TECHNOLOGY FOR DEVELOPING COLLAGEN COMPOSITES IN THE FORM OF SMART HYDROGELS

Abstract

The paper presents an experimental model for obtaining hydrogels with collagenous structure from pelt waste resulting from the liming process. The biotechnology for obtaining protein biocomposites mainly consists in the hydrolysis of pelt waste enriched and/or compounded with biodegradable polymers (PVA, corn starch, maleic copolymers, etc.) for the purpose of using them as soil conditioners and fertilizers. These hydrogels are made using smart processes in order to then be applied in agriculture, for preservation of water in the soil or for controlled release of fertilizers, pesticides but also for the development of additivated agricultural film biodegradable over time. Hydrogels that are based on biopolymers, compared with hydrogels based on synthetic polymers, have the advantage of biodegradability, biocompatibility, and a low level of toxicity. Hydrogels with collagenous structure are tested using a high-performance instrumental analysis system.