Mejora del proceso de incorporación de micronutrientes a matrices proteicas de soja con aplicación en horticultura

Abstract

Nowadays, there is an increasing need to develop new sustainable techniques for the incorporation of fertilizers into crops. Some researchers have proposed the controlled release of these fertilizers, using biodegradable protein-based matrices that incorporate the micronutrients necessary for the crop. However, this technique must be improved, as it involves a higher initial incorporation of micronutrients compared to that eventually retained by the matrix. Therefore, the aim of this work was to optimize the plasticizer removal stage, which is the cause of micronutrient loss during the matrix manufacturing process. To this end, three different aqueous media were used for the plasticizer removal (water, ethanol and a mixture of both), thus modifying the solubility of the salt used to incorporate the micronutrient (ZnSO4·H2O) into the matrices. Therefore, the capacity of the media to remove the plasticizer and the retention of micronutrient by the matrices were evaluated. In addition, the mechanical (compression), microstructural and functional (micronutrient release and water absorption) properties of the matrices were analyzed. The results showed that it is possible to optimize the process, obtaining matrices with a higher micronutrient retention.