Hidrogéis de colágeno e sulfato de condroitina com diferentes agentes reticulantes

Abstract

The production of fish, specifically tilapia and shrimp, generate a huge amount of waste with potential for value adding. An alternative for the integral use of fish is the extraction of molecules with chemical and physical characteristics suitable for the formulation of microcapsules and hydrogels as a basis for the development of new products including in the area of food and biomedical. Among these molecules, collagen is the main structural protein in the body, its function is to promote elasticity and support to the skin, bones, cartilage and tendons. Glycosaminoglycans are found in bones, cartilage and connective tissue of vertebrates, currently used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to elaborate collagen and glycosaminoglycan hydrogels and microcapsules containing carotenoids and characterize them physicochemically. Glycosaminoglycan was extracted from the bone residue (skull and spine) of fish through an enzymatic process, and the carotenoid was obtained from the shrimp residue. The microcapsules with carotenoid were formed by the method of coacervation and extrusion, from an emulsion containing a solution of calcium chloride. Hydrogels were prepared with and without addition of the microcapsules, crosslinked with different crosslinking processes. The formulated hydrogels were characterized by thermogravimetry (DSC / TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and degree of swelling. The crosslinked hydrogels showed a stable swelling profile, a good thermal stability, bands characteristic of the functional groups of the component polymers of the gels and their interaction with the crosslinking agents. In view of the presented results, hydrogels with different crosslinking agents can be used as high functionality value-added products for the release of carotenoids. Keywords: Polymer. Gels. Crosslinking Agent.