The banana pseudo-stem consisted of leaf sheaths, which are arranged in overlapping layers. The pseudo-stem is a part of the banana plant that looks like a trunk, which consists of a soft central core and tightly wrapped up to 25 leaf sheaths. These leaf sheaths unwrap from the stem and transform to recognizable banana leaves when they have matured.
The center core of banana mainly comprises of about 90 per cent of water. Apart from water, the pseudo-stem of banana contains several polymers such as cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and lignin that constitute fibers with good mechanical properties.
Lignocellulose constitutes about 60%–85% dry weight of the banana pseudo-stem sheath, in which cellulose accounts for about 50%. The composition of lignocellulose determines the nature and quality of fibers as these compounds are the major constituents of plant fibers that provide structural strength to the plant.
This pseudo-stem will be cut and become waste biomass after the banana fruit is ripe and harvested, because the banana plant is unusable for the next harvest.
The banana pseudo-stem sap can be orally taken or externally applied for stings and bites. Banana center core also known as pseudo-stem, is a biological waste in banana plantations could be effectively utilized as a source for incorporation in bakery food products preparations by converting them into flour.
Nanocellulose from banana pseudo-stem has great potential to be formed as a bioplastic. Demand for bioplastic, especially for food packaging, increases as the consumers become more aware of the destructive effect of non-biodegradable plastics.
The banana pseudo-stem has also been considered for use as pulp and paper raw material, fiber for textiles, and filler or structural reinforcement in composites materials.
Banana fiber, the cellulosic fibers obtained from the pseudo-stem of banana plant is a bast fiber with relatively good mechanical properties. Banana fiber, also known as musa fiber is one of the world's strongest natural fibers. The fiber consists of thick-walled cell tissue, bonded together by natural gums and is mainly composed of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. Biodegradable, the natural fiber is made from the stem of the banana tree and is incredibly durable.
Banana pseudo-stem
