Genipap Oil as a Natural Cross-Linker for Biodegradable and Low-Ecotoxicity Porous Absorbents via Reactive Extrusion

Biomacromolecules. 2024 Dec 9;25(12):7642-7659. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00883. Epub 2024 Oct 25.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Acrylic Resins / chemistry
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Cross-Linking Reagents* / chemistry
  • Iridoids / chemistry
  • Porosity

Substances

  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • genipin
  • Iridoids
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Acrylic Resins