Tandan kosong kelapa sawit (TKKS) merupakan limbah biomassa yang melimpah dengan kandungan selulosa tinggi, namun pemanfaatannya masih terbatas pada aplikasi konvensional seperti sebagai mulsa di perkebunan kelapa sawit. Padahal, TKKS berpotensi dikembangkan menjadi produk turunannya yang bernilai tinggi, seperti mikrokristalin selulosa (mycrocrystalline cellulose/MCC) yang memiliki aplikasi luas di berbagai industri, termasuk farmasi, makanan, dan material komposit. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengoptimasi produksi MCC dari selulosa TKKS melalui hidrolisis asam menggunakan pendekatan Response Surface Methodology (RSM) untuk mencapai yield tertinggi. Optimasi dilakukan terhadap tiga variabel utama, yaitu konsentrasi asam klorida/HCl (1,2,3 M), waktu hidrolisis (20, 40, 60 menit), dan rasio massa selulosa terhadap volume HCl (25, 50, 75 g/L), dengan rancangan eksperimen Box-Behnken. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa yield MCC tertinggi sebesar 84,41% tercapai pada konsentrasi HCl 1,77 M, waktu hidrolisis 36,57 menit, dan rasio massa selulosa terhadap volume HCl 58,33 g/L. MCC yang diperoleh berdasarkan kondisi optimum memiliki kandungan alpha selulosa 71,42%; hemiselulosa 14,36%; dan lignin 0,59%. Analisis Forier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) dan X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) mengkonfirmasi profil spektral dan kristalinitas yang sesuai dengan tipikal MCC. Hasil yang diperoleh membuktikan bahwa optimasi produksi menggunakan RSM berhasil meningkatkan efisiensi produksi MCC dengan yield dan kandungan selulosa yang tinggi.

Wood polymer composite (WPC), composed of polymer matrices reinforced with natural fibers, is increasingly used in structural and non-structural applications due to its sustainability and performance. Although teak and rice husk are common natural reinforcements, the use of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) remains underexplored despite their abundance as agricultural waste. This study investigates the potential of OPEFB as an alternative reinforcement for recycled polyethylene-based WPC containing 20 wt% fiber and compares its morphology and performance with teak and rice husk. Compositional analysis shows that OPEFB exhibits lignin and cellulose contents as well as crystallinity comparable to teak, while exceeding rice husk in several structural parameters. These characteristics contribute to the highest tensile strength observed among the composites (37.45 MPa). Although its Shore D hardness is the lowest (58.8), the value remains within the acceptable range for construction applications. Combined with its favorable production costs, OPEFB emerges as a viable, resource-efficient alternative to conventional natural fibers, expanding the options for sustainable WPC development.

Yarrowia lipolytica yeast is a versatile platform that can be used to produce high-value fatty acids from various feedstocks, including the underutilised kopyor coconut. This study aims to explore the differences in valuable lipid-based metabolites from different types of kopyor coconut through fermentation by Y. lipolytica. The experiment in this study used three levels of coconut oil concentration (2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%) derived from kopyor coconut waste (var. Genjah and Dalam), which was further processed to obtain oil, and variations in fermentation time (0, 24, 48, 72, and growth of Y. lipolytica; higher concentrations led to greater cell biomass. After 96 hours of incubation, fatty acids are detected in the cell extract. Substrate fermentation influences the fatty acid profile of Y. lipolytica. Yeast Nitrogen Base (YNB) media without coconut oil addition produced alkanes as the majority compound. Meanwhile, YNB with coconut oil addition from var. Genjah produced the usual various fatty acid profiles. The addition of coconut oil from var. Dalam to Y. lipolytica pellets resulted in the production of unusual fatty acids with complex derivation. These various free fatty acids hold promise for important applications in biodiesel, nutraceuticals, and food flavouring agents.

