A Circular Economy Approach in the Development of Superabsorbent Polymeric Matrices: Evaluation of the Mineral Retention

Estefanía Álvarez-Castillo, Sonia Oliveira, Carlos Bengoechea (), Isabel Sousa, Anabela Raymundo and Antonio Guerrero
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Estefanía Álvarez-Castillo: Departamento de Ingeniería Químia, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Virgen de África 7, 41011 Sevilla, Spain
Sonia Oliveira: LEAF (Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food) Research Centre, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
Carlos Bengoechea: Departamento de Ingeniería Químia, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Virgen de África 7, 41011 Sevilla, Spain
Isabel Sousa: LEAF (Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food) Research Centre, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
Anabela Raymundo: LEAF (Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food) Research Centre, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
Antonio Guerrero: Departamento de Ingeniería Químia, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Virgen de África 7, 41011 Sevilla, Spain

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 15, 1-12

Abstract: This manuscript focuses on the production of polymeric matrices enriched in minerals and antioxidant compounds. The biopolymers employed are obtained from different by-products of the agro-food industry (porcine plasma protein, pea protein concentrate and soy protein isolate), which helps to revalorize them. Two different manufacturing techniques are employed to produce these matrices: 3D-printing and injection molding. Bioactivity was enhanced through immersion of the samples in magnesium glutamate and iron lactate solutions. To incorporate these minerals and bioactive compounds into the matrices, two additional stages are required: (1) an immersion stage in a mineral/bioactive containing solution, which allows simultaneous removal of the glycerol employed as plasticizer and entrapment of the minerals and bioactive compounds; and (2) a subsequent freeze-drying stage. Matrices produced through these manufacturing processes were assessed through water uptake capacity, mineral analysis, bioactivity and color measurements. The studied matrices have great potential in the food industry, as the threshold for claiming a significant mineral content was reached after the immersion stage. The presence of bioactive compounds could avoid the degradation of these matrices when food processing includes stages at relatively high temperatures.

Keywords: proteins; mineral retention; astaxanthin; antioxidant compounds; 3D-printing; injection molding (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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