One-pot fabrication of cottonseed protein isolate microparticle-embedded carboxymethyl chitosan composite hydrogels

Creating hydrogels with multifunctional properties-such as water absorption, efficient adsorption of hazardous materials, enhanced mechanical reinforcement, and thermal stability-has been hindered by the need for complex, multi-step chemical processes. Here, we introduce a one-pot strategy to achieve these attributes by incorporating a small amount of functional second component. Rather than constructing two independent or interpenetrating network structures, this approach leverages the ability of the second component (B) to compete with the primary polymer matrix (A) for crosslinking reactions, disrupting A's network structure while simultaneously enabling the formation of B into microparticles. As proof of concept, we demonstrate it using carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCTS) as matrix A, cottonseed protein isolate (CSPI) as B, and epichlorohydrin as crosslinker. The resulting hydrogels exhibit slight improvements in compressive properties, water absorption capacity, dye adsorption rate, thermal stability, and porosity. These enhancements are driven by the CSPI-induced disruption of CMCTS crosslinking, leading to a looser network with elevated surface charge density, which amplifies absorption and adsorption capabilities. This approach has the potential to offer a platform for engineering multifunctional hydrogels, paving the way for advanced materials in environmental and industrial applications.