BIOPLASTICS FROM FISH SCALES

Alvin M. Suarez
Julie Ann C. Batarlo
Regine Mae F. Afable
Kristian Robert S. Cubos
Adriel John R. De Leon
Mark Lois Anthony P. Eyo
Aira Louella M. Manalad

A Research Proposal
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of Requirements
For the Subject Research I
In the
Faculty of Department of Science
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February 2009
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APPROVAL SHEET

The research proposal attached hereto entitled, "BIOPLASTIC FROM

TILAPIA SCALES" prepared and submitted by ALVIN M. SUAREZ, JULIE ANN C.

BATARLO, REGINE MAE F. AFABLE, KRISTIAN ROBERT S. CUBOS, ADRIEL

JOHN R. DE LEON, MARK LOIS ANTHONY P. EYO, and AIRA LOUELLA M.

MANALAD, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject Research I is

hereby accepted.

WAJAVINA N. CATACUTAN
Adviser

Accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Subject Research I.

NENITA C. MANALASTAS
OIC-Science
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

TITLE PAGE................................................................................................................ i

APPROVAL SHEET.................................................................................................... ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................................. iii

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study............................................................................ 1

.......................................................................................................................................

Statement of the Problem............................................................................ 2

Significance of the Study............................................................................ 2

Scope and Delimitations............................................................................. 3

Definition of Terms..................................................................................... 3

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Tilapia ........................................................................................................ 4

Bioplastics................................................................................................... 5

METHODOLOGY

Flowchart.................................................................................................... 7

Collection/ Gathering of Fish Scales.......................................................... 8

Accumulation of Biopolymer from Fish Scales.......................................... 8

Purification of Biopolymer......................................................................... 8

Production of Bioplastic............................................................................. 9

Statistical tool..............................................................................................

BIBLIOGRAPHY......................................................................................................... 10
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CURRICULUM VITAE...............................................................................................

11
 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Plastic is the most convenient material man ever discovered due to its relatively

cheapness, ease of manufacture, versatility, and imperviousness to water. Plastics are

used from paper clips to spaceships, and displaced materials such as wood, metal, bones

and horns, stone, leather, paper, even ceramics in most of their former uses.

But plastic seemed to create a drastic effect. Because it is composed of chemicals

(petroleum-based), takes too long to degrade (considerably non-biodegradable), improper

disposal has lead to waste problems and pollution, destructing our environment. A

solution was achieved— the bioplastic.

Bioplastic is just like plastics, but instead of non-renewable petroleum as source,

it uses organic sources like plant sources (corn starch, soybean oil, hemp oil, etc.) and

microbial sources. They can be made by using plant sugar conversion, fermentation and

cultivation. Unlike petroplastics they are biodegradable when disposed properly, reducing

waste production.

Scales are simply fish’s protection and substantially useless for people. A waste

indeed, but if this can be a source of bioplastics, there will be a help for waste reduction

at the same time with fossil fuel consumption, environment conservation and a cheaper

alternative from the usual plastic.

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Statement of the Problem

The study aims to produce bioplastic products from scales of Blue Tilapia

(Oreochromis aureus) and Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis nilocitus nilocitus) indifferent or

better than the first bioplastic products using fermentation process.

This study is concerned in finding answers to following questions:

1. Is fermentation a possible way to produce bioplastic from the scales of the 2

tilapia varieties?

2. How much plastic can be obtained from a unit of mass (kg) of fish scales?

3. Is there a significant difference between an ordinary bioplastic product and the

produced plastic in terms of :

a. Physical Properties

b. Biodegradability

c. Durability

Significance of the Study

Plastic changed our lives for many years, yet not our environment. Even plastic is

the best material for almost everything, it has also its negative side. Plastic contributed

much on waste production. It worsened pollution, and is also consuming petroleum which

reached its critical level these days.

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Conducting this study can therefore promote and help the alternative for plastic—

the bioplastic. If tilapia scales can be a source of bioplastic, then it will be an aid for

cutting off fossil fuel usage. Pollution may decline as waste reduction progresses since

these polymers are from waste and will decompose.

