 0.1 g/kg substrate), and 72 h (26.3 ± 0.1 g/kg substrate). Lactic acid synthesized by B. coagulans was purified and used for the synthesis of polylactic acid. Polylactic acid was used for the fabrication of composite materials with cellulose and silver nanoparticles. The scanning electron microscopy image showed a smooth surface with uniform particle sizes. The fabricated nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity against food spoilage bacteria. The film was used to pack goat meat and chicken meat. The fabricated film reduced the bacterial load in the stored meat and improved food quality.

Production of Natural Food Colorant with Organic Mordant Solutions and Incorporation into Modern Food Systems

Abstract Colorants are an important exposure that affects the way we feel and judge foods. The food colorant is normally associated with the flavor, safety and nutritional value of the food product. Colorant are obtained from natural plants and minerals. In today’s world, synthetic oxidative food colors are used. It contains a high chemical composition and is derived from petroleum or crude oil. Sunset yellow, carmine, amaranth and azorubine are examples of common synthetic food colors. It leads to some diseases such as asthma, allergy reactions and cancer. Hence, natural food colors were produced from natural plants. The plants contain several pigments, such as betacyanin, anthocyanin and curcumin. The fruit juice of Opuntia ficus-indica, in particularly it contains betacyanin pigments, which can be used as a natural red-purple food colorant. In order to improve the results, we extracted the juice from Opuntia ficus-indica and banana pseudo-stem. Next, we qualitatively analyzed the juice to find out whether flavonoids, triterpenoids, proteins, alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponin, tannin, and phenol was present. Opuntia ficus-indica has antioxidant properties, as does banana pseudostem sap, which has antioxidant, antithrombotic and anti-haemolytic properties. Then analyzed physical parameters of color strength were measured (using a UV spectrophotometer) at 450 nm to determine color strength and that the results were good with pH, viscosity, smell and taste. And toxicity analyses of aflatoxin and ochratoxin shows good results. This colorant has been used successfully in two food systems: ice cream and milkshakes. which is preserved after one month in the refrigerator.

Integrated Influence of Banana Pseudostem Scuture Waste Compost and Mineral Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Chia (Salvia hispanica)

Integrated use of mineral fertilizers with organic sources like compost as a source of nutrients becomes more efficient in terms of boosting growth, increasing yield, and restoring soil fertility and soil health. A field experiment was initiated at the Medicinal Plants and Tobacco Research Institute (ARC) in Tandojam focusing on the cultivation of kalongi seed. The experiment was laid out in a Complete Randomized Block Design with six treatments with four replicates. The treatments were T1. Control T2, Compost+ 25% NPK, T3, Compost+ 50% NPK, T4, Compost+ 75% NPK and T6, Compost+ 100% NPK. The compost was uniformly applied in all treatments except control. The recommended dose of mineral fertilizer NPK (70: 30, 30, kg ha-1) was applied. Before conducting of field experiment banana waste compost was prepared banana waste fiber extraction unit in the Department of soil science. Banana psuedotem after the fiber extraction scuture waste was collected and blended with sugarcane press mud at a ratio of (70% banana scuture waste+30% sugarcane press mud) to have optimum compost product. The banana scuture waste was applied at the rate of 5 tons ha-1. The physicochemical properties of soil used for this Chia field experiment were slightly alkaline in reaction with EC 0.9 dSm-1, respectively. The soil texture of the experimental soil was silty loam, EC (0.9 dm-1), pH (6.0), OM% (2.7), N (0.25 %), P (25 ppm), K(36 ppm respectively. The results revealed that based on the mean, treatment T5 (Compost+ 100% NPK) applied had the maximum 127.54 cm plant height, 24.16 number of leaves plant-1, 2.00 cm stem girth, 111.40 g fresh weight, 31.08 g dry weight and 31.10 g grain yield of chia crop. Parallel to this control treatment (farmer practice) had a minimum plant height 71.63 cm number of leaves plant-1 14.31 stem girth 1.11, fresh weight 51.36g, plant dry weight 10.89 g, and grain yield 9.60 g plant-1. Whereas T4 compost + 75% NPK resulted in maximum 116.47 cm plant height, 22.14 numbers of leaves plant-1, 1.76 cm stem girth, 99.46 g fresh weight, 26.95 g dry weight, and 26.86 g grain yield. It was concluded T4 was statistically and economically significant and had better results for all growth parameters and seed yield recorded in the experiment. It is suggested that growers should apply banana scuture waste compost @ 5 tons ha along with 75% recommended NPK fertilizer by reducing 25% of chemical fertilizer for chia yield, soil fertility soil health, and eco and environmental sustainability under changing climate.