Kopyor coconut is a type of Indonesian coconut with a unique flavor and texture, which makes it attractive to consumers. Kopyor coconut is commonly consumed as a fresh fruit and has a short shelf life. Therefore, innovation in kopyor coconut product development is needed to extend its shelf life; one potential method is pasteurization. This study aims to extend the shelf life of kopyor coconut by determining the optimum thermal pasteurization process for kopyor coconut flesh products and evaluating the impact on product quality during storage at room temperature. Thermal adequacy assessment includes two test steps: the appliance’s thermal distribution test and the product’s thermal penetration test conducted at boiling water temperature (98°C). Kopyor coconut was formulated with citric acid as an acidity regulator and sugar as a sweetener and then packaged in boil-pack plastic packaging. Product characteristics observed included pH value, free fatty acid (FFA), total soluble solids (°Brix), and microbial contamination. Based on the thermal adequacy test results, the minimum time for the pasteurization process of kopyor coconut products is 17 min. The kopyor coconut products exhibited satisfying quality as no microbes were detected from the TPC analysis, which means no microbial growth during storage. The pH value during eight weeks of storage was 3.68-3.91 and is still within the requirements of acidified foods. The FFA content was 1.59-2.27%, while the total soluble solids were constant at 19 °Brix. In conclusion, pasteurization treatment maintained the product quality of kopyor coconut flesh during eight weeks of storage at room temperature.

This study investigates the technical and financial feasibility of producing organic fertilizer from delignified oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB). Given the significant volume of OPEFB generated by the palm oil industry, efficient waste management and value addition are critical. The primary objective is to evaluate the technical processes involved and the economic viability of converting OPEFB into organic fertilizer. In this study, a technique of delignified OPEFB composting was carried out with “OrgaDec” compost activator and Trichoderma fungus. The technical analysis carried out assesses the efficiency aspects reviewed through the mass balance of the organic fertilizer production process. Financial analysis encompasses the calculation of production costs, breakeven point (BEP), return on equity (ROE), and payback period (PP). The results indicate that the efficiency of the delignification reactor machine can be considered not optimal enough. The efficiency aspects reviewed through the mass balance resulting 1.884% and efficiency of engine power is 12.5%. Financially, the organic fertilizer production from delignified OPEFB is profitable, achieving a BEP at 44 kg of product, an ROE of 30%, and a payback period of approximately 3.3 years. This study concludes that the production of organic fertilizer from delignified OPEFB is both technically feasible and financially viable, offering significant environmental and economic benefits. This research contributes to sustainable agricultural practices and effective waste management in the palm oil industry.

Oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) contain 27.78% lignin, which can serve as an alternative source of renewable fulvic acid, alongside soil and coal. This study aims to conduct the fulvic acid extraction process using a microwave extractor. The extraction process was carried out using H2O2 solvents with concentrations of 18, 21, and 24% and various sample types (OPEFB, shilajit, and commercial fulvic acid fertilizer), with three repetitions. The resulting liquid fulvic acid extract was then made into powder using freeze-drying. Quantitative testing was conducted using the spectrophotometric method, while qualitative testing employed Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H NMR), spectrofluorometry, a CHN analyzer, and Thermogravimetric Analysis - Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TGA-DSC). The results showed that the best solvent concentration for the fulvic acid extraction process was H2O2, 21% of the total in the OPEFB sample. The highest fulvic acid content was found in the OPEFB sample at 23.59%; in the shilajit sample, it was 9.62%, and in the commercial fulvic acid fertilizer sample, it was 6.97%. The characterization results from spectrophotometric analysis, elemental analysis, and TGA-DSC analysis showed the potential of fulvic acid in the OPEFB sample, as it exhibited similarities with the analysis results of commercial fulvic acid (shilajit & commercial fulvic acid fertilizer).

