Structure, properties, and analytical characterization of modified starches for the preparation of biodegradable hydrogels.
Provider: Ministerstvo školství, mládeže a tělovýchovy
Programme: Operační program Jan Amos Komenský - výzkum
Implementation period: 01.08.26 - 31.07.27
Workplace:
Fakulta chemicko-technologická - Katedra anorganické technologie
Investigator: Kalendová PetraTeam member: Honcová Pavla | Erbenová Olga
Description:
With the increasing need for sustainable solutions in precision agriculture and agrochemical applications, biodegradable hydrogels based on natural polymers have gained prominence as materials capable of controlling the targeted release of water and nutrients in soil. Due to their biodegradability and ability to interact selectively with the soil environment, these hydrogels have become one of the most dynamically developing materials in modern agrochemistry. Their final properties can be significantly influenced by the choice of suitably modified natural raw materials, particularly starches. This work focuses on the modification and comprehensive characterization of starches with the aim of optimizing their use in the preparation of biodegradable hydrogels. The studied starches will be analyzed in terms of particle size, swelling capacity, solubility, degree of crystallinity, and further by infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Special attention will be given to determining amylose content using two different methods—thermogravimetric analysis and UV/VIS spectroscopy. The objective is to compare their sensitivity, accuracy, and suitability for different starch types, enabling a deeper understanding of the structure of the modified material and its behavior in subsequent application processes. The findings will be used for designing and testing new hydrogel systems based on natural polymers.
With the increasing need for sustainable solutions in precision agriculture and agrochemical applications, biodegradable hydrogels based on natural polymers have gained prominence as materials capable of controlling the targeted release of water and nutrients in soil. Due to their biodegradability and ability to interact selectively with the soil environment, these hydrogels have become one of the most dynamically developing materials in modern agrochemistry. Their final properties can be significantly influenced by the choice of suitably modified natural raw materials, particularly starches. This work focuses on the modification and comprehensive characterization of starches with the aim of optimizing their use in the preparation of biodegradable hydrogels. The studied starches will be analyzed in terms of particle size, swelling capacity, solubility, degree of crystallinity, and further by infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Special attention will be given to determining amylose content using two different methods—thermogravimetric analysis and UV/VIS spectroscopy. The objective is to compare their sensitivity, accuracy, and suitability for different starch types, enabling a deeper understanding of the structure of the modified material and its behavior in subsequent application processes. The findings will be used for designing and testing new hydrogel systems based on natural polymers.