A method for measuring banana pseudo-stem phenotypic parameters based on handheld mobile LiDAR and IMU fusion.

Diameter and height are crucial morphological parameters of banana pseudo-stems, serving as indicators of the plant's growth status. Currently, in densely cultivated banana plantations, there is a lack of applicable research methods for the scalable measurement of phenotypic parameters such as diameter and height of banana pseudo-stems. This paper introduces a handheld mobile LiDAR and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)-fused laser scanning system designed for measuring phenotypic parameters of banana pseudo-stems within banana orchards. To address the challenges posed by dense canopy cover in banana orchards, a distance-weighted feature extraction method is proposed. This method, coupled with Lidar-IMU integration, constructs a three-dimensional point cloud map of the banana plantation area. To overcome difficulties in segmenting individual banana plants in complex environments, a combined segmentation approach is proposed, involving Euclidean clustering, Kmeans clustering, and threshold segmentation. A sliding window recognition method is presented to determine the connection points between pseudo-stems and leaves, mitigating issues caused by crown closure and heavy leaf overlap. Experimental results in banana orchards demonstrate that, compared with manual measurements, the mean absolute errors and relative errors for banana pseudo-stem diameter and height are 0.2127 cm (4.06%) and 3.52 cm (1.91%), respectively. These findings indicate that the proposed method is suitable for scalable measurements of banana pseudo-stem diameter and height in complex, obscured environments, providing a rapid and accurate inter-orchard measurement approach for banana plantation managers.

Electronic Nose and GC-MS Analysis to Detect Mango Twig Tip Dieback in Mango (Mangifera indica) and Panama Disease (TR4) in Banana (Musa acuminata)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as a biological element released from plants, have been correlated with disease status. Although analysis of VOCs using GC-MS is a routine procedure, it has limitations, including being time-consuming, laboratory-based, and requiring specialist training. Electronic nose devices (E-nose) provide a portable and rapid alternative. This is the first pilot study exploring three types of commercially available E-nose to assess how accurately they could detect mango twig tip dieback and Panama disease in bananas. The devices were initially trained and validated on known volatiles, then pure cultures of Pantoea sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Fusarium odoratissimum, and finally, on infected and healthy mango leaves and field-collected, infected banana pseudo-stems. The experiments were repeated three times with six replicates for each host-pathogen pair. The variation between healthy and infected host materials was evaluated using inbuilt data analysis methods, mainly by principal component analysis (PCA) and cross-validation. GC-MS analysis was conducted contemporaneously and identified an 80% similarity between healthy and infected plant material. The portable C 320 was 100% successful in discriminating known volatiles but had a low capability in differentiating healthy and infected plant substrates. The advanced devices (PEN 3/MSEM 160) successfully detected healthy and diseased samples with a high variance. The results suggest that E-noses are more sensitive and accurate in detecting changes of VOCs between healthy and infected plants compared to headspace GC-MS. The study was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions, as E-noses are highly sensitive to surrounding volatiles.

Evaluation of Lysinibacillus formulations against banana pseudostem weevil (BPW) Odoiporus longicollis [Olivier.]

ABSTRACT Odoiporus longicollis [Olivier], commonly known as banana pseudostem weevil or BPW has been a predominant pest of bananas, resulting in devastating losses in banana cultivation across India. The current research explores the use and effectiveness of the microbial biopesticide – Lysinibacillus sphaericus against banana pseudostem weevils in field and laboratory conditions. The LC50 value of L.sphaericus was found to be 9.92% of 1 OD (optical density at 600 nm) culture after 24 h of treatment against grubs at in-vitro conditions. L.sphaericus cultures were formulated as liquid, solid, and capsule formulations, and analysed parameters such as viability, shelf life, and pest control efficiency against banana pseudostem weevils. The capsule-based formulation (8 ± 2 × 102a CFU/ml) was most effective against the grubs with a storage period of 120 days to six months under room temperature in air-free containers. The efficacy of a capsule-based formulation at in vivo conditions in the pseudostem revealed that the gelatine coat of the capsule disintegrated within 24hrs after application, leading to the easy release of active ingredients to the pseudostem. The field evaluation observed that in L.sphaericus-based capsule formulations treated plants, there was more than an 80% reduction in the infestation of grubs over control treatments. The current paper describes the application of L.sphaericus against the weevil, its unique formulation as a capsule increasing bacterial shelf life, and ease of application. The development of an easily applicable and effective capsule with a better shelf life of 6 months would increase the marketing possibilities of this biopesticide formulation against Odoiporus longicollis.