Cheese whey, as a by product of cheese processing, contains high levels of protein and lactose, which can be utilized as a substitute medium for the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to produce flavor compounds, thereby enhancing its economic value. This study aims to identify the volatile flavor compounds present in the product resulting from de Man Rogosa and Sharpe Broth (MRSB) media with partial substitution of cheese whey (5, 15, and 30% v/v) as a source of carbon and nitrogen. The analysis was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) while other observed parameters included pH, total acid, and carbon nitrogen content. The results of the study showed that the substitution of cheese whey at 5% showed the best results, and produced bioflavor compounds such as 2(5H)-furanone (almond) and benzenacetaldehyde (rose) with pH 4.57±0.012, total acid 0.88%, total carbon 15.86±0.292%, and total nitrogen 1.39±0.177%. These findings indicate that cheese whey can serve as an effective substitute for carbon and nitrogen sources in growth media to produce volatile compounds with potential flavor properties by Lactobacillus sp.

Biocomposite materials have become compelling in recent decades to replace non-renewable polymeric materials. One of the most studied biobased composite materials is cellulose, which is renewable, degradable, and has good mechanical properties. However, many starch-based biocomposite developments have been reported using solution-casting techniques that might not be compatible with large-scale production. Therefore, in this research, a twin-screw extruder that is considered appropriate for industrial-scale production was used to produce starch-based biocomposite pellets reinforced with cellulose from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB). Different OPEFB cellulose loading contents (0, 25, and 50 wt%) were used to prepare the biocomposite pellets. These pellets were then mixed with recycled polypropylene (1:1 wt%) to produce rigid products like bowls using injection molding. The properties of OPEFB cellulose, biocomposite pellets, and rigid products were characterized and evaluated. The OPEFB cellulose contained α – cellulose up to 70.60%, and the XRD pattern shows a strong peak of 2 theta at 22°, representing cellulose crystallinity. The OPEFB cellulose addition in the starch-based composite pellets resulted in a slightly lower density value (1.42 to 1.34 g/cm 3 ). Still, the FE-SEM showed the agglomeration at the surface at a higher loading percentage of OPEFB cellulose. As for the bowls, the increase in the loading percentage of OPEFB cellulose resulted in increased strength impact (17 to 22 N) and decreased swelling percentage (32.15 to 11.32 %). Hence, adding OPEFB cellulose as reinforcement improved the properties of both the biocomposite pellets and the rigid product.

Tandan kosong kelapa sawit (TKKS) merupakan limbah biomassa yang jumlahnya melimpah namun belum dimanfaatkan secara optimal. TKKS berpotensi dimanfaatkan kembali melalui proses pengomposan menjadi pupuk organik. Akan tetapi, kandungan lignin yang tinggi dalam TKKS menyebabkan proses pengomposan berlangsung lama, sehingga diperlukan upaya untuk menurunkan kadar lignin melalui proses biodelignifikasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui proses biodelignifikasi TKKS melalui pemanfaatannya sebagai media pertumbuhan jamur tiram putih (Pleurotus ostreatus) dan mengevaluasi efektivitas sisa baglog hasil budidaya tersebut sebagai pupuk organik. TKKS diformulasikan dalam berbagai komposisi dan digunakan sebagai bahan baglog jamur. Sisa baglog yang telah terdekomposisi selanjutnya diuji kandungan lignin, selulosa, hemiselulosa, dan rasio C/N, kemudian diaplikasikan ke tanaman cabai dan terong. Hasil menunjukkan adanya penurunan kadar lignin dan C/N rasio yang mengindikasikan terjadinya proses biodelignifikasi dan pengomposan. Aplikasi pupuk organik dari sisa baglog pada tanaman cabai dan terong menunjukkan pertumbuhan yang baik, terutama pada perlakuan dengan kandungan TKKS 75–100%. Hasil ini menunjukkan bahwa sisa baglog TKKS berpotensi besar sebagai pupuk organik yang efektif dan ramah lingkungan.

