Water Vapor Permeability and Mechanical Properties of Soy Protein Isolate Edible Films Composed of Different Plasticizer Combinations

Water barrier and mechanical properties were measured for soy protein isolate (SPI) films plasticized with glycerol (GLY) and 1 of the plasticizers (propylene glycol [PG], polyethylene glycol [PEG], sorbitol [SOR], or sucrose [SUC]) at a ratio of 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 0:100. Plasticizer type as well as the plasticizer ratio in the GLY: plasticizer mixtures affected the film water barrier and mechanical properties. An addition of as little as 25% of a less hygroscopic plasticizer in the mixture induced significant reduction in water vapor permeability (WVP) of SPI films. However, at least 50% of the mixture needs to be GLY to show significant improvement in tensile strength (TS). From our experimental design, 50:50 GLY:SOR was the recommended combination because of its comparatively low WVP value and relatively high flexibility and strength. Incompatibility of GLY:PEG plasticizer mixture in SPI film was observed by surface migration of PEG from the film matrix.     

Barrier properties of corn zein nanocomposite coated polypropylene films for food packaging applications

The feasibility of corn zein nanocomposite (CZNC) coatings as an alternative to synthetic polymer barrier layer on polypropylene (PP) films was examined. The effect of layered silicate content in the CZNC layers on the barrier and surface hydrophobicity of the CZNC-PP films were investigated. Incorporation of organomodified montmorillonite (OMMT) by solution intercalation into zein matrix significantly improved oxygen and water vapor barrier of coated PP films. The barrier properties were also investigated theoretically by using various phenomenological permeability models. Tortuous permeation path formed by the fine delamination of nanoclays was found to be responsible for the barrier improvements in zein layers. In conclusion, durable CZNC-PP laminates were developed. CZNC coating of PP films has reduced the oxygen permeability nearly four times, while water vapor permeability reduced by 30% with 5 wt.% OMMT content in 5.9 μm corn zein coating.     

Effect of plasticizing sugars on water vapor permeability, surface energy and microstructure properties of zein films

Sugars are natural plasticizers for food biopolymers and zein is the most important protein of corn. In this research, sugars (fructose, galactose and glucose) were used as plasticizers and the water vapor permeability (WVP), contact angle and microstructure of the zein films were studied. The pure zein film had high WVP and adding of sugars to 0.7 g/g zein caused to decrease of WVP. Films containing galactose had the lowest WVP.All samples had the lowest contact angle with ethanol and the highest contact angle with water. The zein films containing galactose had the highest water contact angle within the plasticized films. The pure zein films and the films containing fructose had higher critical surface tension of wetting (γ_c) than the films containing glucose and galactose. Adding sugar plasticizer to zein films increased the surface tension of zein films. In the unplasticized zein films, loose structures with a lot of cavities and voids were observed. The films plasticized by fructose had smooth surface and plasticizer particles distributed throughout of the films.     

玉米醇溶蛋白膜的降解性能和水蒸气透过率的研究

对玉米醇溶蛋白（zein）与3%油酸增塑的玉米醇溶蛋白（OA-zein）膜的降解性能和水蒸气透过率进行了研究,实验结果表明：zein膜和OA-zein膜具有良好的抗酸性,但在pH 10以上时开始发生降解,蛋白酶水解实验表明了24h内蛋白膜不被酶水解.这些数据说明了蛋白膜在人体内不能被消化,但在碱性环境中可以降解.水蒸气透过率实验证明了蛋白膜所具备良好的阻气性能,可以作为疏水性的包覆材料应用于医药、食品和化工领域.     

