Biodegradable packing materials from hydrolysates of collagen waste proteins

Waste Manag. 2008;28(3):549-56. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2007.02.003. Epub 2007 Mar 21.

Abstract

Enzymatic hydrolysates of waste collagen proteins (H), from current industrial manufacture (leather, edible meat product casings, etc.) of mean molecular mass 20-30 kDa by a reaction with dialdehyde starch (DAS), produces hydrogels applicable as biodegradable (or even edible) packaging materials for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Thermo-reversibility of prepared hydrogels is given by concentrations of H and DAS in a reaction mixture. At concentrations of H 25-30% (w/w) and that of DAS 15-20% (related to weight of hydrolysate), thermo-reversible hydrogels arise, which can be processed into packaging materials by a technique similar to that of soft gelatin capsules (SGC). Exceeding the limit of 20% DAS leads to hydrogels that are thermo-reversible only in part, a further increase in DAS concentration then leads to thermo-irreversible gels whose processing into biodegradable packaging materials necessitates employment of other procedures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Collagen / chemistry*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources / methods*
  • Industrial Waste
  • Medical Waste Disposal / methods*
  • Product Packaging*
  • Protein Hydrolysates / chemistry*

Substances

  • Industrial Waste
  • Medical Waste Disposal
  • Protein Hydrolysates
  • Collagen