Synthesis and characterization of binary complexes of furcellaran with gelatin and bovine serum albumin

Furcellaran (FUR) complexes with albumin (BSA) and gelatin (GEL) were investigated. The zeta potential (ζ) values of furcellaran, gelatin and their mixtures at weight ratios 2 : 1, 1 : 1, and 1 : 2 (w/w) were measured over a pH range 2.0–10.0. FUR/GEL and FUR/BSA complexes were prepared by the electrolysis of aqueous solutions of both components taken in the 1 : 1 (w/w) ratio. The results of the elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy and thermal analysis confirmed the formation of the complexes. The investigated complexes differed in their susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis and solubility. At room temperature, the solubility of FUR/GEL and FUR/BSA complexes was 0.055 ± 0.021 g/100 cm3 H2O and 0.031 ± 0.020 g/100 cm3 H2O, respectively. Different structures of FUR/GEL and FUR/BSA complexes, determined by SEM studies, can explain differences in both solubility and hydrolytic susceptibility. Enzymatic studies showed that the furcellaran/gelatin and furcellaran/bovine serum albumin complexes are biodegradable. The complexes were not physical mixtures of the components.