Development and Evaluation of Blue Ternate Flower (BTFEpP) and Bougainvillea Bract (BBEpP) as Novel Localized pH Paper Indicator

The increasing integration of technology into education requires innovative solutions, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Most low- and middle-income regions have several schools facing challenges brought on by inadequate resources for science education, which in turn lead to students’ poor performance in the subject. To address this, educators in the Philippines have begun developing low-cost, locally sourced teaching materials. This study explores the development of localized pH paper (LpP) using the extracts obtained from blue ternate flowers (BTFEpP) and bougainvillea bract (BBEpP). By conducting controlled experiments, the research evaluates the sensitivity and effectiveness of these LpPs as compared to commercial pH paper. The findings suggest that locally developed pH papers can provide a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative for educational purposes, offering a viable solution for enhancing science learning in under-resourced schools. Furthermore, the FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxyl groups, aromatic compounds, and esters—key functional groups responsible for their pH-indicating properties. However, further studies are needed to conduct a structural analysis of these bioactive compounds using techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Given these promising outcomes, further research is recommended to assess the shelf life and long-term stability of these localized pH papers under various storage conditions.