Pineapple Stem Research Articles

Pineapple stem starch-based films incorporated with pineapple leaf carbon dots as functional filler for active food packaging applications

Pineapple leaf waste, a byproduct of agricultural processes, was used as a novel raw material to synthesize carbon dots (CDs) through a simple hydrothermal method. The CDs were subsequently incorporated into pineapple stem starch (PSS)-based active food packaging films. The characterization of the CDs and PSS-CDs films was conducted using various techniques, including UV-light spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed that the CDs measured 2.36 ± 0.33 nm and exhibited antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The addition of the CDs led to notable enhancements in both mechanical strength and UV-barrier properties. Thus, PSS-CDs packaging film was successfully prepared, with the incorporation of CDs enhancing the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the film, thereby extending the shelf-life of fresh pork.

Enzymatically Pre-treated Cordyceps militaris Mushroom Extracts Influences Spent Hen Chicken Meat Stability during Cold Storage

Abstract Evaluations were conducted on storage stability of old laying hen chicken breast following treatment using Cordyceps militaris (CM) mushroom extracts and hydrolyzed CM mushroom extract produced with a bromelain eznyme from pineapple stem. A total of Forty-two spent hen breast samples that had their fat removed were subjected to each of the four treatments: (1) no addition as a negative control (NC); (2) Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as positive control; (3) CM extract solution (CME); and (4) hydrolyzed mushroom extract prepared with the bromelain enzyme (STB). The pH value of all treatment groups maintained a significantly lower level across storage days, except treatment with STB resulted in an acceptable (6.09) pH value up to 9 days of cold storage. Subsequently, breast samples treated with STB (41.23%) possessed the highest antioxidant activity, followed by CME (32.17%), BHT (32.97%), and NC (6.11%) after the initial storage day. These results displayed a limited effect from treatment using enzymolyzed CM on meat’s instrumental surface color. This study recommended that immersing breast meat into hydrolyzed CM mushroom prior application using (STB) could be a robust alternative for improvement of spent hen breast meat during storage.

Antitumor properties of bromelain loaded trastuzumab conjugated niosomes in HER2+ breast cancer cells

There are multiple forms of treatment for cancer treatment, but since the treatment process also damages healthy cells. Accordingly, in recent years, in the light of nanotechnological studies, cancer cell targeted drugs known as smart drugs have attracted attention. Niosome is one of the preferred nanoparticle systems in these studies. Bromelain is a protease mixture obtained from the pineapple stem or fruit. In recent years, it has been shown in many cell types that it has anticancer properties due to its proteolytic activity. In this study, bromelain was encapsulated into niosomes with 32 ± 2.9 % efficiency for the treatment of breast cancer, which is the most common type of cancer in women. Specific targeting of niosome-encapsulated bromelain to HER2+ SKBR-3 cell line was performed by trastuzumab (herceptin) conjugation. DLS, FTIR, XPS, TEM were used for particle characterization. Niosomes (Nio) showed particle size of 134.3 ± 8.1 nm, Bromelain loaded niosomes (Nio-Br) showed particle size of 165.6 ± 11.5 nm. As a result of TEM analysis, it was shown that morphologically spherical and targeted sizes of niosomes of approximately 100 nm were synthesized. FTIR and XPS analyzes were performed to confirm pegylation and trastuzumab conjugation. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis studies of Nio-Br, Nio-Br-PEG-Tra, Tra samples carried out in SKBR-3 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Determined IC50 values of final product on SKBR-3 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines respectively 77.51 ± 5.39 μg/mL and 238.1 ± 16.62 μg/mL. As a result of in vitro studies, final product is more toxic on HER2+ SKBR-3 cell line thanks to trastuzumab in structure. At the same time final product has more apoptotic effect connected to toxic characteristic. Formed molecule in this study was designed for HER2+ breast cancer cells. According to obtained in vitro experiment results, this designed molecule has potential to be drug delivery system for HER2+ breast cancer.

