Freeze-drying versus heat-drying: Effect on protein-based superabsorbent material

Porcine plasma protein is a by-product of the meat industry, which has already been applied in the manufacture of superabsorbent materials. The effects of plasticizer content (0%, 25%, 50%), together with those of the drying method (freeze-drying, thermal drying at 50◦C), during the processing of su...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Álvarez-Castillo, Estefanía, Bengoechea Ruiz, Carlos, Félix Ángel, Manuel, Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2021
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/128759
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/128759
https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9061076
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Polymer processing
Porcine plasma protein
Rheology
Superabsorbent materials
Descripción
Sumario:Porcine plasma protein is a by-product of the meat industry, which has already been applied in the manufacture of superabsorbent materials. The effects of plasticizer content (0%, 25%, 50%), together with those of the drying method (freeze-drying, thermal drying at 50◦C), during the processing of superabsorbent porcine plasma matrices were studied in this manuscript. Although the presence of glycerol accelerated the water absorption kinetics, the highest water absorption (~550%) was achieved by samples not containing any plasticizer. Viscoelasticity decreased at higher glycerol contents and especially after water absorption. When swollen samples were dried through freeze-drying, porous structures with a sponge-like appearance were obtained. Oppositely, thermally dried samples suffered an evident shrinkage that reduced porosity, displaying a more uniform surface. The effect of the drying method was observed since only freeze-dried samples can be rehydrated, displaying a superabsorbent ability (absorption higher than 1000%), which could be used in several applications (food, agriculture, personal care).