油酸与甘油对玉米醇溶蛋白膜机械性能的影响及机理探讨

主要研究了两种性质不同的增塑剂(油酸和甘油)对玉米醇溶蛋白(zein)膜机械性能的影响和可能的机理,以抗拉伸强度(TS)、伸长率(E)、透水率(WVP)为指标,结果发现油酸和甘油都能显著改善zein膜的机械性能,且添加量都以20%(g/g zein)最优;复合增塑研究发现,当添加20%混合增塑液对zein膜进行增塑时,以油酸∶甘油为3∶1复合增塑的效果最好,其中与未增塑的zein膜相比,TS提高190%,E提高70%。进一步统计学分析表明,油酸与甘油在对zein膜增塑时有正协同作用。对未增塑、20%油酸增塑、20%甘油增塑及20%复合增塑(油酸∶甘油为3∶1)zein膜的玻璃态转化温度(Tg)及红外光谱(FT-IR)分析发现,增塑后的zein膜Tg有所下降,其中复合增塑降幅最大;FT-IR图谱分析发现,复合增塑时甘油的特征峰向高波长方向移动,显示增塑作用加强;蛋白二级结构分析发现,复合增塑后,二级结构虽有小幅改变,但并未达到显著水平,因此增塑剂与zein之间的非共价键相互作用(疏水力和氢键)可能是其增塑的化学基础。     

Mechanical and Thermal Characteristics of Pea Starch Films Plasticized with Monosaccharides and Polyols

Edible starch films were produced from pea starch and various plasticizers (mannose, glucose, fructose, and glycerol and sorbitol) at the ratio of 4.34, 6.50, 8.69, and 10.87 mmol plasticizer per gram of starch. After film specimens were conditioned at 50% relative humidity, mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation, and modulus of elasticity), water vapor permeability (WVP), moisture content, and thermomechanical properties (G’ and tan8) were determined as a function of plasticizer concentration. At all concentration levels, monosaccharides (mannose, glucose, and fructose) made the starch films stronger (higher tensile strength) and more stretchable than polyols (glycerol and sorbitol), while WVP of monosaccharide‐plasticized starch films were lower than those of polyol‐plasticized starch films, especially at higher plasticizer concentration levels. Except for 4.34 mmol/g of mannose‐plasticized film, all the other films showed similar modulus of elasticity at the same plasticizer concentration. Polyol‐plasticized films had lower T than the monosaccharide‐plasticized films. Glucose‐ and sorbitol‐plasticized films needed more activation energy to go through glass transition than others. After all, research results showed that not only the polyols but also the monosaccharides were effective in plasticizing starch films. It is concluded that molecular size, configuration, total number of functional hydroxyl group of the plasticizer as well as its compatibility of the plasticizers with the polymer could affect the interactions between the plasticizers and starch molecules, and consequently the effectiveness of plasticization.     

Plasticized Whey Protein Edible Films: Water Vapor Permeability Properties

Heat treatment, protein concentration, and pH effects on water vapor permeability (WVP) of plasticized whey protein films were examined. The best film formation conditions were neutral pH, aqueous 10% (w/w) protein solutions heated for 30 min at 90°. Isoelectric point adjustment of whey protein with calcium ascorbate buffer increased WVP with increasing buffer concentration, The importance of vacuum application to minimize film pore size was identified using scanning electron microscopy. Polyethylene glycol, glycerol and sorbitol plasticizer concentration affected film WVP. Determining the effects of relative humidity on WVP for plasticized whey protein films enabled prediction of film behavior under any water vapor partial pressure gradient.     

Mechanical and Barrier Properties of Lactic Acid and Rennet Precipitated Casein-Based Edible Films

Tensile strength (TS), percent elongation (%E), oxygen permeability (OP), and water vapor permeability (WVP) of lactic acid and rennet precipitated casein-based edible films were studied to determine the effect of protein to plasticizer ratio (0.6:1, 1:1, 1.4:1) and plasticizer type (sorbitol, glycerol) on these properties. TS increased (p<0.05) with increase in protein to plasticizer ratio. Sorbitol plasticized films were stronger (p<0.05) than glycerol plasticized films. However, films plasticized with glycerol were more extensible (p<0.05). Film %E decreased with increase in protein/plasticizer ratio for lactic acid casein films, whereas it increased for rennet casein films. Films plasticized with sorbitol were more effective (p<0.05) moisture and oxygen barriers than glycerol plasticized films. Overall, lactic acid casein films plasticized with sorbitol had the most effective mechanical and barrier properties.     