Noodles made from blends of rice flour and pineapple stem starch: physical properties, cooking qualities, in vitro starch digestibility and sensory properties

SummaryNoodles are generally made from rice flour, wheat flour or mungbean starch. Interestingly, pineapple stem starch (PSS), an alternative starch derived from pineapple stems as agricultural waste, has not yet been investigated for noodle production. The noodles were then prepared in different ratios of commercial rice flour and PSS (100:0, 70:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100) to investigate the effects of PSS on noodle qualities and properties including physical properties, cooking quality, in vitro starch digestibility and sensory attributes. The results showed that high PSS content had a positive effect on the structure and textural properties of noodles by increasing the network structure, hardness and chewiness, resulting in good sensory quality, which could be due to the high amylose content (30.56%) of PSS. However, the optimal cooking time and the cooking loss of the cooked noodles increased with an increasing proportion of PSS. In addition, noodles with a high PSS content had a higher content of slowly digestible starch and resistant starch, which can have a positive effect on our health. Our results suggest that PSS, an alternative starch from agricultural waste, can replace rice flour to develop better‐quality gluten‐free noodles. Similarly, PSS‐based noodles with a high resistant starch content could benefit human health by lowering the glycemic index and reducing the risk of non‐communicable diseases.

Enhancing the Efficacy of HIPEC Through Bromelain: A Preclinical Investigation in Appendiceal Cancer

IntroductionAppendiceal cancer (AC) excessive mucin production is a barrier to heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) drug delivery. Bromelain is a pineapple stem extract with mucolytic properties. We explored bromelain treatment effects against mucinous AC in a patient-derived tumor organoid (PTO) model and an AC cell line.Patients and MethodsPTOs were fabricated from tumor specimens obtained from patients with AC undergoing cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC. PTOs underwent HIPEC treatment with bromelain, cisplatin, and mitomycin C (MMC) at 37 °C and 42 °C with and without bromelain pretreatment.ResultsFrom October 2020 to May 2023, 16 specimens were collected from 13 patients with low-grade (12/16, 75%) and high-grade AC (4/16, 25%). The mucin-depleting effects of bromelain were most significant in combination with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) compared with bromelain (47% versus 10%, p = 0.0009) or NAC alone (47% versus 12.8%, p = 0.0027). Bromelain demonstrated > 31% organoid viability reduction at 60 min (p < 0.001) and > 66% in 48 h (p < 0.0001). Pretreatment with bromelain increased cytotoxicity of both cisplatin and MMC HIPEC conditions by 31.6% (p = 0.0001) and 35.5% (p = 0.0001), respectively. Ki67, CK20, and MUC2 expression decreased after bromelain treatment; while increased caspase 3/7 activity and decreased Bcl-2 (p = 0.009) and Bcl-xL (p = 0.01) suggest induction of apoptosis pathways. Furthermore, autophagy proteins LC3A/B I (p < 0.03) and II (p < 0.031) were increased; while ATG7 (p < 0.01), ATG 12 (p < 0.04), and Becline 1(p < 0.03), expression decreased in bromelain-treated PTOs.ConclusionsBromelain demonstrates cytotoxicity and mucolytic activity against appendiceal cancer organoids. As a pretreatment agent, it potentiates the cytotoxicity of multiple HIPEC regimens, potentially mediated through programmed cell death and autophagy.

Synthesis and Characterization of Proteolytic Enzyme Loaded on Silver Nanoparticles

Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme rich in cysteine proteases, extracted from the stem and fruit of pineapple (Ananas comosus). There are several therapeutic applications of the bromelain enzyme, where it has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial activity, reduces joint pain, and accelerates wound healing. In the current study, bromelain enzyme was loaded on silver nanoparticles (Br-AgNPs) prepared using the citrate-reduction Turkevich method. Different characterization analyses were performed, including UV-Vis spectrophotometers, FTIR, SEM, and XRD analyses. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of prepared Br-AgNPs was evaluated by DPPH assay. The results of UV-Vis showed a peak at 434 nm, which referred to the AgNPs formation, and FTIR results revealed groups of (C=O, C=C) at 1519.91 and 1539.20, respectively, and the amine group at 1384.89 and the flavonoids group at 1357.89. SEM results exhibit that the synthesized Br-AgNPs were spherical in shape, with average sizes of about 84.73 nm. Also, the AgNPs were crystalline in nature with face-centered cubic symmetry. The synthesized BR-AgNPs showed strong in vitro antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, successfully synthesized silver nanoparticles and bromelain had a potent antioxidant effect and may be a possible therapeutic agent for many diseases in the future.

