Proteins and peptides as renewable flocculants

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Biochemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Clay flocculation is crucial for various industrial and environmental processes.
• Protein-based flocculants offer a potentially sustainable alternative to synthetic options.
• Understanding the relationship between protein hydrolysis and flocculation efficacy is key.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of partially hydrolyzed animal protein byproducts as clay flocculants.
• To determine the impact of hydrolysis extent on the flocculation performance of protein extracts.
• To identify specific protein sources and hydrolysis conditions that promote effective clay flocculation.

Main Methods:

• Partial alkaline and enzymatic hydrolysis of blood meal, feather meal, and meat and bone meal.
• Testing of various protein extracts, including gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen, for clay flocculation.
• Analysis of the effect of hydrolysis extent on peptide size and flocculation activity.

Main Results:

• Partially hydrolyzed extracts from blood meal, feather meal, and meat and bone meal demonstrated clay flocculation.
• Extensive hydrolysis, producing low molecular weight peptides, diminished flocculation ability.
• Beef skin gelatin and hydrolyzed fish collagen effectively flocculated clay at pH 5.5.

Conclusions:

• Partial hydrolysis of specific animal protein byproducts can yield effective clay flocculants.
• The molecular weight of peptides is critical for successful clay flocculation.
• Gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen show potential as bio-based flocculants for clay suspensions.