Extraction of Collagen from By-Products, Designed to Increase the Quantity and Quality of Production in Agriculture

Collagen polydispersions obtained by associated thermal and enzymatic processes for high-yield extraction of collagen from waste, under mild reaction conditions, are fit for application in agriculture. This study presents the possibility of using thermal and enzymatic processes of by-products from fishing industry to obtain collagen extracts, to increase the quantity and quality of oilseeds and horticultural production. Collagen polydispersions were characterized by chemical and instrumental analyses: gravimetric, volumetric, potentiometry, IR spectroscopy, tensiometer methods, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Analytical investigation has shown that: the collagen polydispersions have bioactive properties due to the content of small sized particles (<100 nm range), such as free amino acids and oligopeptides, able to penetrate the cell membranes and seed coating; the larger sized particles (100-10000 nm ranges) such as polypeptides, ensure the bioactive deposit in the film matrix on the surface, with long term releasing ability; resistance of crosslinked film of fish gelatin for indehiscent treatment in rape crop. The synergy of collagen hydrophilicity, its known biodegradability, bio-active potential and film-forming properties recommend collagen polydispersions for applications in mixtures for treatment in agricultural crops.