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

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Fossil-based superabsorbents pose environmental challenges.
• Agroindustrial coproducts offer a sustainable protein source.
• Natural cross-linking agents are needed for biodegradable materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel porous superabsorbent materials from plant proteins and genipap oil.
• To evaluate the performance and biodegradability of these renewable materials.
• To assess their potential as replacements for fossil-based absorbents.

Main Methods:

• Reactive extrusion of proteins with genipap oil (containing genipin).
• Characterization of material porosity, saline uptake, and retention capacity.
• Mechanical testing, hemocompatibility assessment, and soil biodegradability studies.

Main Results:

• Lightweight porous materials with over 1000% saline uptake were produced.
• Genipap oil cross-linking enhanced mechanical properties.
• Materials were hemocompatible and soil-biodegradable within 6 weeks with no observed toxicity.

Conclusions:

• Plant protein-based superabsorbents using genipap oil show high performance and low ecotoxicity.
• Reactive extrusion is a viable continuous process for producing these sustainable materials.
• These findings support the use of renewable resources in hygiene products.