CHAPTER III
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
55
the PHB content, an additional analytical step involving the conversion of PHB to crotonic acid
esters following depolymerization with sulfuric acid is commonly employed for PHB
quantification in microbial samples. This derivatization process allows for the subsequent
detection and quantification of PHB content using analytical techniques such as
spectrophotometry. Currently, our progress in this analysis is contingent upon the availability
of crotonic acid, essential for detecting the precise amount of PHB within the Spirulina culture.
3 Bioplastic production
The Spirulina powder was mixed with gelatine and glycerol solution to form a dough-like
consistency. This mixture was then spread into thin layers and kept to dry in an ambient
temperature for 3 days.
Spirulina bioplastic was successfully produced. The bioplastic property of Spirulina is due to
polyhydroxy butyrate content in algal cells therefore it played a role as a biopolymer, the
bioplastic binders also played a crucial in its mechanical properties. The bioplastic sheet was
appeared in a light-yellow green colour, it exhibited good flexibility and tensile strength and it
showed potential for use in various applications. The successful production of strong and
biodegradable bioplastic materials using Spirulina validates its potential as a sustainable
alternative to conventional plastics.
3.1 Biodegradability test
The mass of the samples was measured each day for a week, the biodegradation rate of
Spirulina bioplastic and commercial bioplastic was calculated over 7 days using Equation 1.
Based on the results shown on table below, both types of bioplastics were found to be
biodegradable, with the Spirulina bioplastic showing a higher rate of degradation.
Table 5: Biodegradability rate (%) of the two bioplastics measured during a week
Bioplastic/period Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
A
0%
2.8%
7.7%
13.8%
20.5%
28.2% 37.6%
B
0%
5%
13.5%
28.7%
36%
46.6%
64%
A: The bioplastic produced using only glycerol and gelatin
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
55
the PHB content, an additional analytical step involving the conversion of PHB to crotonic acid
esters following depolymerization with sulfuric acid is commonly employed for PHB
quantification in microbial samples. This derivatization process allows for the subsequent
detection and quantification of PHB content using analytical techniques such as
spectrophotometry. Currently, our progress in this analysis is contingent upon the availability
of crotonic acid, essential for detecting the precise amount of PHB within the Spirulina culture.
3 Bioplastic production
The Spirulina powder was mixed with gelatine and glycerol solution to form a dough-like
consistency. This mixture was then spread into thin layers and kept to dry in an ambient
temperature for 3 days.
Spirulina bioplastic was successfully produced. The bioplastic property of Spirulina is due to
polyhydroxy butyrate content in algal cells therefore it played a role as a biopolymer, the
bioplastic binders also played a crucial in its mechanical properties. The bioplastic sheet was
appeared in a light-yellow green colour, it exhibited good flexibility and tensile strength and it
showed potential for use in various applications. The successful production of strong and
biodegradable bioplastic materials using Spirulina validates its potential as a sustainable
alternative to conventional plastics.
3.1 Biodegradability test
The mass of the samples was measured each day for a week, the biodegradation rate of
Spirulina bioplastic and commercial bioplastic was calculated over 7 days using Equation 1.
Based on the results shown on table below, both types of bioplastics were found to be
biodegradable, with the Spirulina bioplastic showing a higher rate of degradation.
Table 5: Biodegradability rate (%) of the two bioplastics measured during a week
Bioplastic/period Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
A
0%
2.8%
7.7%
13.8%
20.5%
28.2% 37.6%
B
0%
5%
13.5%
28.7%
36%
46.6%
64%
A: The bioplastic produced using only glycerol and gelatin