Scope and Delimitations

The study will be operated to determine the possibility to produce bioplastic from

two (2) different varieties of tilapia– the Oreochromis aureus (Blue Tilapia) and

Oreochromis nilocitus nilocitus (Nile Tilapia). This study includes microbial

fermentation as a process to produce plastic from melted scales of tilapia varieties. This

study limits itself to the determination of the possibility fish scales as source of bioplastic

and does not intend to seek for its effect and further processing for a specific usage.

Definition of Terms

a. Bioplastic

-Bioplastics are plastic resins developed from renewable agricultural feedstocks

or organic sources, such as corn sugar, hemp oil and soy bean oil.

b. Tilapia

-common name for nearly a hundred species of cichlid fishes from the tilapiine

cichlid tribe.

c. Scales

-small flat bony or horny overlapping plates that cover the bodies of fish.
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d. Fermentation

-breakdown of carbohydrates by the use of microorganisms.

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REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Tilapia

Tilapia has become the third most important fish in aquaculture after carps and

salmonids, with production reaching 1,505,804 metric tons in 2002. Because of their

large size, rapid growth, and palatability, a number of tilapiine cichlids are at the focus of

major aquaculture efforts, specifically various species of Oreochromis, Sarotherodon, and

Tilapia, collectively known colloquially as tilapias. Like other large fish, they are a good

source of protein and a popular target for artisanal and commercial fisheries. Originally,

the majority of such fisheries were in Africa, but accidental and deliberate introductions

of tilapia into freshwater lakes in Asia have led to outdoor aquaculturing projects in

countries with a tropical climate such as Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and

Indonesia. In temperate zone localities, tilapiine farming operations require energy to

warm the water to the tropical temperatures these fish require. One method involves

warming the water using waste heat from factories and power stations.

Cycloid scales are found in the majority of bony fishes like tilapia. The anterior

part of each scale is usually overlapped by the posterior portion of the scale in front. This

arrangement of imbricate scales gives the fish greater flexibility than those in species

with cosmoid and ganoid scales.

Cycloid scales consist of two main regions, a surface “bony” layer composed of

an organic framework impregnated largely with calcium based salts, and a deeper fibrous

layer composed mainly of collagen, a member of biopolymer family, under proteins.

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Bioplastics

Bioplastics are special types of biomaterials. Plastics derived from plant sources-

soybean oil, hemp oil, corn starch etc.-or microbial sources, rather than traditional

petrochemical-derived plastics are called bioplastics.

Microbial bioplastics are polyesters that are produced by a range of

microorganisms cultivated under various growth and nutrient conditions. These

polymers, usually lipids, accumulate as storage materials (as mobile, amorphous, liquid

granules) meant for microbial survival under stressful conditions. Bioplastics are made

from a compound called polyhydroxyalkanoate, or PHA. Bacteria accumulate PHA in the

presence of excess carbon source, similar to how humans accumulate fat deposits on their

bodies after consuming excess food. Thus microbial PHA accumulators are

microorganismal versions of Sumo wrestlers, accumulating storage biopolymers after

consuming excess nutrients. Poly 3-hydroxy butyric acid (PHB) is the most common

microbial PHA.

Bioplastics are regarded as an environmentally responsible alternative to

petroleum-based plastics. They rely less on fossil fuels, a non-renewable resource. They

also are biodegradable when disposed of properly, reducing waste. Bioplastic products

also result in a net reduction of greenhouse gas emissions because the plants used to

produce the bioplastic material absorb the same amount of carbon they started with, thus

displacing that carbon from being emitted into the atmosphere.

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Bioplastics are synthetic materials and are sometimes criticized because their

manufacturing and processing can result in environmental impacts. Any manufacturing

process can be energy intensive, increasing GHG emissions if power is derived from

fossil fuels. Other environmental impacts may include water used to irrigate crops,

fertilizers and pesticides applied to grow agricultural feedstocks, and pollutants emitted

from the transportation of crops and products to manufacturing facilities.

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METHODOLOGY

Collection/Gathering of
Fish Scales

Accumulation of
biopolymer from fish
scales

Purification of
biopolymer

Cell Disruption Washing and

Centrifugation

Drying

Production of
Bioplastic

molding

Physical Biodegradability
properties

Durability
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Collection/Gathering of Fish Scales

Scales from the two varieties of tilapia will be collected together in Gapan wet

market, San Lorenzo, Gapan city. Collected samples will be washed then dried under the

sun until they are fully dried out. The samples will be melted with 250 milliliters (mL) of

water using an LPG stove. Temperature will be kept at 100°C. This process will be

replicated by using different levels of water-500mL, 750mL, 1L.