Sustainable Materials with Improved Biodegradability and Toughness from Blends of Poly(Lactic Acid), Pineapple Stem Starch and Modified Natural Rubber.

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), derived from renewable resources, plays a significant role in the global biodegradable plastic market. However, its widespread adoption faces challenges, including high brittleness, hydrophobicity, limited biodegradability, and higher costs compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics. This study addresses these challenges by incorporating thermoplastic pineapple stem starch (TPSS) and modified natural rubber (MNR) into PLA blends. TPSS, derived from pineapple stem waste, is employed to enhance hydrophilicity, biodegradability, and reduce costs. While the addition of TPSS (10 to 40 wt.%) marginally lowered mechanical properties due to poor interfacial interaction with PLA, the inclusion of MNR (1 to 10 wt.%) in the PLA/20TPSS blend significantly improved stretchability and impact strength, resulting in suitable modulus (1.3 to 1.7 GPa) and mechanical strength (32 to 52 MPa) for diverse applications. The presence of 7 wt.% MNR increased impact strength by 90% compared to neat PLA. The ternary blend exhibited a heterogeneous morphology with enhanced interfacial adhesion, confirmed by microfibrils and a rough texture on the fracture surface. Additionally, a downward shift in PLA's glass transition temperature (Tg) by 5-6 °C indicated improved compatibility between components. Remarkably, the PLA ternary blends demonstrated superior water resistance and proper biodegradability compared to binary blends. These findings highlight the potential of bio-based plastics, such as PLA blends with TPSS and MNR, to contribute to sustainable economic models and reduce environmental impact for using in plastic packaging applications.

Impact of Oil Addition on Physicochemical Properties and In Vitro Digestibility of Extruded Pineapple Stem Starch.

The effects of palm oil (PO) and coconut oil (CO) additions on the physicochemical properties and in vitro starch digestibility of extruded pineapple stem starch (PSS) were studied. The native PSS was adjusted to 15% moisture and blended with PO or CO in amounts of 5 and 10% (w/w of starch), while the control sample without added oil was adjusted to 25% moisture before being extruded with a twin-screw extruder at a maximum barrel temperature of 140 °C. Due to the lubricating effect, the added oils reduced the expansion ratio of the extrudates, which led to an increase in cell wall thickness, bulk density, hardness, and water adsorption index, but to a reduction in the water solubility index, especially with 10% oils. PO had a greater impact on the physicochemical changes in the extrudates than CO. Surprisingly, no amylose-lipid complex was observed in the extrudates with added oil, as shown by XRD, DSC, and FTIR results. The phenolic compounds contained in PSS remained in all extrudates, which could affect the formation of the amylose-lipid complex during extrusion. The addition of 5% oil had no effect on the digestibility of the starch compared to the control extrudates, while the 10% oils, both PO and CO, reduced the rapidly digestible starch content but significantly increased the resistant starch content of the extruded PSS.

Chemical Composition, In vitro Gas Production and In Sacco Degradation of Oil Palm Tree Pith Silages

The objective of this research was to study the chemical composition, gas production kinetics and in sacco ruminal degradation of oil palm tree pith. The experiment design was conducted by complete randomized design (CRD). The treatments consisted of T1 = oil palm tree pith, T2 = oil palm tree pith silage, T3 = 5% urea + oil palm tree pith silage, T4 = 3% molasses + oil palm tree pith silage, T5 = 5% urea with 3% molasses + oil palm tree pith silage, and T6 = by-product of pineapple stem silage. Silage samples were collected at 21 days and their chemical composition, gas production techniques and the rate of degradation of dry matter were examined. The chemical compositions of oil palm tree pith (T1) comprise dry matter 42.4%, crude protein 1.48 %DM, neutral detergent fiber 50.71 %DM and acid detergent fiber 30.35 %DM. Oil palm tree pith silages, T2- T5, consisted of crude protein 2.09, 12.78, 3.74 and 14.53 %%DM, respectively, NDF between 48.15-52.07 %DM and ADF between 29.05-31.25 %DM. By-product of pineapple stem silage (T6) produced the highest gas production. T5 had the highest gas production value compared to other oil palm tree pith. Rumen degradation values of T5 had the highest degradation rate when compared to other oil palm tree pith silages. The rate of rumen degradation increased with higher rumen fermentation time. Therefore, it can be concluded that the oil palm tree pith fermented with urea and molasses improves rumen fermentation and can be used as a roughage source for ruminants.

