Effect of phenolic compounds on the properties of porcine plasma protein-based film

Properties of porcine plasma protein-based film incorporated with tannic acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid at different concentrations (1–3% (w/w) of protein content) were studied. Film-forming solution (FFS) containing 3% protein (w/v) and 70% glycerol (w/w of protein content) was preheated at 70 °C for 30 min and adjusted pH to 10 followed by the addition of phenols and film casting. Tensile strength (TS) of resulting film increased by 123.3, 194.3 and 19.5% and elongation at break (EAB) increased by 71.1, 86.3 and 10.2%, respectively, compared with the control film, when tannic acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid at a level of 3% was added. The use of all phenolic compounds slightly increased water vapor permeability (WVP) of resulting films (p < 0.05). The increases in a^∗- and b^∗-values of films were observed as the higher concentrations of tannic acid and caffeic acid were used. This was associated with the lowered transparency of resulting films. FFS containing 3% caffeic acid with prior oxygenation, especially with pH 10, yielded the film with increased TS but lowered EAB (p < 0.05). Oxygenation of FFS was associated with the lower L^∗-value and higher a^∗-value of resulting films. Therefore, phenolic compounds could be used as natural cross-linkers which affected the properties of porcine plasma protein-based film differently.     

Effect of heat treatment of film-forming solution on the properties of film from cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) skin gelatin

Effects of heat treatment at different temperatures (40–90 °C) of film-forming solution (FFS) containing 3% gelatin from cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) ventral skin and 25% glycerol (based on protein) on properties and molecular characteristics of resulting films were investigated. The film prepared from FFS heated at 60 and 70 °C showed the highest tensile strength (TS) with the highest melting transition temperature (T_max) (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, film from FFS heated at 90 °C had the highest elongation at break (EAB) with the highest glass transition temperature (T_g) (p < 0.05). With increasing heating temperatures, water vapor permeability (WVP) of films decreased (p < 0.05), but no differences in L*-value and transparency value were observed (p > 0.05). Based on FTIR spectra, the lower formation of hydrogen bonding was found in film prepared from FFS with heat treatment. Electrophoretic study revealed that degradation of gelatin was more pronounced in FFS and resulting film when heat treatment was conducted at temperature above 70 °C. Thus, heat treatment of FFS directly affected the properties of resulting films.     

Properties and antioxidant activity of fish skin gelatin film incorporated with citrus essential oils

Properties of protein-based film from fish skin gelatin incorporated with different citrus essential oils, including bergamot, kaffir lime, lemon and lime (50% based on protein) in the presence of 20% and 30% glycerol were investigated. Films containing 20% glycerol had higher tensile strength (TS) but lower elongation at break (EAB), compared with those prepared with 30% glycerol, regardless of essential oils incorporated (p < 0.05). Films incorporated with essential oils, especially from lime, at both glycerol levels showed the lower TS but higher EAB than the control films (without incorporated essential oil) (p < 0.05). Water vapour permeability (WVP) of films containing essential oils was lower than that of control films for both glycerol levels (p < 0.05). Films with essential oils had varying ΔE^* (total colour difference), where the highest value was observed in that added with bergamot essential oil (p < 0.05). Higher glycerol content increased EAB and WVP but decreased TS of films. Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectra indicated that films added with essential oils exhibited higher hydrophobicity with higher amplitude at wavenumber of 2874–2926 cm⁻¹ and 1731–1742 cm⁻¹ than control film. Film incorporated with essential oils exhibited slightly lower thermal degradation resistance, compared to the control film. Varying effect of essential oil on thermal degradation temperature and weight loss was noticeable, but all films prepared using 20% glycerol had higher thermal degradation temperature with lower weight loss, compared with those containing 30% glycerol. Films added with all types of essential oils had rough cross-section, compared with control films, irrespective of glycerol levels. However, smooth surface was observed in all film samples. Film incorporated with lemon essential oil showed the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (p < 0.05), while the other films had lower activity. Thus, the incorporation of different essential oils and glycerol levels directly affected the properties of gelatin-based film from fish skin.     