Accumulation of Biopolymer from Fish Scales

The melted fish scales will be fermented in glass container(s), for three (3)

months at a room temperature between 26-38°C. As fermentation takes place, growth of

bacteria on the scales will occur, the same with the accumulation of polymer. After

fermentation process, the fermented scales will undergo cell disruption, washing,

centrifugation and drying to purify the biopolymer.

Purification of Biopolymer

A. Cell Disruption

The accumulated polymer will undergo cell disruption for one (1) day,

specifically chemical permeabilization process in the DOST laboratory at CLSU.

B. Washing and Centrifugation

The disrupted samples will be subjected to washing process using a Liter (1L) of

sterilized deionized water and will then undergo centrifugation process.

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C. Drying

After washing and centrifugation, scales will be dried through the use of a

desiccator at the DOST laboratory in Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School. Sodium

Hydroxide will be used as the main desiccating agent in the process. (Amount (g) of the

desiccating agent will be determined after the mass (g) of biopolymer extracted from the

fish scales.)

Production and Molding of Bioplastic

The collected biopolymer will be brought at UBC Plastic Factory., Mendoza,

Malabon, Manila and will be subjected to injection molding process to produce a

bioplastic product. The produced bioplastic will be compared to commercial bioplastics

which also undergone to injection molding in terms of:

a. Physical Properties

a. Color

b. Odor

c. texture

b. Biodegrdability

c. Durability

Statistical Tool

This study involves Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) as the research

design. The study will use Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) as statistical tool.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Internet sites

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioplastic

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilapia#Etymology

http://www.princeton.edu/~ota/disk1/1993/9313/9313.PDF

http://www.fishbase.org

http://www.austmus.gov.au/fishes/what/scales/cyccten.htm

http://www.millipore.com/sustainability/eco3/bioplastics

http://www.physicventures.com/news/making-plastic-out-pollution

http://www.kanglaonline.com/index.php?template=kshow&kid=1266

http://www.bioautocouncil.com/News/File.aspx?6567b330-6901-4f38-9b8d-

0be2f5da5f28

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desiccation
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CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Alvin Mondido Suarez

Address: Bayanihan, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija

Birthday: August 29, 1994

Birthplace: Gapan City, Nueva Ecija

Name of Father: Ariel R. Suarez

Name of Mother: Rosemarie M. Suarez

Name of Sisters/Brothers: Leira Mae M. Suarez

Liliane M. Suarez

Ken M. Suarez

Educational Background:

a. Pre-Elementary:
Gapan South Central School (Kindergarten)
San Vicente, Gapan City
S.Y. 2000-2001

b. Elementary:
Gapan South Central School
San Vicente, Gapan City
S.Y. 2001-2007

c. High School:
Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School
Bayanihan, Gapan City
S.Y. 2007-2009

Favorite Subjects: English, Algebra

Ambition: To be a good Agriculturist in the future

Philosophy in Life: “It maybe difficult, but possible”

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CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Julie Ann Calison Batarlo

Address: Freedom Park, San Vicente, Gapan City

Birthday: August 27, 1994

Birthplace: Gapan City, Nueva Ecija

Name of Father: Jovito Batarlo

Name of Mother: Lailanie Batarlo

Name of Sisters: Jean Mirasol Batarlo

Educational Background:

a. Pre-Elementary:
San Lorenzo Day Care Center
San Lorenzo, Gapan City
S.Y. 1999-2000

Dela Cruz Kindergarten

Dela Cruz, Gapan City
S.Y. 2000-2001

b. Elementary:
Gapan North Central School
San Vicente, Gapan City
S.Y. 2001-2007

c. High School:
Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School
Bayanihan, Gapan City
S.Y. 2007-2009

Favorite Subjects: Filipino

Ambition: To be a successful writer someday

Philosophy in Life: “Education is the best foundation”

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CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Regine Mae Feliciano Afable