This study evaluates the potential of Fulvic Acid (FA), derived from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB), as an immunomodulatory agent through in vitro analysis. Fulvic Acid, a component of humic substances, is known for its wide-ranging applications in agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine. With an increasing need for sustainable natural therapies, FA has shown promise in treating degenerative diseases by modulating immune responses. The research focused on assessing the immunomodulatory effects of FA by analysing its impact on cytokine production. In vitro studies used the MTT assay to determine cytotoxicity and ELISA tests to measure cytokines associated with natural immunity (TNF-alpha and Interferon-gamma) and adaptive immunity (IL-2 and TGF-beta). Comparative evaluations were performed using FA samples from Shilajit and a fertiliser product. Results demonstrated that FA derived from OPEFB significantly enhanced cytokine production, suggesting its potential as an immunomodulatory agent. These findings indicate that FA from OPEFB could be a promising candidate for developing treatments for degenerative diseases. Further studies are recommended to explore its therapeutic potential and commercial application in the health sector.

Kopyor coconut (Cocos nucifera var. Kopyor), a native Indonesian coconut, differs from common coconuts because it has brittle flesh (endosperm) due to a natural genetic mutation. Kopyor coconut seedlings have been successfully cultivated from the tissue culture technique, which can produce kopyor above 99%. Nowadays, the demand for kopyor continues to increase. The cultivation of kopyor is centralized in several locations in Indonesia. Hence, the time of kopyor distribution to consumers is crucial in the kopyor business. This study evaluated changes in the characteristics of whole fruit and peeled kopyor coconuts during distribution. The observations included quality attributes (appearance, aroma, texture, and taste), physical observations (pH and water content), and microbial observations using the total plate count method. Whole kopyor showed better quality attributes than peeled kopyor. Peeled kopyor coconut flesh began to change color to yellowish-white, mushy, and had a rancid smell and a sour taste in the second week, while whole fruit kopyor in the fourth week. In conclusion, the distribution of peeled kopyor should be carried out in less than two weeks, or even sooner, while whole fruit kopyor can be distributed for up to two weeks without altering the characteristic taste of kopyor.

Oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) are lignocellulosic biomass that can be used to produce a biocomposite as an alternative to substitute non-renewable materials, such as plastic. Generally, the production of biocomposites uses OPEFB, which has been processed into cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, or nanocellulose and is mixed with starch. However, the OPEFB pretreatment into various types of cellulose requires a long process and many chemicals. The OPEFB pretreatment with less process, such as cutting to shorter fibers and without chemicals, was expected to shorten the process. This study aims to produce and evaluate the characteristics of biocomposite pellets from a combination of cassava starch and OPEFB fibers. Short OPEFB fibers (3-5 mm) with varying concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% were added to the cassava starch before mixing with other materials. The twin screw extruder used to produce biocomposite pellets was set at six temperature zones ranging from 85-140 °C and the screw speed in the range of 160-190 rpm. The results show that higher concentrations of OPEFB fibers produced darker pellets, which tended to be greyish. The biocomposite pellets had densities of 1.322-1.417 g cm-3. SEM results show some agglomerations on the surface of starch-OPEFB fibers biocomposite pellets. The water solubility of biocomposite pellets ranged from 32.97 – 36.44%. In conclusion, biocomposite pellets could be produced from a mixture of cassava starch and OPEFB fibers up to 20%. In its application for rigid packaging production, the biocomposite pellets’ performance could be improved by mixing them with recycled polypropylene.

