Desarrollo de matrices bioplásticas superabsorbentes de proteína de soja con zinc incorporado para horticultura

Abstract

The use of superabsorbent materials has recently spread in horticulture since they have great advantages such as the efficient use of water in periods of drought, being able to retain water and release it as crops need it. However, these superabsorbent materials are made of synthetic polymers, which present degradability problems and, sometimes, even toxicity. For this reason, the main objective of this work is the development of biodegradable superabsorbent bioplastic (SAB) matrices using as raw material a soy protein isolate (SPI). In addition, zinc is incorporated into these bioplastic matrices as an essential micronutrient for plants, to increase their added value. In this way, the incorporation of zinc chelated with 2,2’,2’’,2’’’-(Ethene-1,2-diyldinitrilo)tetraacetic acid (Zn AEDT) (a salt in which the micronutrient is incorporated) into soy protein-based bioplastic matrices improve their superabsorbent capacity and provided a controlled release of water and nutrients to the crops. The results obtained show the high potential of these bioplastic matrices for their use in horticulture as superabsorbent materials which can release water and nutrients in a controlled manner.