posted on 2024-10-25, 11:35authored byLiliana B. Hurtado, Mercedes Jiménez-Rosado, Maryam Nejati, Faiza Rasheed, Thomas Prade, Amparo Jiménez-Quero, Marcos A. Sabino, Antonio J. Capezza
Proteins derived
from agroindustrial coproducts and a
natural cross-linking
agent (genipap oil containing genipin) were used to develop porous
materials by reactive extrusion for replacing fossil-based absorbents.
Incorporating genipap oil allowed the production of lightweight structures
with high saline uptake (above 1000%) and competing retention capacity
despite their porous nature. The mechanical response of the genipap-cross-linked
materials was superior to that of the noncross-linked ones and comparable
to those cross-linked using commercial genipin. The extruded products
were hemocompatible and soil-biodegradable in less than 6 weeks. The
compounds generated by the degradation process were not found to be
toxic to the soil, showing a high bioassimilation capacity by promoting
grass growth. The results demonstrate the potential of biopolymers
and new green cross-linkers to produce fully renewable-based superabsorbents
in hygiene products with low ecotoxicity. The study further promotes
the production of these absorbents using low-cost proteins and continuous
processing such as reactive extrusion.