Pinus residue/pectin-based composite hydrogels for the immobilization of β-D-galactosidase.

The aim of this work was to synthesize pinus residue/pectin-based composite hydrogels for the immobilization of β-D-galactosidase. These hydrogels were synthesized via chemical crosslinking, and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, mechanical assays, X-ray diffraction, and swelling kinetics. The water absorption mechanism in the hydrogel networks occurs by non-Fickian transport.