Antibacterial Activity of Natural Paper from Banana Peel (Musa paradisiaca Linn.) with Additive Essential Oils

Several essential oils have been evaluated as antibacterial agent in the production of natural paper from banana peel (Musa paradisiaca Linn.), namely cinnamon, clove, lime and lemon oil. The purpose of the research was to examine the antibacterial activity of the papers with additive of those several essential oils againt Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Paper preparation was successfully carried out by alkalization method, using 4% NaOH at a temperature of 100 degC for 1 h. The essential oils as antibacterial agent were added with concentration 2.5% to the pulp (1:40). The antibacterial activities were tested using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. All of the paper produced meet the standard of ISO 6519:2016 about Basic Paper for Laminated Plastic Wrapping Paper within the parameter of pH and water content. The result of the research showed that all of the paper with essential oils additive has antibacterial activity againt S. aureus, but only paper with cinnamon oil additive that have antibacterial activity againts E. coli. The use of cinnamon oil gave the largest inhibition zone diameter both on S. aureus and E. coli. Paper with cinnamon oil additive had inhibition zone diameter 18 mm on S. aureus (strong category) and 9 mm on E. coli (medium category).