Exogenous application of gibberellic acid on lateral bud emergence in pineapple propagated through stem cuttings

The effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) on lateral bud emergence in pineapple stem is still not known. Hence, this study was conducted. ‘MD2’ pineapple stems were sectioned into vertical halves. The first half served as the control (untreated). Whereas the other halves were soaked in 500 ppm GA3 for 2 hrs. The study was performed in two trials. Results in both trials show that untreated stem sections produced lateral buds after one week. In contrast, the GA3 treatment prevented the development of buds. In trial 1, only 2 out of 18 stem sections (11.11%) soaked in 500 ppm of GA3 produced buds after one week. In trial 2, GA3-treated stem sections failed to produce buds. The average number of buds emergence per stem section and diameter of lateral buds were consistently better in untreated pineapple stem sections. These findings implied that the exogenous application of GA3 could prevent the emergence of lateral buds in the pineapple stem.

Development of Biodegradable Thermosetting Plastic Using Dialdehyde Pineapple Stem Starch.

Starch extracted from pineapple stem waste underwent an environmentally friendly modification process characterized by low-energy consumption. This process resulted in the creation of dialdehyde pineapple stem starch featuring varying aldehyde contents ranging from 10% to 90%. Leveraging these dialdehyde starches, thermosetting plastics were meticulously developed by incorporating glycerol as a plasticizer. Concurrently, unmodified pineapple stem starch was employed as a control to produce thermoplastic material under identical conditions. The objective of streamlining the processing steps was pursued by adopting a direct hot compression molding technique. This enabled the transformation of starch powders into plastic sheets without the need for water-based gelatinization. Consequently, the dialdehyde starch-based thermosetting plastics exhibited exceptional mechanical properties, boasting a modulus within the range of 1862 MPa to 2000 MPa and a strength of 15 MPa to 42 MPa. Notably, their stretchability remained relatively modest, spanning from 0.8% to 2.4%. Comparatively, these properties significantly outperformed the thermoplastic counterpart derived from unmodified starch. Tailoring the mechanical performance of the thermosetting plastics was achieved by manipulating the glycerol content, ranging from 30% to 50%. Phase morphologies of the thermoset starch unveiled a uniformly distributed microstructure without any observable starch particles. This stood in contrast to the heterogeneous structure exhibited by the thermoplastic derived from unmodified starch. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the absence of a crystalline structure within the thermosets, likely attributed to the establishment of a crosslinked structure. The resultant network formation in the thermosets directly correlated with enhanced water resistance. Remarkably, the thermosetting starch originating from pineapple stem starch demonstrated continued biodegradability following a soil burial test, albeit at a notably slower rate when compared to its thermoplastic counterpart. These findings hold the potential to pave the way for the utilization of starch-based products, thereby replacing non-biodegradable petroleum-based materials and contributing to the creation of more enduring and sustainable commodities.

The in-vitro development of novel enzyme-based chemo-mechanical caries removal agents

