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Updated: May 25, 2026
10:22
Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
Published on: November 30, 2020
Decoloring hemoglobin as a feedstock for second-generation bioplastics.
Aaron Low1, Mark Lay, Johan Verbeek
1School of Engineering, Waikato University, Hamilton, New Zealand. awk1@waikato.ac.nz
Preparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology
|January 14, 2012
Summary
Hydrogen peroxide effectively decolorizes red blood cell concentrate (RBCC) for bioplastics. Optimal conditions involve a pH of 2 and mild temperatures, minimizing material loss for scalable production.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Food Science
Background:
- Red blood cell concentrate (RBCC) has limited food applications due to its color.
- RBCC shows potential as a feedstock for second-generation bioplastics.
- Existing color removal methods are costly or produce toxic residues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cost-effective, scalable method for decolorizing RBCC using hydrogen peroxide.
- To optimize reaction conditions for efficient color removal and minimal material loss.
- To assess the feasibility of using decolorized RBCC for bioplastic production.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the effects of RBCC concentration, pH, and temperature on decolorization.
- Utilized hydrogen peroxide as a decolorizing agent.
- Determined optimal conditions through systematic trials, including centrifugation and controlled reaction parameters.
Main Results:
- Optimal decolorization achieved at 9% w/w RBCC, pH 2, 30°C, with 7.5 g of 30% hydrogen peroxide.
- Achieved a 93% reduction in solution color after 3 hours under optimal conditions.
- Minimal solids loss (2.6%) and no significant reduction in protein molecular weight were observed at pH 2.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogen peroxide treatment is a viable, cost-effective method for decolorizing RBCC.
- Optimized conditions enable scalable production of decolorized RBCC for bioplastic feedstock.
- The process preserves protein integrity, suitable for bioplastic applications.
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