The use of biopolymers (polysaccharides and proteins) as precursor materials for the production of biodegradable polymer porous materials has recently attracted significant interest for their functionality in various applications using single-use plastics, from liquid absorbents to the encapsulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs).1 The technology of 3D-printed aerogels and porous substrates was first introduced in 2015. Since then, it has evolved into an interdisciplinary research field encompassing multiple applications. 2 Establishing structure-property relationships in self-assembling biopolymers enables the design of polymer solutions and hydrogels for 3D gel extrusion printing, a process that often relies on trial-and-error empirical tests (e.g., filament printing or layer stacking trials.3 4In this communication, we present our findings on the use of biomass-derived hydrogels, formed through complexation between albumin proteins and polysaccharides such as alginate and chitosan, as raw materials for creating porous polymeric structures via 3D gel extrusion printing followed by drying. We will establish a clear relationship between complexation methods used to prepare protein/polysaccharide hydrogels and their resulting crosslinking degree and functionality. Finally, we will present results demonstrating their effectiveness as single-use liquid absorbents, exhibiting competitive functionality compared to synthetic counterparts currently used in disposable applications such as sanitary materials.
(1) Gusain, R.; Kumar, N.; Ray, S. S. 3D-Printed Hydrogels and Aerogels for Water Treatment and Energy Storage Applications. ChemistrySelect. John Wiley and Sons Inc May 25, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202300738.
(2) Feng, J.; Su, B.-L.; Xia, H.; Zhao, S.; Gao, C.; Wang, L.; Ogbeide, O.; Feng, J.; Hasan, T. Open Access Article. This journal is Cite this: Chem. Soc. Rev 2021, 50, 3842–3888. https://doi.org/10.1039/c9cs00757a.
(3) Hernández-Sosa, A.; Ramírez-Jiménez, R. A.; Rojo, L.; Boulmedais, F.; Aguilar, M. R.; Criado-Gonzalez, M.; Hernández, R. Optimization of the Rheological Properties of Self-Assembled Tripeptide/Alginate/Cellulose Hydrogels for 3D Printing. Polymers (Basel) 2022, 14 (11). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14112229.
(4) Hernandez-Sosa, A.; Mercado-Rico, J.; Usala, E.; Cataldi, G.; Esteban-Arranz, A.; Penott-Chang, E.; Müller, A. J.; González, Z.; Espinosa, E.; Hernández, R. Composite Nano-Fibrillated Cellulose-Alginate Hydrogels: Effect of Chemical Composition on 3D Extrusion Printing and Drug Release. Polymer (Guildf) 2024, 298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2024.126845.
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