Address: Sto. Niño, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija

Birthday: January 12, 1995

Birthplace: Good Samaritan, Cabanatuan City

Name of Father: Regie C. Afable

Name of Mother: Fe F. Afable

Name of Sister: Rianna Mae F. Afable

Name of Brother: Ramon Miguel F. Afable

Educational Background:
a. Pre-Elementary:
Divina Pastora College (Kindergarten)
San Vicente, Gapan City
S.Y. 1999-2000

Divina Pastora College (Preparatory)

San Vicente, Gapan City
S.Y. 2000-2001

b. Elementary:
Divina Pastora College
San Vicente, Gapan City
S.Y. 2001-2007

c. High School:
Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School
Bayanihan, Gapan City
S.Y. 2007-2009

Favorite Subjects: English & Filipino

Ambition: To be a successful lawyer someday
Philosophy in Life: “Sometimes words aren’t brave enough, so action does the work”
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CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Kristian Robert Soriano Cubos

Address: Pambuan, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija

Birthday: December 29, 1994

Birthplace: Gonzales General Hospital, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija

Name of Father: Arturo T. Cubos

Name of Mother: Lucila S. Cubos

Name of Brother: Marion Ronald S. Cubos

Educational Background:

a. Pre-Elementary:
Pambuan Elementary School (Kindergarten)
Pambuan, Gapan City
S.Y. 2000-2001

b. Elementary:
Pambuan Elementary School
Pambuan, Gapan City
S.Y. 2001-2007

c. High School:
Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School
Bayanihan, Gapan City
S.Y. 2007-2009

Favorite Subjects: Geometry

Ambition: To be a successful engineer

Philosophy in Life: “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine you altitude”
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CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Adriel John Reyes De Leon

Address: Poblacion San Isidro, Nueva Ecija

Birthday: October 23, 1994

Birthplace: Gonzales General Hospital, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija

Name of Father: Johnny E. De Leon

Name of Mother: Analyn R. De Leon

Name of Sisters: Hannah Abigail R. De Leon

Leah Angelica R. De Leon

Educational Background:

a. Pre-Elementary:
General De Jesus College
Poblacion San Isidro, Nueva Ecija
S.Y. 2000-2001

b. Elementary:
General De Jesus College
Poblacion San Isidro, Nueva Ecija
S.Y. 2001-2007

c. High School:
Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School
Bayanihan, Gapan City
S.Y. 2007-2009

Favorite Subjects: Research

Ambition: To be a successful engineer in the future

Philosophy in Life: “It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”
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CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Mark Lois Anthony Polo Eyo

Address: Consuelo Subd., Bayanihan, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija

Birthday: March 22, 1995

Birthplace: Gapan City, Nueva Ecija

Name of Father: Antonio C. Eyo

Name of Mother: Lourdes P. Maribuhoc

Name of Brothers: Ylan Vhon Muie P. Eyo

Michael Lois Andreau P. Eyo

Educational Background:
a. Pre-Elementary:
Village Montessori School (Kindergarten)
Bayanihan, Gapan City
S.Y. 2000-2001

b. Elementary:
Village Montessori School
Bayanihan, Gapan City
S.Y. 2001-2004

Gapan South Central School

San Vicente, Gapan City
S.Y. 2004-2007

c. High School:
Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School
Bayanihan, Gapan City
S.Y. 2007-2009

Favorite Subjects: Biology

Ambition: To be an engineer someday
Philosophy in Life: “Life is a journey”
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CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Aira Louella Manalo Manalad

Address: Sto. Cristo Norte, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija

Birthday: May 5, 1995

Birthplace: Good Samaritan, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

Name of Father: Lorwin E. Manalad

Name of Mother: Arlyn M. Manalad

Name of Sisters: Laureen Anjelique M. Manalad

Lianna Aizel M. Manalad

Name of Brothers: Lorenz Anjelo M. Manalad

Lord Andrei M. Manalad

Educational Background:
a. Pre-Elementary:
Gapan North Central School (Kindergarten)
San Vicente, Gapan City
S.Y. 2000-2001

b. Elementary:
Gapan North Central School
San Vicente, Gapan City
S.Y. 2001-2007

c. High School:
Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School
Bayanihan, Gapan City
S.Y. 2007-2009

Favorite Subjects: Geometry, Algebra

Ambition: To be a successful nurse in the future
Philosophy in Life: “The best way out of a difficulty is through it.”