Effects of partial hydrolysis and plasticizer content on the properties of film from cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) skin gelatin

Properties of film from cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) ventral skin gelatin with different degree of hydrolysis (DH: 0.40, 0.80 and 1.20%) added with glycerol as plasticizer at various levels (10, 15 and 20%, based on protein) were investigated. Films prepared from gelatin with all DH had the lower tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EAB) but higher water vapor permeability (WVP), compared with the control film (without hydrolysis) (p < 0.05). At the same glycerol content, both TS and EAB decreased, while WVP increased (p < 0.05) with increasing %DH. At the same DH, TS generally decreased as glycerol content increased (p < 0.05), however glycerol content had no effect on EAB when gelatins with 0.80 and 1.20% DH were used (p > 0.05). DH and glycerol content had no marked impact on color and the difference in color (ΔE^∗) of resulting films. Electrophoretic study revealed that degradation of gelatin and their corresponding films was more pronounced with increased %DH, resulting in the lower mechanical properties of films. Based on FTIR spectra, with the increasing %DH as well as glycerol content, higher amplitudes for amide-A and amide-B peaks were observed, compared with film from gelatin without hydrolysis (control film) due to the increased –NH₂ group caused by hydrolysis and the lower interaction of –NH₂ group in the presence of higher glycerol. Thermo-gravimetric analysis indicated that film prepared from gelatin with 1.20% DH exhibited the higher heat susceptibility and weight loss in the temperature range of 50–600 °C, compared with control film. Thus, both chain length of gelatin and glycerol content directly affected the properties of cuttlefish skin gelatin films.     

Development and characterization of a novel biodegradable edible film obtained from psyllium seed (Plantago ovata Forsk)

In this study, the physical, thermal and mechanical properties of a novel edible film based on psyllium hydrocolloid (PH) were investigated. PH films were prepared by incorporation of three levels of glycerol (15%, 25%, and 35% w/w). As glycerol concentration increased, water vapor permeability (WVP), percent of elongation (E%) and water solubility of PH films increased whilst, tensile strength (TS), surface hydrophobicity and glass transition point (T_g) decreased significantly. At the level of 15% (W/W) of glycerol, PH films showed the lowest WVP values (1.16 × 10⁻¹⁰ g H₂O m⁻² s⁻¹ MPa⁻¹), E% (24.57%) and water solubility (47.69%) and the highest values for TS (14.31 MPa), water contact angle (84.47°) and T_g (175.2 °C). By increasing glycerol concentration, PH films became slightly greenish and yellowish in color but still transparent in appearance. This study revealed that the psyllium hydrocolloid had a good potential to be used in producing edible films with interesting specifications.     

Properties of biodegradable blend films based on fish myofibrillar protein and polyvinyl alcohol as influenced by blend composition and pH level

Effects of the ratios of fish myofibrillar protein (FMP) from bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus) to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (FMP:PVA; 10:0, 8:2, 6:4, 5:5, 4:6, 2:8, 0:10) and pH levels (3 and 11) on the properties of resulting films were investigated. Both tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EAB) of films increased with increasing PVA content (p < 0.05). When PVA was incorporated up to 40%, films prepared at pH 11 had the higher TS than did those prepared at pH 3 (p < 0.05). However, as PVA content was greater than 40%, films prepared at pH 3 exhibited the higher TS than did those prepared at pH 11 (p < 0.05). Water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films prepared at pH 3 increased when PVA content increased up to 40% and decreased with further increases in PVA content (p < 0.05). PVA films had the higher TS, EAB and WVP than did FMP films and FMP/PVA blend films prepared at both pHs. Films exhibited the increased L∗ and a∗ values but decreased b∗ value with increasing PVA content at both pHs. Films prepared at pH 11 showed higher b∗ value than did those prepared at pH 3 when PVA content was greater than 40% (p < 0.05). FMP/PVA blend films exhibited the negligible transmission to the UV light. At pH 3, light transmission of the films increased as PVA content increased (p < 0.05). At all FMP/PVA ratios, films prepared at pH 11 were less transparent than those prepared at pH 3 (p < 0.05). Therefore, blend composition and pH level influenced the properties of FMP/PVA blend films.     

Characterization of gelatin films prepared from under-utilized blue shark (Prionace glauca) skin

Gelatin film from blue shark (Prionace glauca) skin was investigated in order to utilize what is one of the most serious marine wastes in Japan. Film properties from shark skin such as tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB) were evaluated. The TS of gelatin film from shark skin was affected by the protein concentration (1, 2 and 3%) of the film-forming solution (FFS). TS of the film from a 2% protein FFS was the highest. EAB and water vapor permeability (WVP) increased with increasing FFS protein concentration. WVP of shark skin gelatin was evidently low as compared to gelatin films from other fish. An increase in the FFS protein concentration decreased transparency at almost all wavelengths. Furthermore, opacity at 280 nm was characteristically high as compared to films from bony fish skin. The addition of glycerol improved flexibility and enhanced the UV barrier property at 280 nm. However, transparency at the visible range and WVP increased with increasing glycerol content.From the above, it was suggested that shark skin gelatin film technology can be applied to pharmaceutical products or rich-fat food due to its excellent water and UV barrier properties.     

