PENGEMBANGAN FILM BIOPLASTIK BERBASIS ZnO DAN SELULOSA BAKTERI UNTUK MENAMBAH UMUR SIMPAN MAKANAN

This study aimed to develop a biodegradable film based on Zinc Oxide
(ZnO) and bacterial cellulose (BC) using a PVA/carrageenan matrix as an
environmentally friendly food packaging alternative to extend food shelf life. The
films were prepared using the solution casting method with seven formulations,
consisting of a control matrix and BC variations of 2–12% with constant ZnO
content in each formulation. Film characterization included thickness, density,
moisture content, water solubility, brightness, opacity, and CIELab color analysis.
The results showed that increasing BC concentration increased film thickness from
0.276 mm to 0.421 mm but decreased density and mechanical properties. Moisture
content ranged from 38.43–47.26%, while water solubility increased in films
containing BC. Optical testing demonstrated increased opacity, indicating
improved light barrier properties. Formulations M/BC2 and M/BC4 showed the
best balance of physical and mechanical characteristics. The films also maintained
food quality during storage and exhibited good biodegradability based on the soil
burial test.
Keywords: biodegradable film, ZnO, BC, active food packaging.
Penelitian ini bertujuan mengembangkan film biodegradable berbasis Zinc
Oxide (ZnO) dan bacterial cellulose (BC) dengan matriks PVA/karagenan sebagai
alternatif kemasan pangan ramah lingkungan untuk memperpanjang umur simpan
makanan. Film dibuat menggunakan metode solution casting dengan tujuh
formulasi, yaitu matriks kontrol dan variasi BC 2–12% dengan kandungan ZnO
yang sama pada setiap formulasi. Karakterisasi film meliputi pengujian ketebalan,
densitas, kadar air, kelarutan air, kecerahan, opasitas, dan warna CIELab. Hasil
penelitian menunjukkan bahwa peningkatan konsentrasi BC meningkatkan
ketebalan film dari 0,276 mm menjadi 0,421 mm, namun menurunkan densitas dan
sifat mekanik film. Nilai kadar air berkisar 38,43–47,26%, sedangkan kelarutan air
meningkat pada film yang mengandung BC. Pengujian optik menunjukkan
peningkatan opasitas sehingga mampu menghambat transmisi cahaya. Formulasi
M/BC2 dan M/BC4 menunjukkan karakteristik terbaik. Film juga mampu
mempertahankan kualitas pangan dan memiliki biodegradabilitas yang baik
berdasarkan soil burial test.
Kata kunci: film biodegradable, ZnO, BC, kemasan pangan aktif.