Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are crucial in hygiene and medical products, but are usually petroleum-derived. This study demonstrates sustainable, biodegradable SAP production by acylating agricultural potato protein side-stream (PPC) with a non-toxic dianhydride (EDTAD). The treated PPC exhibits a water swelling capacity of approximately 2400%, ten times greater than untreated PPC. Acylation on waste potato fruit juice (PFJ) before industrial PPC precipitation is also explored, offering significant CO2 emission reduction. The acylated PPC shows biodegradability and mold resistance, promising environmentally friendly disposable products.

Antonio J. Capezza, Faraz Muneer, Thomas Prade, William R. Newson, Oisik Das, Malin Lundman, Richard T. Olsson, Mikael S. Hedenqvist, Eva Johansson