ObjectivesBromelain is a potent proteolytic enzyme that has a unique functionality makes it valuable for various therapeutic purposes. This study aimed to develop three novel formulations based on bromelain to be used as chemomechanical caries removal agents. MethodsThe novel agents were prepared using different concentrations of bromelain (10–40 wt. %), with and without 0.1–0.3 wt. % chloramine T or 0.5–1.5 wt. % chlorhexidine (CHX). Based on the enzymatic activity test, three formulations were selected; 30 % bromelain (F1), 30 % bromelain-0.1 % chloramine (F2) and 30 % bromelain-1.5 % CHX (F3). The assessments included molecular docking, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), viscosity and pH measurements. The efficiency of caries removal was assessed by DIAGNOdent pen, measuring the excavation time and number of applications, followed by a morphological evaluation of the remaining dentine using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results were compared to Brix 3000 as a control. ResultsThe chloramine and chlorhexidine were chemically compatible with bromelain without compromising the enzyme activity. All experimental formulations showed higher viscosity and pH in comparison to Brix 3000. The DIAGNOdent readings were <20 in all groups, and the lowest readings were observed in F2. The excavation time and number of applications were lowest in F2 and F1. Both F2 and F3 produced smooth dentine surfaces with less tissue debris, but more patent dentine tubules were observed in F1 and F2. ConclusionsThe bromelain-contained formulations showed a potential to be used as chemomechanical caries removal agents in vitro. Further laboratory and clinical studies are needed to validate this claim. Clinical significanceThe bromelain from pineapple stem has broad specificity for cleavage the peptide bonds in denatured protein to facilitate their removal. The study proved the efficiency of this enzyme to remove the dental caries chemomechanically when used alone or conjugated with chloramine and/or chlorhexidine to enhance the disinfecting and cleansing properties.

Application of Biorefinery Concept to the Production of Bromelain, Ethanol, and Xylitol from Pineapple Plant Waste

The massive potential of pineapple fruit production can produce a sizable amount of waste, around 75% (w/w) of pineapple weight, contributing to global environmental problems. For this reason, biorefinery techniques are urgently needed to convert pineapple plantation waste into high-value-added bioproducts including bromelain, various sugars, xylooligoscharide, xylitol, and ethanol. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of converting pineapple plantation waste into bromelain, xylitol, and ethanol. In this study, the activity of the bromelain enzyme was tested in each part of the pineapple plant waste. The configuration of the hydrolysis and fermentation processes used to make ethanol and xylitol from the rest of the pineapple plant waste from bromelain extraction was also investigated. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme found in pineapple plants and can be isolated from every part of pineapple plant waste. Enzyme activity under several conditions, such as crude extract, pure extract, and dried extract, has been studied to determine the best conditions for the downstream process of this enzyme’s production in the future. The purification of bromelain involved the utilization of the precipitation method followed by dialysis, whereas the drying process of bromelain employed the freeze-drying method. The bromelain enzyme specific activity is shown to be highest in the pineapple stem, as observed in crude-extract (1.45 ± 0.06 CDU/mg), purified-extract (10.38 ± 0.06 CDU/mg), and dried-extract (12.05 ± 0.43 CDU/mg) conditions. Using the pineapple stem to extract bromelain can produce lignocellulosic waste, which is made up of 39.47% starch, 19.96% hemicellulose, 36.44% cellulose, and 6.05% lignin. The high content of starch, cellulose, and hemicellulose has the potential to be used as feedstock for ethanol and xylitol fermentation. In this study, ethanol and xylitol fermentation were carried out using two methods: separate hydrolysis and fermentation methods (SHF) and semi-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation methods (semi-SSF). As a result, fermentation using the semi-SSF method produced ethanol with a higher titer and yield (22.12 ± 0.05 g/L and 0.44 ± 0.00 g/g, respectively). However, the production of xylitol was found to be insignificant, regardless of whether it was obtained using SHF or semi-SSF. The purification of bromelain involved the utilization of the precipitation method followed by dialysis, whereas the drying process of bromelain employed the freeze-drying method.

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THERMOPLASTIC STARCH FROM PINEAPPLE STEM: EFFECT OF PLASTICIZERS

This work studied the effect of types and amount of plasticizers on thermoplastic starch properties from pineapple stem with good mechanical properties, water resistant and biodegradable. Three plasticizers were studied: erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol. Thermoplastic starch film was prepared by solution casting. When glycerol was used as co plasticizer, it could improve the flexibility of thermoplastic starch. Thermal properties of thermoplastic starch film by DSC showed that when the plasticizers were added, the heat of fusion (DHm) was reduced. Water absorption of thermoplastic starch films are maximum in 1 hour and constant after immersed in distilled water for 3 hours. Films can maintain in their shapes at least 13 days after that they dissolved. Thermoplastic starch from pineapple stem and plasticizers i.e. sorbitol and xylitol showed no significant difference in water absorption. Thermoplastic starch films from mixed plasticizers showed more hydrophilic when compared with film from single plasticizer. Films without glycerol show high tensile strength and modulus. Thermoplastic starch film from pineapple stem is water resistant and biodegradable in water. All thermoplastic starch degraded within 30 days after biodegradability test in soil. Thermoplastic starch film made from pineapple stem is considered a naturally biodegradable plastic.

