The necessity to mitigate the intrinsic issues associated with tissue or organ transplants, in order to address the rising prevalence of diseases attributable to increased life expectancy, provides a rationale for the pursuit of innovation in the field of biomaterials. Specifically, biopolymeric aerogels represent a significant advancement in the field of tissue engineering, offering a promising solution for the formation of temporary porous matrices that can replace damaged tissues. However, the functional characteristics of these materials are inadequate, necessitating the implementation of matrix reinforcement methods to enhance their performance. In this study, chemical and green iron oxide nanoparticles, previously synthesized and documented in existing research, were incorporated into hybrid aerogels combining collagen (C) and chitosan (CH). The characterization of these aerogels was conducted through rheological, microstructural, and functional analyses. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of iron oxide nanoparticles has a significant influence on the properties of the aerogels fabricated with them. In particular, the incorporation of these nanoparticles has been observed to modify the mechanical properties, with an increase in strength and porosity that may support cell proliferation.

Hydrogels have emerged as promising functional materials for improving water management and nutrient delivery in agriculture, particularly under conditions of increasing water scarcity and declining soil fertility. However, most commercially available superabsorbent hydrogels are based on petroleum-derived polymers, raising concerns regarding their persistence in soils, potential microplastic formation and long-term environmental impact. In response, significant research efforts are being directed toward the development of biodegradable hydrogels derived from renewable biopolymers. This review provides a critical overview of recent advances in hydrogel systems designed for agricultural applications, with a particular focus on biopolymer-based materials. First, the current landscape of hydrogel technologies used as soil conditioners and controlled-release systems for agrochemicals is contextualized, highlighting the limitations of conventional synthetic hydrogels. Subsequently, the main classes of natural polymers explored for hydrogel fabrication, including polysaccharides (e.g., chitosan, alginate, cellulose and starch) and proteins (e.g., gelatin, keratin and soy protein), are analyzed in terms of raw material sources, gelation mechanisms and structure–property relationships. Their performance in key agricultural functions, such as water retention, controlled nutrient release, soil conditioning and enhancement of plant growth, is also discussed. Finally, the review identifies major challenges that currently hinder large-scale implementation, including mechanical stability, degradation behavior in complex soil environments, nutrient release control and economic scalability. By integrating recent progress and outlining emerging research directions, this work aims to support the rational design of next-generation biodegradable hydrogels capable of contributing to sustainable agriculture and circular bioeconomy strategies.

The development of sustainable bioplastic matrices for controlled micronutrient delivery represents a promising strategy in the agri-food and biomedical sectors. This study investigates the influence of plasticizer type (glycerol, water and their mixtures) and processing temperature (70–110 °C) on the fabrication and functional properties of extruded soy protein-based matrices for iron release. Results show that both the nature of the plasticizer and the extrusion temperature critically affect the microstructure and mechanical behavior of the matrices. Specifically, an intermediate glycerol/water ratio (50/50) during extrusion at 90 °C significantly improves matrix resistance, making it optimal for iron-controlled release. These findings underscore the crucial role of formulation and thermal parameters in engineering protein-based delivery systems, thereby paving the way for the design of next-generation biodegradable functional materials.

Conventional horticultural fertilization frequently leads to nutrient loss and environmental contamination, driving interest in biodegradable controlled-release systems. This work developed soy protein isolate (SPI) matrices containing 5 wt.% FeSO₄·7H₂O using injection. The matrices were evaluated for crosslinking, mechanical properties, water uptake (WUC), soluble matter loss (SML), iron-release kinetics in water and soil, and biodegradability under composting conditions. Injection-molded samples achieved very high crosslinking with moderate rigidity and water absorption and delivered iron rapidly in water, while compression-molded samples exhibited slightly lower crosslinking but greater stiffness, higher WUC, minimal SML, and sustained iron release. Notably, both processing methods yielded comparable iron-release profiles in soil and complete biodegradation within 71 days. Overall, compression molding produces SPI-based matrices with superior mechanical strength and water retention, positioning them as an ideal solution for long-lasting, sustainable nutrient delivery in horticulture.

In today’s food landscape, the development of novel products continues to be a critical response to the growing demand for healthier, more sustainable, and technologically advanced food and beverage options

In today’s market, the pursuit of product optimization is not just a trend but a necessity while facing the challenges of supplying a wider range of products, sustainability pressures, and the requirement for continuous innovation