## 3 Results and Discussion
### Quality of BC-Based Paper  
Figure 2 displays the PCA-Biplot on planes 1-2, showing an accumulated inertia of 97.9%. The figure illustrates three clusters for the Quality Parameters of BC-based paper. The results indicate a normal distribution of 15 data points across three clusters. Cluster size correlates with the number of data points: Cluster 1 contains four points (green); Cluster 2 includes four points (purple); and Cluster 3 comprises seven points (red). Samples 1, 2, 3, and 4 (Cluster 1, green) exhibit a stronger association with opacity. Samples 5, 6, 7, and 8 (Cluster 2, purple) are associated with water content and grammage, while samples 9 through 15 (Cluster 3, red) show no strong association with any parameter.  
The bacterial cellulose derived from banana peel extracts produced paper with optimal characteristics in terms of grammage, brightness, water content, and opacity, owing to the high quality of the cellulose produced. Specifically, treatments with higher extract concentrations (T5, T6, T7, and T8) showed a significant relationship with grammage and water content variables. The high levels of sugars and essential nutrients in these banana peel extracts created an environment conducive to synthesizing high-quality cellulose  
Figure 2: Biplot for the quality parameters of BC-based paper obtained from the 15 study treatments (T1–T15). The evaluated variables were grammage (GM), brightness (BG), water content (WC), and opacity (OP).  
with an orderly and pure structure, thereby enhancing the paper's mechanical and optical properties [43].  
The interaction between high-quality bacterial cellulose and paper additives (kaolin, cationic starch, and potassium album) contributes to superior paper characteristics due to structural dynamics. Kaolin interacts with cellulose to form a homogeneous, uniform matrix [43], while cationic starch creates a robust, integrated network that enhances grammage and strength by retaining fibers and fillers [3]. Potassium album stabilizes paper properties by aiding additive retention and pH control [44; 45].  
High-quality bacterial cellulose also provides a more uniform surface for the application of coating substances (PVA and PEO), which further enhances the paper's physical properties; PVA increases water resistance and brightness, while PEO improves smoothness [46; 47].  
Bacterial cellulose derived from banana peel extracts forms a dense, compact fiber network, increasing the grammage of the paper while creating an ordered and pure structure that reflects light, thereby enhancing brightness [48]. This type of cellulose also facilitates efficient interactions with both PVA and cationic starch, reducing water absorption and retention, which strengthens the paper under humid conditions [49]. Additionally, the interaction between cellulose and kaolin disperses light effectively, resulting in a more uniform paper with improved opacity [50; 51].  
The managerial implications of this study suggest that using banana peels as a raw material in bacterial cellulose production offers significant advantages in efficiency and quality by providing a nutrient-rich medium that supports bacterial growth and maintains pH stability. Higher concentrations of banana peel extracts enhance yield and improve paper properties, particularly in terms of basis weight, opacity, and moisture resistance, due to the optimized interaction of cellulose with additives such as kaolin, cationic starch, and album. Furthermore, the sustainability gained from utilizing agricultural waste adds environmental and economic value, positioning this process as a viable and competitive alternative for biotechnology and paper industries seeking high-performance, low-impact materials.