The novel use of fish protein (FP) in the manufacture of a superabsorbent hydrogel was investigated. Following the introduction of a large number of hydrophilic groups into fish protein by modification with ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydride (EDTAD), proteins were cross-linked by sulfhydryl-disulfide interchange reaction between the endogenous sulfhydryl groups and disulfide bonds to produce an insoluble gel structure. The water uptake of 76% EDTAD-modified FP hydrogel was 540 g water/g dry gel at 214 × g, and it depended on pH and ionic strength of the solution. The structural changes in proteins consequent to modification were also investigated. EDTAD-FP hydrogels had increased rigidity after glutaraldehyde treatment but displayed diminished water uptake characteristics.The total world fishery catch was about one million metric tons in 1993 (1), of which approximately 30% can be considered underutilized and unexploited by-catch (2). Typically, most of these low-cost fish resources are used in the manufacture of fish meal. Besides the underutilized trash fish, the waste generated from fish processing operations contains 27-49% protein on a dry weight basis and constitutes another valuable resource (3). Since the 1940s, a variety of chemical modifications have been employed to modify the functional properties (water absorption, emulsifying activity, emulsifying capacity, gelation and aeration capacity) of fish protein (FP) concentrate (4-6). However, these chemically modified protein products have never been introduced in the market owing to safety concerns. In the present study, a new application for FP as a superabsorbent hydrogel for nonfood uses has been investigated. The process to synthesize FP hydrogel and the swelling properties of the gel are described.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURESMaterials. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydride (EDTAD) and N-acetylhomocysteine thiolactone (NAHCTL) were obtained from Aldrich Chemical Co. (Milwaukee, WI). Picrylsulfonic acid (TNBS), 25% glutaraldehyde solution, and 5,5′-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) were from Sigma Chemical Co. (St. Louis, MO). All other chemicals were of analytical grade. Heat-sealable, water-wettable paper was purchased from Bolmet Inc. (Dayville, CT).Preparation of crude FP. The fish used in this study was walleye pike (Stizostedion vitreum), obtained from a Wisconsin fish farm. The fish were filleted immediately upon arrival, and whole muscle was chopped and blended in chilled deionized water at a meat-to-water ratio of 1:10. The pH of the fish suspension was adjusted to 12 by the addition of 2.5 N NaOH solution, and the suspension was mixed for 30 min to totally solubilize the fish protein (FP) from muscle cells. The suspension was filtered through a 0.5-mm sieve to remove insoluble material. The filtrate was dialyzed against water (the molecular weight cut-off of the membrane was 6,000-8,000 Daltons) and lyophilized.Protein determination. The protein content of the lyophilized sample was determined by subtracting the lipid and moisture content of ...