Siberian Federal University

A process for extracting Siberian spruce (Picea obovata) bark has been developed, enabling the sequential isolation of resinous, tannic, and pectin substances. The isolated pectin substances are characterized by a high uronic acid content (61.4 %), a broad molecular weight distribution (PDI = 4.3, Mw ~24100 g/mol), and a structure typical of pectins. The Introduction of pectins into PVA‑water cryogels does not significantly affect the mechanical properties or melting point of the materials. However, the incorporation of pectins into a three ‑component PVA‑starch‑water system leads to a decrease in the elastic modulus and melting point of the cryogel, which is explained by the formation of a weaker and more uniform spatial gel network. Biodegradation of the test materials revealed that even with a mass loss of more than 75 %, the cryogels retain their elastic structure