Eco-friendly protein-based materials for a sustainable fertilization in horticulture

Abstract

Actually, there is a need to develop more sustainable novel techniques for incorporating fertilizers into crops. Researchers have proposed the controlled release of these fertilizers from biodegradable protein-based matrices. This technique must be optimized, as it involves a higher initial incorporation of micronutrients compared to that eventually retained by the matrix. The aim of this research was to improve the plasticizer removal stage in order to minimize the loss of micronutrient. To this end, three different aqueous media were used for the elimination of the plasticizer: water, ethanol and a mixture of both. The capacity of the media to remove the plasticizer and the retention of micronutrient by the matrices were evaluated. Furthermore, the mechanical, microstructural and functional properties of the matrices were analyzed. This work has showed that it is possible to optimize the process, obtaining matrices with higher micronutrient retention.