Onion Peels as Bioplastic Ingredients

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The document discusses researching the feasibility of using onion peels as a tertiary ingredient in bioplastics. It reviews literature on bioplastics and how they can be made from renewable …

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Angel Fabular
  • Introduction
  • Abstract
  • Review of Related Literature
  • Materials and Methods

“The Feasibility of Using Onion (Allium cepa) Peels as a Tertiary Ingredient

In Bioplastics Materials”

Researchers:

Zynna mae badi

Angel fabular

Chreisha Rosenelle Sambile

Maria Cassandra Arroyo

Mr. George Diaz Distura

Research Teacher

January 2022

1
Abstract

Huge quantities of byproducts/wastes generated in onion processing are usually discarded, but

they are excellent sources of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals. However, with growing

interest in the sustainable use of resources and the circular economy to reduce adverse impacts

on the environment, food processing wastes such as onion peel/skin can be extracted and

employed as inputs in developing or reformulating nutrient supplements, and pharmacological

drugs. This review highlights major bioactive components, especially total phenolics, total

flavonoid, quercetin and its derivatives present in onion peel/skin and their therapeutic

applications as cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antiobesity, antidiabetic, anticancer and

antimicrobial agents. The present review emphasized that onion peel is one of the important

agricultural by-products which is rich in bioactive compounds and can be utilized as health

promoting ingredient especially in pharmacological and biomedical fields. Thus, with increasing

burden of life style disorders/non-communicable diseases, finding suitable natural alternative for

their treatment is one major concern of the researchers and onion peel and its extract can be

exploited as a prime ingredient.

2
Review of Related Literature

Bioplastic are the kind of plastic that is degradable and is/ or derive from renewable resources

and not based in petrochemicals. It can be used to reduce the problem of contaminating the

plastic waste that suffocates and contaminates the environment. (Acciona, 2015) Bioplastic is a

term too broad to use and describe a wide range of plastic materials that are either derived

from renewable resources or biodegradable or both. So it is generalize into three groups

according to their properties: bio-based and biodegradable bio-plastic, bio-based and durable

(non- biodegradable) bioplastics,petrochemical-based and biodegradable bioplastic. Bio- based

and biodegradable bioplastic are made using renewable resource, an example is plant biomass,

and under certain environmental conditions, it will biodegrade. Bio-based and durable bioplastic

are made also using renewable resource but are design to have longer life span. The use of

renewable resource makes these kind of bioplastic more sustainable. Petrochemical based and

biodegradable bioplastics are materials which are petrochemical based but can be biodegraded

by microbes in the ocean, compost or soil. (Science Learning Hub, 2013)

[Link] Allium are important vegetable

crops in the Philippines. The most commonly grown species of alliums in the country are Allium

cepa L. (onion). These species are widely used as species and are common ingredients of most

Filipino dishes. Data on supply and utilization of fruit and vegetable products show that about

78% of the total production of garlic and onion is used in food preparation (Anon., 1990).

[Link]

3
Materials and Methods

Common questions

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Onion peels, as a rich source of bioactive compounds, can be utilized to develop sustainable health-promoting ingredients in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. This approach aligns with circular economy principles by using food processing waste to create natural alternatives for treating lifestyle disorders and non-communicable diseases, thereby reducing environmental impact .

Onion peels are often overlooked as they are discarded as waste in onion processing. However, they hold potential for innovation in bioplastic production due to their high content of bioactive compounds. Utilizing these waste materials aligns with sustainable practices, offering renewable inputs for bioplastics, thus enhancing their environmental benefits and offering new avenues for reducing plastic waste .

The circular economy is illustrated through the use of onion peels by transforming agricultural waste into valuable resources for bioplastics and pharmaceuticals. This approach reduces waste by integrating by-products back into the economy, creating sustainable alternatives for plastic production and medicine, thereby optimizing resource use and minimizing environmental impact .

Utilizing agricultural by-products such as onion peels in pharmacological drug development implies a sustainable approach to sourcing bioactive compounds. It fosters the discovery of natural, cost-effective alternatives for synthetic drugs, potentially leading to innovations in treating various diseases while reducing the environmental footprint of drug manufacturing .

The bioactive components in onion peels, such as quercetin and flavonoids, have therapeutic applications in cardioprotection, neuroprotection, and more, which are significant for addressing lifestyle disorders. These natural compounds provide alternative treatments for conditions often linked with modern lifestyles, emphasizing a shift towards sustainable, health-promoting practices in medical and health solutions .

Bioplastics are classified into three groups: bio-based and biodegradable, such as those made from plant biomass that degrade under certain conditions; bio-based and durable, designed for a longer lifespan but made from renewable resources; and petrochemical-based and biodegradable, which microbes can decompose in environments like soil and ocean. Each type contributes to environmental conservation by reducing reliance on petroleum and addressing waste management through biodegradability .

Bioplastics differ from traditional petrochemical-based plastics in that they can be biodegradable, derived from renewable resources, or both, whereas traditional plastics are petrochemical-based and non-biodegradable. Bioplastics support environmental sustainability by reducing plastic waste through biodegradability and utilizing renewable resources, which diminishes dependency on finite petrochemical resources .

Onion peels contain significant amounts of bioactive compounds such as total phenolics, flavonoids, quercetin, and its derivatives. These compounds have various health benefits, including cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anticancer, and antimicrobial effects .

Using onion peels as tertiary ingredients in bioplastics can positively impact the environment by reducing plastic waste and leveraging renewable resources. Economically, it can create new value chains in agricultural waste management, offering cost-effective raw materials for bioplastic production and potentially reducing dependency on fossil-based materials .

Allium cepa L., commonly grown in the Philippines, plays a significant role in both agriculture and culinary practices. As a widely used ingredient in Filipino cuisine, its cultivation supports local economies by sustaining farmers' livelihoods and contributing to food production. The vast use of onions in food preparation, with 78% of production utilized in culinary applications, underscores its economic importance .

“The Feasibility of Using Onion (Allium cepa) Peels as a Tertiary Ingredient
 In Bioplastics Materials”
Researchers:
Zynna m
Abstract
Huge quantities of byproducts/wastes generated in onion processing are usually discarded, but
they are excellent sou
Review of Related Literature
Bioplastic are the kind of plastic that is degradable and is/ or derive from renewable resources
Materials and Methods

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