Kopyor coconut is a unique coconut native to Indonesia characterized by crumbly flesh and a savory taste. Unlike common coconuts, kopyor coconut undergoes natural mutation, lacking the ability to produce the enzyme α-galactosidase, which results in its distinctive flesh compared to normal coconuts. In nature, kopyor coconuts are rarely found, making them expensive. Kopyor coconuts are distributed as whole fruits, peeled fruits, or repackaged flesh. Kopyor coconut has a shorter shelf life than normal coconut, therefore efforts to extend the shelf life of kopyor coconut flesh are necessary. This study investigated the efficacy of blanching and food additives (potassium sorbate and sugar) in extending the shelf life of kopyor coconut flesh stored under chiller conditions in aluminum pouches. The results showed that the appearance of all treatments remained acceptable until the 6th week. The TSC (Total solid content) results indicated that the blanching-sugar treatment had the lowest values among all treatments. The pH of each treatment did not differ significantly, except for the sugar without blanching treatment, where the pH tended to be lower than other treatments and the control. Based on TPC (Total plate count) result, blanching treatment effectively inhibited microbial growth in kopyor coconut flesh until the 6th week, especially in treatments without food additives. Organoleptic tests on appearance, aroma, taste, and texture showed the highest overall preference for the blanching-sugar treatment.

Empty palm oil bunches (EFB) are the largest solid waste produced in every processing of palm oil and need to be utilized so as not to pollute the environment. One effort that can be made is to process EFB into liquid fertilizer. However, the high lignin content in EFB makes it difficult for this waste to decompose naturally. Therefore, efforts need to be made to reduce lignin levels in EFB with a delignification process for two hours at a temperature of 90 oC with 12% NaOH solution. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of delignification on the quality of liquid fertilizer (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, fulvic acid, C/N ratio, and pH). This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and five replications. P1: Non-delignified EFB, P2: P1 + cow urine, P3: delignified EFB, and P4: P3 + cow urine. Liquid fertilizer was made using a fermentation method for 21 days. The research results showed that delignification treatment was able to increase the presence of calcium and magnesium in liquid fertilizer. The combination of delignification with the addition of cow urine increases the availability of fulvic acid in liquid fertilizer.

Fulvic acid (FA) derives from a non-renewable source, Shilajit, known as highly commercial values for its benefit for human health. Fulvic acid can also be extracted from materials such as coal, lignite, and peat. Extraction methods of FA generally use solid acids and bases, ion exchange chromatography, and their combinations. However, these methods cause corrosion, low purity, and environmental pollution. The FA extraction using organic solvents is common, but low yielded, and many organic solvents are toxic. Therefore, an effective way to separate organic solvents from FA must be determined. This research aims to extract the FA from renewable biomass, namely oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB), using a microwave extractor combined with hydrogen peroxide. The advantage of using a microwave is its quick and efficient extraction process. Hydrogen peroxide is an environmentally friendly solvent that can be converted into water and oxygen. Fulvic acid extraction was optimized using expert design with the Response Surface Methodology method with optimization of four 4 factors (H2O2 concentration and volume, reaction time, and microwave power). The extracted FA was then characterized using FTIR, H-NMR, and Fluorescennce spectroscopy. The highest FA concentration namely 24.716%, was obtained using H2O2 at a concentration of 30.46% with a volume of 137.4139 mL, reaction time of 9.384 minutes, and microwave power of 351.39 W. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy peaks at 3213 cm-1, 2935.47 cm-1, and 2825.13 cm-1 in the OPEFB-FA sample indicate existence of FA. The fluorescent emission intensity ratio between 450/500 nm wavelengths of OPEFB-FA was 0.719.

Saat ini, pemanfaatan TKKS banyak digunakan sebagai material terbarukan, bahan bakar, dan pupuk padat. Namun, sebagian besar pemanfaatan limbah padat TKKS masih banyak difokuskan pada produk padat, sementara sangat sedikit yang tertarik pada produk samping cair, seperti pupuk organik cair. Keunggulan pupuk organik cair adalah memberikan unsur hara sesuai dengan kebutuhan tanaman. Selain itu pengaplikasiannya bisa lebih merata dan konsentrasinya bisa diatur sesuai kebutuhan tanaman. Bahan organik kini sedang banyak dipromosikan oleh pemerintah untuk mendukung penerapannya pada pertanian organik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektivitas pupuk cair dari TKKS untuk diaplikasikan pada tanaman sorgum. Rancangan percobaan yang digunakan pada penelitian yaitu Rancangan Acak Lengkap dengan 4 (empat) perlakuan dan 5 (lima) ulangan. Delignifikasi pada TKKS memberikan pengaruh pada ketersedian hara pupuk organik cair yang dibuat. Perlakuan yang memberikan pengaruh terbaik didominasi oleh pupuk dari TKKS yang tidak dilakukan delignifikasi namun diberikan penambahan urine sapi. Perlakuan tersebut memberikan kondisi terbaik pada kualitas pupuk cair yang meliputi kadar nitrogen, kalium, sulfur, pH, serta karakter agronomis yang meliputi tinggi dan jumlah daun pada sorgum.