Highly effective synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from lignocellulosic biomass over a green and one-pot reaction in biphasic system

In this study, different types of lignocellulosic biomas were used as substrates for the conversion to 5-HMF via biphasic reaction system that is composed of a reaction phase (aqueous phase) and an extraction phase (organic phase) under the catalysis of various metal salts. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), ionic liquid [BMIM]Cl, aqueous choline chloride, aqueous betaine hydrochloride, and ethylamine hydrochloride were used as the reaction phase in the combination of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as organic solvents. The highest yields of 5-HMF obtained from pineapple stems in reactions with DES were 40.98%, 37.26%, and 23.44% for ChCl:Lac, ChCl:OA, and EaCl:Lac, respectively. Moreover, the combination of dimethyl sulfoxide, betaine hydrochloride aqueous solution, and AlCl3·6H2O with the pineapple stem conversion system resulted in a maximum yield of 61.04% ± 0.55% of 5-HMF. This study also demonstrated that AlCl3·6H2O and betaine hydrochloride could be effectively reused four times, which indicates a green and effective process.

Identification of bromelain subfamily proteases encoded in the pineapple genome

Papain (aka C1A) family proteases, including bromelain enzymes, are widespread across the plant kingdom and play critical regulatory functions in protein turnover during development. The proteolytic activity exhibited by papain family proteases has led to their increased usage for a wide range of cosmetic, therapeutic, and medicinal purposes. Bromelain enzymes, or bromelains in short, are members of the papain family that are specific to the bromeliad plant family. The only major commercial extraction source of bromelain is pineapple. The importance of C1A family and bromelain subfamily proteases in pineapple development and their increasing economic importance led several researchers to utilize available genomic resources to identify protease-encoding genes in the pineapple genome. To date, studies are lacking in screening bromelain genes for targeted use in applied science studies. In addition, the bromelain genes coding for the enzymes present in commercially available bromelain products have not been identified and their evolutionary origin has remained unclear. Here, using the newly developed MD2 v2 pineapple genome, we aimed to identify bromelain-encoding genes and elucidate their evolutionary origin. Orthologous and phylogenetic analyses of all papain-family proteases encoded in the pineapple genome revealed a single orthogroup (189) and phylogenetic clade (XIII) containing the bromelain subfamily. Duplication mode and synteny analyses provided insight into the origin and expansion of the bromelain subfamily in pineapple. Proteomic analysis identified four bromelain enzymes present in two commercially available bromelain products derived from pineapple stem, corresponding to products of four putative bromelain genes. Gene expression analysis using publicly available transcriptome data showed that 31 papain-family genes identified in this study were up-regulated in specific tissues, including stem, fruit, and floral tissues. Some of these genes had higher expression in earlier developmental stages of different tissues. Similar expression patterns were identified by RT-qPCR analysis with leaf, stem, and fruit. Our results provide a strong foundation for future applicable studies on bromelain, such as transgenic approaches to increase bromelain content in pineapple, development of bromelain-producing bioreactors, and studies that aim to determine the medicinal and/or therapeutic viability of individual bromelain enzymes.

Identification Of Quantitative Characters of Two Pineapple Varieties (Ananas comosus L. Merr) Resulted By Propagation Of Stem Cutting In Okinawa Prefecture

Pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr) is one of the significant yields and the fundamental product created in Okinawa since it is appropriate climatic condition for pineapple improvement. seeds. This study intends to decide the quantitative characters of seedlings from stem engendering of pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr) stem cutting on two assortments in Okinawa, Japan. The review was led in December 2022 at Yagaji Island Nursery, Okinawa, Japan. A quantitative descriptive approach was used in the research, and random sampling was used to select 15 seedlings from each variety based on their age, starting at 60 HST, 90 HST, and 120 HST, for a total of 90 samples. Each seed test was noticed in view of boundaries set each month, in particular seedlding level, stem width number of leaves and. Research information were dissected utilizing basic measurement examination. The mean of each character was tried utilizing the T-test at the 5% level and the connection between's qualities was broke down utilizing the r-test at the 5% level. The outcomes showed that there were contrasts in quantitative characters of the two assortments, specifically the N67-10 assortment showing taller seedlings, more number of leaves and bigger stem at the three periods of perception, with the exception of 60 days for stem distance across and 120 days for seedling level. With a range of 0.44-0.77, the phenotypic correlation between characters is real.