Influence of plasticizers on the water sorption isotherms and water vapor permeability of chicken feather keratin films

Biodegradable films from many protein sources have in recent decades attracted a lot of attention for their potential use in food protection because they have several advantages over synthetic films, including those related to the environment. The effects of type and concentration of plasticizers on microstructure, sorption isotherms and water vapor permeability (WVP) of films obtained from chicken feather keratin (CFK) were investigated. Keratins were extracted with an aqueous solutions of urea, 2-mercaptoethanol and surfactant. The protein was dosed and the maximum concentration achieved was 12 g/100 ml. The protein concentration in the keratin film solution was standardized at 7 g/100 ml for the preparation of the films by casting. The results showed that increasing the plasticizer concentration caused a decrease in barrier properties and favored water adsorption by the polymeric network, increasing the moisture content of the films. The monolayer moisture content was 8.76 times higher for films made with glycerol than films made without plasticizer and 12 times higher than films plasticized with PEG 4000. The same behavior was observed for the water solubility coefficient, which increased with increasing plasticizer concentration.     

Development and Characterization of Edible Films from Cranberry Pomace Extracts

The feasibility of using cranberry pomace extract as a new film‐forming material was studied. Cranberry pomaces were extracted using hot water. Low methoxyl pectin (LMP) or high methoxyl pectin (HMP) at a concentration of 0.50% or 0.75% (w/w) and 0.25% (w/w) sorbitol or glycerol was incorporated into film‐forming solutions (FFSs) for improving film functionality. Proximate compositions of cranberry pomace and its extract were determined. The pH and total soluble solid content (SSC) of FFSs, physical and mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, and microstructure of dried films were analyzed. About 1.4% (w/w) of solids was obtained from cranberry pomace water extracts, of which about 93% was carbohydrate. Dried films had bright red color and strong cranberry flavor. Films plasticized with sorbitol were denser in matrix structure and had higher color intensity than those of glycerol plasticized films. In general, LMP and sorbitol incorporated films had higher tensile strength and lower elongation at break and lower water vapor permeability than other films. The higher (0.75%) pectin concentration resulted in increased tensile strength, but decreased elongation at break. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that sorbitol added films had more regular and compact cross‐section structure than those of glycerol added films. This study demonstrated that it is feasible to create natural colorful and fruit flavor edible films from fruit pomace water extracts. Depending on specific applications of the films, targeted film functionality can be achieved by incorporating proper pectin type and concentration and plasticizer into pomace extracts.     

Evaluation of Zein Films as Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Fresh Broccoli

ABSTRACT: Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is increasingly used with minimally processed produce. Increased MAP usage coupled with negative environmental views associated with nondegradable synthetic packaging materials creates a need for biodegradable films. Zein films plasticized with oleic acid had been proposed for biodegradable packaging applications. Conversion treatments including lamination and coating films with tung oil were reported to improve water vapor and gas barrier properties of films. In this work, the ability of treated and untreated zein films to perform as MAP for fresh broccoli florets was investigated. Florets were packaged in glass jars sealed with zein films and stored under refrigeration for 6 d. Headspace oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations were monitored during storage. Tested films allowed the development of modified atmospheres inside the packages. Broccoli florets packaged in the test films maintained their original firmness and color.     

Effects of plasticizers on the properties of edible films from skin gelatin of bigeye snapper and brownstripe red snapper

The effects of type and concentration of plasticizers on the mechanical properties (tensile strength, TS and elongation at break, EAB), water vapor permeability, light transmission, transparency and color of fish skin gelatin edible films from bigeye snapper (Priacanthus marcracanthus) and brownstripe red snapper (Lutjanus vitta) were investigated. At the same plasticizer concentration, fish skin gelatin films from both species plasticized with glycerol (Gly) showed the greatest EAB (P<0.05), whereas ethylene glycol (EG) plasticized films showed the highest TS (P<0.05). Films prepared from brownstripe red snapper skin gelatin exhibited slightly greater TS than those of bigeye snapper skin gelatin (P<0.05) when Gly and sorbitol (Sor) were used. EG, polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG 200) and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) affected the mechanical properties of both films differently. Films generally became more transparent and EAB, water vapor permeability (WVP), as well as light transmission of films increased, but TS and yellowness decreased with increasing plasticizer concentrations.     

