Novel Sustainable Superabsorbents : A One-Pot Method for Functionalization of Side-Stream Potato Proteins

Abstract

The functionalization of inexpensive potato protein concentrate (PPC) is presented as a simple and easily scalable method to produce bio-based superabsorbent powders. Five nontoxic acylating agents were evaluated at different reaction temperatures for solvent-free acylation of the protein. The best results were obtained for succinic anhydride (SA) and a reaction temperature of 140 °C. These conditions resulted in efficient functionalization that provided formation of a useful network, which allowed high uptake of fluids and little material disintegration during the uptake, that is, due to protein hydrolysis during the functionalization. The SA-acylated PPC showed increased water and saline swelling capacities of 600 and 60%, respectively, as compared to untreated PPC. The acylated potato protein also showed a saline liquid holding capacity of approximately 50% after centrifugation at 1230 rpm for 3 min, as well as a significant blood swelling capacity of 530%. This blood swelling represents more than 50% ...