Development of Biodegradable Rigid Foams from Pineapple Field Waste.

Pineapple materials sourced from agricultural waste have been employed to process novel bio-degradable rigid composite foams. The matrix for the foam consisted of starch extracted from pineapple stem, known for its high amylose content, while the filler comprised non-fibrous cellulosic materials sourced from pineapple leaf. In contrast to traditional methods that involve preparing a batter, this study adopted a unique approach where the starch gel containing glycerol were first formed using a household microwave oven, followed by blending the filler into the gel using a two-roll mill. The resulting mixture was then foamed at 160 °C using a compression molding machine. The foams displayed densities ranging from 0.43-0.51 g/cm3 and exhibited a highly amorphous structure. Notably, the foams demonstrated an equilibrium moisture content of approximately 8-10% and the ability to absorb 150-200% of their own weight without disintegration. Flexural strengths ranged from 1.5-4.5 MPa, varying with the filler and glycerol contents. Biodegradability tests using a soil burial method revealed complete disintegration of the foam into particles measuring 1 mm or smaller within 15 days. Moreover, to showcase practical applications, an environmentally friendly single-use foam tray was fabricated. This novel method, involving gel formation followed by filler blending, sets it apart from previous works. The findings highlight the potential of pineapple waste materials for producing sustainable bio-degradable foams with desirable properties and contribute to the field of sustainable materials.

Toward a Circular Bioeconomy: Exploring Pineapple Stem Starch Film as Protective Coating for Fruits and Vegetables.

In order to reduce our dependence on nonrenewable plastics and solve the problem of non-biodegradable plastic waste, there has been much attention paid to the development of biodegradable plastics from natural resources. Starch-based materials have been widely studied and developed for commercial production, primarily from corn and tapioca. However, the use of these starches could generate food security problems. Therefore, the use of alternative starch sources, such as agricultural waste, would be of great interest. In this work, we investigated the properties of films prepared from pineapple stem starch, which has a high amylose content. Pineapple stem starch (PSS) films and glycerol-plasticized PSS films were prepared and characterized using X-ray diffraction and water contact angle measurements. All films exhibited some degree of crystallinity, making them water-resistant. The effect of glycerol content on mechanical properties and gas (oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor) transmission rates was also studied. The tensile modulus and tensile strength of the films decreased with increasing glycerol content, while gas transmission rates increased. Preliminary studies showed that coatings made from PSS films could slow down the ripening process of bananas and extend their shelf life.

Toward a Circular Bioeconomy: Development of Pineapple Stem Starch Composite as a Plastic-Sheet Substitute for Single-Use Applications.

Plastic waste poses a significant challenge for the environment, particularly smaller plastic products that are often difficult to recycle or collect. In this study, we developed a fully biodegradable composite material from pineapple field waste that is suitable for small-sized plastic products that are difficult to recycle, such as bread clips. We utilized starch from waste pineapple stems, which is high in amylose content, as the matrix, and added glycerol and calcium carbonate as the plasticizer and filler, respectively, to improve the material's moldability and hardness. We varied the amounts of glycerol (20-50% by weight) and calcium carbonate (0-30 wt.%) to produce composite samples with a wide range of mechanical properties. The tensile moduli were in the range of 45-1100 MPa, with tensile strengths of 2-17 MPa and an elongation at break of 10-50%. The resulting materials exhibited good water resistance and had lower water absorption (~30-60%) than other types of starch-based materials. Soil burial tests showed that the material completely disintegrated into particles smaller than 1 mm within 14 days. We also created a bread clip prototype to test the material's ability to hold a filled bag tightly. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of using pineapple stem starch as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based and biobased synthetic materials in small-sized plastic products while promoting a circular bioeconomy.