Bioflavor is a type of natural flavor that is obtained from microbial metabolites during the process of fermentation. Most of the bacteria involved in food fermentation are lactic acid bacteria, including Lactobacillus sp. The optimal medium for Lactobacillus sp. growth is de Man Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS), but it is considered to be less economical. Therefore, alternative carbon and nitrogen sources are needed. This study aimed to determine the bioflavor produced in de Man Rogosa dan Sharpe Broth (MRSB) media that was substituted with Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) hydrolysate and Crude Palm Oil (CPO) at concentrations of 5, 15, and 30%, respectively by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that substituting MRSB with 15% CPO produced the best results for the growth of Lactobacillus sp. However, each medium produced different bioflavor compounds. In the control media (MRSB), the highest amount of bioflavor compound was 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl -4H-Pyran-4-one (rose tea). In the OPEFB hydrolysate-substituted medium, it was benzene-acetaldehyde (sweet, bread, rose), in the CPO-substituted medium, it was furaneol (pineapple and strawberry) and pyrazine (nutty, roasted coffee).

3-Monochloropropanediol (MCPD) is a carcinogen compound commonly found in refined cooking oil, including palm oil. The high risk of human intoxication increases the importance of 3-MCPD detection. This study proposes the optimum chemical reduction synthesis condition of colloidal copper nanoparticles functioned by L-glutathione (GSH-Cu NPs) as an alternative accessible 3-MCPD detector used in the colorimetric method. The volume of copper source, capping agent, and reducing agent were optimized to find the optimum synthesis formula. 3.6 mL of 3 mM CuCl2, 25 µL of 20 mM L-glutathione (GSH), and 150 µL hydrazine hydrate were found to be the best combination to form GSH-Cu NPs; the combination made the sharpest UV-Vis absorption peak. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry measurement confirmed the reaction and encapsulation of Cu NPs with GSH. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA) observations revealed the quasi-spherical morphology of the nanoparticles, with an average size of 51.3 nm. The sample withstood 1:1 dilution with deionized water and maintained its dispersion and distribution after 10 days. The fabricated GSH-Cu NPs were able to detect 3-MCPD until 50 ppm. This study aimed to provide insight into the synthesis of copper nanoparticles as non-precious metals for the application of 3-MCPD colorimetric detection.

Abstract The government program requires the use of biodiesel B35, which is 35% fatty acid methyl ester and 65% diesel oil from petroleum, which would impact the rise of biodiesel production and is accompanied by an increase in the by-product of crude glycerol. Crude glycerol requires purification to increase its selling value. This product still contains a lot of impurities such as methanol, soap, catalyst, fatty acids, and water. Crude glycerol, a by-product of making biodiesel based on palm oil and castor oil, has a purity of 39.10 and 37.30%. In this research, purification of crude glycerol was carried out using 10% w/v activated carbon. The results of glycerol after purification were 64.90 and 66.90%, it shows that the addition of activated carbon can absorb impurities contained in glycerol. The increase in levels from 37.30 to 64.90% and 66.90% due to the loss of water, alcohol, residue base (KOH), soap and fatty acids. It can be concluded that activated carbon is quite effective for the glycerol purification process with an addition of 10% (w/v). A further process is required, namely separation by distillation, to obtain glycerol with a purity above 80% to comply with SNI 7182-2015 standards.