Elucidating the effect of stacking sequence on water absorption, flexural, and impact properties of banana pseudostem fiber–reinforced unsaturated polyester composites

Elucidating the effect of stacking sequence on water absorption, flexural, and impact properties of banana pseudostem fiber–reinforced unsaturated polyester composites

Total aerobic plate count and onion (Allium cepa) root tip assay using banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) Pseudostem accumulated water with thin-layer chromatography as confirmatory test

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. It can originate from any of the trillions of cells in the human body. Normally, cells grow and divide as needed, but cancer disrupts this process, causing abnormal cells to multiply uncontrollably. According to Monda et al. (2021), the pseudostem of the banana tree possess anticancer activities due to the phytochemicals present, which is why the researchers want to determine whether the accumulated water inside the banana pseudostem also holds the potential to become an alternative anti-cancer treatment. The researchers utilized total aerobic plate counting and Allium cepa root tip assay for the researchers to evaluate the potability of the banana pseudostem accumulated water and assess its inhibitory properties for cell growth, respectively. Based on the findings of the study, the total number of aerobic plates is too numerous to be counted (TNTC) and from the ANOVA analysis conducted, there was no significant difference among the cell growth inhibition. To verify this result, thin-layer chromatography was used to determine if there are any phytochemicals present within the sample possessing anticancer properties. No phytochemicals with such characteristics were identified. In conclusion, the banana pseudostem accumulated water is not a suitable alternative for anticancer medications. The researchers recommended considering other factors that might affect the quality of the sample. They also suggested subjecting the data to a more in-depth analysis, such as examining the Mitotic Index and chromosomal aberrations, to obtain more specific information.

Antioxidant and LC-MS screening of banana pseudostem.

Abstract Bananas are herbaceous plants in the Musaceae family, which includes three genera: Musa, Musella, and Ensete. Musa acuminata and M. balbisiana are the main species that produce edible bananas. The peels and leaves of the banana tree include antioxidants and biological activities such as anti-diabetic, anti-diarrheal, anti-tumor, anti-mutagenic, and anti-ulcerogenic properties. Bananas have also been shown to have bioactive compounds that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungus. The wide waxy surface of the banana pseudo-stem contains a lot of fibre, flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins. Because of their cooling characteristics, the leaves have long been used to treat eczema, wounds, inflammation, rashes, dandruff, and sunstroke. The pseudo-stem comprises a significant portion of the plant biomass, which is often left on the plantation site or burned and discarded. Banana (Musa spp.) pseudostem, a byproduct of banana farming, has long been used in numerous cultures for its alleged health benefits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of banana pseudostem as a potent source of phytochemicals or secondary metabolites using biochemical tests and chromatography techniques. Fresh pseudostem samples were obtained and subjected to biochemical testing such as flavonoid, phenol, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity. The results demonstrated presence of potential phytochemicals in its aqueous and methanolic extracts, indicating a rich biochemical composition. Furthermore, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and liquid chromatography - mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) were used to identify different phytochemical compounds present in the extract. The analysis revealed unique separation patterns, indicating a wide range of secondary metabolites within pseudostem extract. This extensive investigation highlights banana pseudostem's potential as a great source of phytochemicals viz. with a variety of biological functions. Further detailed investigations may reveal the potential of banana pseudostem, an agricultural waste, as a rich source of many bioactive compounds.

Controlled reaction dynamics of cellulose: Revealing the dual morphology nanocrystals

Cellulose nanocrystals exhibit diverse morphology with embedded crystallinity derived from the ordered crystalline regimes of cellulose fibers. Acid hydrolysis parameters controls the morphology of nanocrystals and is the primary efficient route for the synthesis of cellulose nanocrystals. In this study, we explored the impact of temperature on the morphology engineering of cellulose nanocrystals derived from banana pseudostem by oxalic acid hydrolysis, an underexplored method. Confirmation of successful cellulose extraction was achieved through fibrous morphology observed in FESEM and TEM analyses. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy affirmed the presence of type II cellulose. Notably, for the first time, we report the derivation of toroidal and spherulitic sheet-like morphologies in cellulose nanocrystals synthesized by hydrothermal method from banana psuedostem. Our investigation revealed that cellulose hydrolysis at 120 °C yields nanocrystals characterized by toroidal and spherulitic sheet-like morphologies with excellent crystallinity, as confirmed by FESEM and TEM analyses, with average thicknesses of 13.70 nm and 18.05 nm, respectively. Interestingly, elevating the hydrolysis temperature to 180 °C led to the collapse of these structures into carbon dots, exhibiting notable cyan emission.

