Study of Collagen Hydrogel Biodegradability Over Time

Abstract

Hydrogels have drawn the interest of researchers over the past decade, due to their intrinsic properties for applications in medicine, agriculture [1,2], food industry, pharmaceuticals, environmental protection and biomaterials, etc. Obtaining hydrogels with collagen structure by hydrolyzing pelt waste and using them for applications in agriculture is a novelty, considering that the collagen structure is currently used only in medicine. The paper presents an experimental model for obtaining hydrogels with collagenous structure from pelt waste resulting from the liming process. As a biological material, the hydrogel with collagen structure is a complex medium, optimal for the development of a variety of biodeteriogenic organisms due to a considerable amount of protein as well as the presence of lipids and carbohydrates that provide an excellent nutrient substrate for many biological species. During the phase of incorporation into the soil of the collagen hydrogel, proteolytic bacteria develop particularly, stimulated by humidity and possibly by temperature, thus producing biodegradation.The paper presents the methodology for studying the biodegradability of collagen hydrogel with encapsulated nutrients.

Advanced Collagen-Based Composites as Fertilizers Obtained by Recycling Lime Pelts Waste Resulted during Leather Manufacture

“…Multipolymeric collagen-based agro-hydrogels were prepared, using as raw material the limed hide waste (no haired) from fleshing and trimming bovine hides (lime fleshing), which was provided by SC PIELOREX tannery, Jilava, Ilfov county, Romania. Collagen hydrolysate was obtained according to our previous studies [ 24 , 25 ]. Briefly, gelatin hide was subjected to acid hydrolysis in presence of potassium phosphate, and the protein hydrolysate was functionalized with 5% synthetic and natural polymers or mineral waste, such as poly-acrylamide, poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (P(SSNa-co-GMAx), starch, or dolomite, in order to obtain efficient composite fertilizers.…”

Modification of Collagen Derivatives with Water-Soluble Polymers for the Development of Cross-Linked Hydrogels for Controlled Release

“…As an example, 6800 g of pelt waste are weighed, washed, and delimed with 4-4.5% ammonium sulfate, followed by dilution in 5-6.5 L industrial water containing 2-3.5% concentrated H 2 SO 4 , 2.5-3.5% dipotassium phosphate (K 2 HPO 4 •3H 2 O), and 0.5-1% industrial salt (NaCl). This mixture is poured into a 50 L autoclave with double jacket and shaker, at 80-98 • C for 2.5-4.5 h. This product is gelatinous, elastic, and semi-transparent, with pH of 5.8-6.8, containing collagen hydrogel with encapsulated nutrients (K, P), and will be considered as a reference organic fertilizer for agriculture applications, denoted as CH-Ref [26]. In this stage, 5% copolymer P(SSNa-co-GMA20) with IN20c code is added to obtain a similar fertilizer functionalized with this synthetic copolymer, and will be denoted as CH-IN.…”

Innovative Collagen Based Biopolymers Tested as Fertilizers for Poor Soils Amendment

“…Hydrolyzed collagen could be used in the food industry as a food supplement or in the cosmetic industry for skin care products [17,18]. By its functionalization with encapsulated nutrients, a product with applications as a biofertilizer in agriculture and horticulture has been obtained [19]. It is expected that such fertilizers will be cost-effective and available by recycling industrial units at prices at least five-times lower than similar marketable products, since there is no cost for the raw material.…”