Semarang, The Student Creativity Program for Exact Research (PKM-RE) team from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of Semarang State University (UNNES) has successfully developed ChitoGreen, an environmentally friendly bioplastic innovation made from chitosan derived from milkfish (Chanos chanos) scales and moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf starch. The research is titled “Innovation of Chitosan Bioplastic from Milkfish Scales and Moringa Leaf Starch with Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction as Environmentally Friendly Packaging.” The team consists of Berlian Avicenna (Environmental Science) as the leader, with members Wildan Aroffi (Chemistry), Rifqi Ardiyansyah (Science Education), and Romadoni (Science Education). The project was supervised by Fidia Fibriana, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer at FMIPA UNNES.
Through this research, the ChitoGreen team focuses on utilizing organic fishery waste into high-value materials that can replace conventional plastics. The chitosan extraction process uses the Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) method, which is more environmentally friendly than traditional chemical solvents. According to Berlian Avicenna, utilizing milkfish waste and moringa leaves is a concrete step by UNNES students in supporting the implementation of a circular economy and reducing single-use plastic waste.
“We hope this innovation can serve as an example that natural materials around us can be processed into sustainable products that are beneficial to the environment,” said Berlian.
The resulting bioplastic has an elastic texture, is yellowish transparent, and is easily biodegradable, with potential use as eco-friendly food packaging. The team also conducted a series of tests, including tensile strength, biodegradability, solubility, and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This program is funded by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) through the PKM-RE 2025 scheme and is a concrete example of the application of scientific knowledge by UNNES Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences students in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly regarding responsible production and consumption.
UNNES Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences PKM-RE Team – ChitoGreen