Amino‐modified banana nanocellulose aerogels with quick pH‐responsive switchable wettability for oil–water separation

AbstractWith the rapid development of the maritime industry, oily wastewater discharges and oil spills cause acute environmental challenges. Currently, cellulosic materials with switchable wettability have received increasing interest for oil–water separation. Moreover, work efficiency needs to be improved with a shorter response time. To realize these, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) synthesized pH‐responsive copolymer (DMAEMA‐co‐MTMS) which grafted banana nanocellulose fiber made from wasted pseudostem to achieve the pH‐responsive aerogel (BCNA‐DcoM). BCNA‐DcoM exhibited hydrophilic/submerged lipophobicity under acidic conditions and hydrophobic/lipophilic under alkaline conditions. A response time of 3 s and a contact angle of 135° were shown when the mass ratio of banana nanocellulose suspension, MTMS, and DMAEMA‐co‐MTMS was 5:3:9. Moreover, BCNA‐DcoM possessed favorable mechanical friction properties, salt resistance (25% NaCl), compression resilience (50 cycles of compression at 60% strain), switchable wettability (>30 cycles), and highly efficient separation performance (>96%). The adsorption capacity of BCNA‐DcoM for oil is 80–184 times the initial weight of the aerogel based on the different oil densities. For practical applications, BCNA‐DcoM could continuously separate oil–water mixtures with the constant‐flow pump. The present work provides more possibilities for rapidly treating industrial oily wastewater with low‐cost and ecological banana pseudostem materials.

Banana Pseudostem: An Innovative and Sustainable Packaging Material: A Review

Banana Pseudostem: An Innovative and Sustainable Packaging Material: A Review

Green synthesis and optimization of iron oxide nanoparticles as MRI contrast agent

Iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) derived from herbal plants are being explored as potential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents due to their biocompatibility and ability to perform targeted drug delivery. For the first time, the usage of various novel combinations of leaf extracts such as those of Azadirachta indica and Piper betle and extracts of two other Ayurvedic herbs – namely, Asparagus racemosus and Symplocos – was attempted for eco-friendly green synthesis of FeNPs. The nanoparticles were coated onto nanofibers made from a banana pseudo-stem (FENPs-NF) to enhance their biocompatibility. The synthesis process was optimized using response surface methodology, and techniques such as ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, vibrating-sample magnetometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used for characterization. Hemolytic and immune cell assays, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and MRI analysis were carried out. A peak at 325 nm observed in UV–Vis spectroscopy, AAS, FE-SEM, EDX and FT-IR proved the presence of FeNPs. Hemolytic and immune cell assays indicated biocompatibility, and the MTT assay (MCF-7) showed inhibition at 250 μg/ml. FeNPs and FeNPs-NF showed a good signal loss in MRI analysis at 1.5 T, proving their contrast agent nature. Thus, FeNPs synthesized from herbal plant sources may open a new door for potential application in the biomedical field as a chemical-free and biocompatible MRI contrast agent.

Sustainable seedling pots: Development and characterisation of banana waste and natural fibre-reinforced composites for horticultural applications

Plastic pots used in horticultural nurseries generate substantial waste, causing environmental pollution. This study aimed to develop biodegradable composites from banana pseudo-stem reinforced with agricultural residues like pineapple leaves, taro and water hyacinth as eco-friendly substitutes. The aim of this study is to develop optimised banana biocomposite formulations with suitable reinforcements that balance mechanical durability, biodegradation, and seedling growth promotion properties to serve as viable eco-friendly alternatives to plastic seedling pots. This study was carried out by fabricating banana fibre mats through pulping, drying and hot pressing. Composite sheets were reinforced with 50 % pineapple, taro or water hyacinth fibres. The mechanical properties (tensile, yield strength, elongation, bursting strength), hydrophilicity (contact angle, water absorption), biodegradability (soil burial test), and seedling growth promotion were evaluated through appropriate testing methods. The results show that banana-taro composites exhibited suitable tensile strength (25 MPa), elongation (27 %), water uptake (41 %) and 82 % biodegradation in 60 days. It was observed that biodegradable seedling trays fabricated from banana-taro composite showed 95 % tomato seed germination and a 125 cm plant height increase in 30 days, superior to plastic trays. The finding shows that the study demonstrates the potential of banana-taro biocomposites as alternatives to plastic nursery pots, enabling healthy seedling growth while eliminating plastic waste pollution through biodegradation.