Effect of Plasticizers on Mechanical and Barrier Properties of Rice Starch Film

The effect of plasticizers, glycerol, sorbitol and poly(ethylene glycol) 400 (PEG 400), on mechanical and barrier properties of rice starch film has been investigated. Sorbitol‐ and glycerol‐plasticized starch films appeared homogeneous, clear, smooth, and contained less insoluble particles compared to unplasticized rice starch films. PEG 400 did not form plasticized films of suitable characteristics. The softness and stickiness of films improved with increasing concentrations of glycerol and sorbitol. In general, films plasticized with glycerol and sorbitol displayed a better solubility in water than unplasticized films, i.e. 35% (w/w) glycerol and 45% w/w (sorbitol) (optimum solubility). The tensile strength of films decreased especially in the high concentration regime of plasticizers, between 20–45% (w/w) of plasticizer/rice starch film. Through the entire concentration regime, the tensile strength of glycerol‐plasticized films was significantly lower than that of sorbitol‐plasticized films, but their elongation was larger. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) through plasticized films and the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) increased with glycerol and sorbitol concentrations, however, glycerol was revealed to be significantly more effective in reducing the tensile strength as well as increasing the WVTR and the OTR compared to sorbitol. With the higher tensile strength and the smaller OTR and WVTR, the 30% sorbitol‐plasticized film reveals an improved coating performance in terms of a reduction of coating failures.     

Physico-mechanical and microstructural properties of semolina flour films as influenced by different sorbitol/glycerol concentrations

This study aimed at investigating the physico-mechanical and microstructural properties of a novel edible film based on plasticized semolina flour with different plasticizer (sorbitol/glycerol, 3:1) contents (30, 40, and 50%, w/w). As plasticizer content increased, water vapor and oxygen permeability, tensile strength, and the elastic modulus of the semolina films decreased, while their water solubility, moisture content, and elongation-at-break increased significantly (p < 0.05). Semolina-based films exhibited excellent absorption of ultraviolet light, and the addition of plasticizers improved the optical properties of the resultant films. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed no significant effect on the structure of the protein. Thermogravimetric analysis also revealed that increasing plasticizer concentration has no remarkable influence on the magnitude of weight loss. Atomic force microscopy images showed that the surface roughness of the films was influenced by plasticizer concentrations. This study demonstrated that semolina flour protein has the potential to prepare edible films.     

可食性壳聚糖膜性能的研究

本文研究了壳聚糖膜的制备及对壳聚糖膜进行抗张强度、透湿率、透气系数和吸湿性能的测试。结果表明,1.5%的壳聚糖浓度成膜浓度较适宜; 壳聚糖膜用中温干燥(55℃)时的机械性能相对较佳,并且低温下成的膜较高温下成的膜相对较透明、柔软,高温下成的膜略有淡黄色;随膜厚的增加,膜的透湿率增大;适量的增塑剂可以改善膜的性能,随着甘油浓度的增加,膜的透湿率、透气系数也随之增加,膜的透气系数还随成膜温度的升高而增大。     

Water vapour permeability,thermal and wetting properties of whey protein isolate based edible films

This study deals with the effect of whey protein isolate (WPI) and glycerol (GLY) used as a plasticizer on some physical properties of cast whey protein isolate (WPI) films. Films were prepared from heated (80 °C for 30 min) aqueous solutions of WPI at 7, 8, 9 and 10% (w/w), GLY (40%, w/w, of WPI) and WPI at 8% (w/w), GLY (30, 40, and 60%, w/w, of WPI). For all types of films, water vapour permeability for four relative humidity differentials (30–100%, 30–84%, 30–75%, and 30–53%), surface and thermal properties were measured. Varying the proportion of WPI and GLY in edible films had some effect on water vapour permeability, wetting and thermal properties of WPI films. A cumulative effect of both glycerol and protein content was observed on the water vapour permeability increase. Indeed film barrier properties are much better for the lowest WPI (7%) and GLY (40%) contents. GLY increases the degradation temperature and favours film surface wettability whereas protein content did not affects thermal properties of films.     

