Studi Karakteristik Pati dari Limbah Batang Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis guineensis) berdasarkan Ketinggiannya dan Variasi Konsentrasi Pelarut Natrium Bisulfit

Abstract

Oil palm plantations in Indonesia produce large amounts of stem waste when the trees reach the end of their productive lives. This study explored the potential use of oil palm stem starch for industrial applications, focusing on the effect of various concentrations of sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) on the yield, purity, and functional properties of starch. Starch was extracted from three parts of the stem (L1, L2, and L3) using NaHSO3 at concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, and 1%. The results showed that NaHSO3 significantly increased starch yield, with the highest yield in the upper stem (L3). NaHSO3 also increased amylose and amylopectin contents, with the highest amylose content found in L3, indicating better film-forming properties for bioplastics. Starch extraction with NaHSO3 produced whiter starch and increased starch yield. At 0% NaHSO3 concentration, starch yield was low (<2%), but reached 2% at concentrations of 0.5% and 1%. Starch with 0% NaHSO3 has different FT-IR peaks compared to 0.5% and 1% NaHSO3. The highest amylose content (24.76%) was found in L3 with 1% NaHSO3, and the lowest (15.51%) in L1 with 0% NaHSO3. The highest amylopectin content (60.47%) was obtained in L2 with 1% NaHSO3, while the lowest (40.48%) was in L1 with 0% NaHSO3. The swelling power of starch depends on the amylose content, with the highest value of 14.9 g/g in L3 with 1% NaHSO3. Starch treated with NaHSO3 showed better water absorption and swelling capabilities compared to untreated starch and commercial starch. Analysis of commercial starch functional groups showed differences in peak sharpness with starch variation of 0% NaHSO3, but were not significant at concentrations of 0.5% and 1%. The starch, amylose, and amylopectin content were lower than commercial starch, but the swelling power value was higher. These results conclude that NaHSO3 is an effective agent to improve the quality of starch from oil palm trunk waste, making it suitable for bioplastic production and other industrial applications.