Facile and green fabrication of algal protein/M(n+) hydrogel through coordination with cations for sustained release of vitamin B6

Abstract

This study presents a facile method to prepare functional hydrogels based on spirulina algae protein/M(n+) and compares its properties with the conventional heat-induced method. Hence, algae protein isolate was extracted at the isoelectric point (pH 3.1) and hydrogels were synthesized through coordination with various cationic metals (Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe3+, Zn2+, and Cu2+) as a cross-linker. Morphological experiments (SEM) showed that the prepared hydrogels had a porous to dense and integrated structure depending on the type and concentration of metal cations. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed the interaction of protein functional groups with coordinating metal ions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed amorphous structures in algal protein/M(n+) hydrogels. The capacity of water absorption was strongly affected by pH and the type of metal cations and was much higher at pH 7.4 (490–801 %) than at acidic pH (pH 2.1, 212–419 %). The maximum release rate of vitamin B6 (83%) was obtained in Ca2+-hydrogels at pH 7.4 after 8 h. The Peppas-Sahlin model showed the best fit with the release profile of vitamin B6 (0.96–0.99), and it was also determined that the release process was based on Fickian diffusion (n ≤ 0.45) or anomalous transport (0.45 < n < 0.89). In conclusion, the study provided a new perspective on the fabrication of algal protein-based hydrogels, suggesting this matrix could be a novel delivery system for the controlled release of drugs/nutrients.