Influence of Whey Protein Composite Coatings on Plum (Prunus Domestica L.) Fruit Quality

This study evaluated the quality of plums (Prunus domestica L.) coated with whey protein isolate (WPI) and WPI composite coatings containing 5 or 10% (w/w) flaxseed oil blended with beeswax. WPI and 10% lipid composite coatings were less susceptible to crack, flake, and blister defects during the 15 days storage at 5°C compared to the 5% lipid formulation. The firmness of plums, determined by the penetration force using a 10-mm probe, was not significantly affected by the coating types except for the WPI-coated samples, which showed a significantly higher penetration force because of the higher strength for WPI film. Mass loss of plums during storage was substantially reduced because of coating, especially when coatings of higher lipid content were used. This was consistent with the water permeability for the standalone films, which decreased considerably when flaxseed and beeswax were added. The incorporation of lipid phase to WPI also significantly weakened oxygen barrier and mechanical properties. Migration of plasticizer and lipid phase to the film surface was observed during water vapor permeability tests, especially when the films were exposed to elevated humidity conditions. Overall, sensory evaluation showed that the coated plums were more acceptable than the uncoated controls.     

冻藏温度对玉米醇溶蛋白膜的影响

冻藏温度对玉米醇溶蛋白膜特性有一定影响。结果表明:蛋白膜的机械特性、平衡水分含量和水蒸气透过率随冻藏温度的变化而发生变化。随着冻藏温度的降低,蛋白膜的抗拉强度和延伸率都呈下降的趋势;蛋白膜的平衡水分含量随冻藏温度的降低先上升,而后又略有下降;水蒸气透过率随冻藏温度的降低而上升。     

Crystallization of High-Amylose Starch by the Addition of Plasticizers at Low and Intermediate Concentrations

ABSTRACT:  The antiplasticization effect of plasticizers (that is, polyols and monosaccharides) in starch films was investigated. Pea starch films were plasticized by various polyols and monosaccharides at the levels of 0% to 25% (w/w, plasticizer/starch). After 14 d of storage at 50% relative humidity, the crystallinity of pea starch films increased with increasing concentration of plasticizers from 0% to 20%. Accordingly, moisture content, water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability, and elongation decreased with increasing plasticizer concentration from 0% to 20%, showing the antiplasticization effect. The addition of plasticizers above 20% reduced the crystallinity of starch films, consequently showing the plasticization effect. The results showed that the addition of the plasticizers facilitated the crystallization of the polymer chains through the antiplasticization phenomenon at the concentration range below 15%. Above 20%, plasticizers performed the conventional plasticization effect. Each plasticizer had different critical concentration where the antiplasticization was converted to plasticization.     

The improved breathability of polyurethane coated cotton fabric via micro-cracking

Polyurethane (PU) coating became popular in the last decades to achieve water resistance garment fabrics with enhanced visual properties. But reduced breathability of coated fabric is a setback for clothing industry. This paper represents a facile method of enhancing breathability (air and water vapor permeability) of PU coated fabrics which may be so-called micro-cracking in relevant solvent bath differed in solvent bath, concentration, and duration time. The samples were subjected to air permeability, water vapor permeability, water resistance, and tensile strength measurements and the results were also statistically analyzed. The study showed that the proposed process increased water vapor and air permeability of coated but the permeability values were still significantly lower than that of uncoated sample. This result is also verified through water resistance measurements and; tensile strength of the samples were affected at minimum after micro-cracking.