LAUSR

The outer cover of the egg (chicken) having the mesh size in the range of 100–350 μm serves as a versatile bio-filler for manufacturing of a novel biocomposite, “pectin-g-P(AN-co-AM)/chicken eggshell”, which was synthesized by using water-soluble cobalt complex as effective catalyst, and its properties were studied by using FTIR and on–off switching swelling behaviour. Moreover, water absorbency and biodegradability along with drug delivery properties of the prepared material were studied by using proper methods. It was observed that the synthesized material shows property of super absorbency (hydrogel) and demonstrates interesting results at pH = 2 and 8 and is responsive to swelling-de-swelling behaviour. This novel material also shows potential applications in drug delivery system. This bio-composite is cost-effective and environmental friendly because it is synthesized in microwave-assisted medium without emission of any toxic gaseous components to the atmosphere.