Evaluación de diferentes métodos de incorporación de zinc a matrices proteicas de soja para su uso en horticultura

Abstract

Protein-based matrices, due to their technological, economic and environmental benefits, are potentially attractive for the incorporation and subsequent release of micronutrients that are essential for the health and development of plants, such as zinc, avoiding the typical excesses of conventional fertilizers. Specifically, soy protein isolate (SPI), obtained as a by-product of the industrial production of soy oil, seems to be an adequate resource to produce these natural matrices due to its hydrophilicity and excellent processability when combined with a plasticizer. In addition, due to it comes from a by-product of the agri-food industry, its added value is increased, and its life cycle is closed when it returns to nature after biodegrading. The objective of this work is the evaluation of different methods of incorporation of a selected micronutrient (Zinc), in soy protein-based matrices. The results confirm that large amount of micronutrient can be incorporated in the matrices, with their mechanical properties, microstructure and level of loading depending on the method used. In all cases, the results show a great potential for the use of matrices as a source of micronutrient supply in horticulture.