Extraction of Dye from Mulberry Fruits (Morus alba L.) for Staining Plant Tissue

Abstract

The objective of this research was to extract dye from mulberry fruits (Morus alba L.) for use in plant tissue staining to replace the chemical dyes. Eight solvent types were used, namely distilled water, acetic acid (1%, 5%, 10%, and 20%), 70 methanol, 95% alcohol, and 37% hydrochloric acid with the ratio of 1:1 (plant weight (gram): quantity of solvent (milliliter)). The results showed that frozen mulberry fruits extracted with 37% hydrochloric acid can clearly stain plant tissue. The average satisfaction value was 4.85 and showed the highest amount of total anthocyanin (441.31 mg 100 g-1). Subsequently, 37% hydrochloric acid extract of mulberry fruit was tested for the efficacy of staining at room temperature for 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, and 60 days. After 60 days, the extracted color remained red without precipitation and the plant tissues were stained as before.