Structure-modifying alkaline and acidic pH-shifting processes promote film formation of soy proteins

The effect of pH-shifting, a process that induces the molten globule state in proteins, on the film-forming potential of soy protein isolate (SPI) at different temperatures was investigated. Partial unfolding at pH 1.5 or 12, followed by refolding at pH 7.0, was performed to alter the protein structure. Glycerin-plasticised films were prepared from pH-treated SPI at ambient temperature (20 °C), or by heating at 50, 60, 70, or 80 °C (30 min). Tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB), water vapour permeability (WVP), protein solubility (pH 3–7), and non-participating proteins of films were analysed, and the film microstructures were examined. The pH₁₂-treated SPI spontaneously formed a transparent, slightly yellowish film at 20 °C, which had the greatest EAB, while pH_1.5-treated and native SPIs required preheating at 50 and 70 °C, respectively, to form a film. Heating generally decreased solubility and WVP but increased TS. Films formed from both pH₁₂- and pH_1.5-treated SPIs were more elastic (up to 2-fold greater in EAB, P < 0.05) than the film formed from untreated SPI despite slightly reduced TS and WVP. Electrophoresis revealed disulphide bonds between A and B subunits of glycinin being a dominant force in pH₁₂- and pH_1.5-treated SPI films, while noncovalent forces were abundant in untreated SPI films. The pH₁₂-treated SPI film consisted of more interactive protein strands than other SPI films, which seemed to explain its superior elastic properties.     

Effect of flaxseed meal on the dynamic mechanical properties of starch-based films

Starch (S)–flaxseed meal (FM) biofilms were prepared from potato and maize starch by incorporating FM up to 15% (dry solid basis) and using glycerol as plasticizer. The dynamic mechanical properties, tensile properties and water vapor permeability (WVP) of these films were measured. The storage modulus of both the starch (control) and starch–FM films decreased as temperature increased. Tan δ increased initially in all the films with increase in temperature until a peak value was reached which allowed the determination of glass transition temperature (T_g). Both tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the starch–FM films increased with increase in the FM content. The WVP of the potato starch–FM films first increased to 2.261 (×10⁵ g m⁻² h⁻¹ Pa⁻¹) when FM content increased to 5% and decreased down to 1.832 (×10⁵ g m⁻² h⁻¹ Pa⁻¹) with further increase in the FM content to 15%. While the WVP values of the cornstarch and corn starch–FM films were not significantly (p > 0.05) different. The incorporation of FM increased the tensile strength, decreased the % elongation at break and increased the T_g.     

Development and characterization of cassava starch and soy protein concentrate based edible films

The sensory attributes, mechanical, water vapour permeability (WVP) and solubility properties of cassava starch and soy protein concentrate (SPC)‐based edible films of varying levels of glycerol were studied. Addition of SPC and glycerol up to 30% and 20%, respectively, reduced stickiness and improved colour and appearance of the films. Tensile strength (TS), elastic modulus (EM) and elongation at break (EAB) of films increased, while film solubility (FS) and WVP decreased with SPC and glycerol up to 50% and 20% level, respectively, ranging from 20.33 to 26.94 MPa (TS), 41.33 to 72.76 MPa (EM), 7.90 to 12.28 MPa (EAB), 15.07 to 31.90% (FS) and 2.62 to 4.13 g H₂O mm m^?2 day kPa (WVP). The TS, EAB and WVP were higher for the biofilms than for low‐density polyethylene and cellophane films.     

Tensile, water vapor barrier and antimicrobial properties of PLA/nanoclay composite films

PLA-based composite films with different types of nanoclays, such as Cloisite Na⁺, Cloisite 30B and Cloisite 20A, were prepared using a solvent casting method and their tensile, water vapor barrier and antimicrobial properties were tested. Tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (E), and water vapor permeability (WVP) of control PLA film were 50.45 ± 0.75 MPa, 3.0 ± 0.1%, and 1.8 × 10⁻¹¹ g m/m² s Pa, respectively. TS and E of nanocomposite films prepared with 5 g of clay/100 g of PLA decreased 10-20% and 11-17%, respectively, depending on the clays used. On the contrary, WVP of the nanocomposite films decreased 6-33% through nanoclay compounding. Among the clay types used, Cloisite 20A was the most effective in improving the water vapor barrier property while sacrificing tensile properties the least. The effect of clay concentration tested using Cloisite 20A showed a significant decrease in TS and WVP, with increases in clay content. Among the PLA/clay composite films tested, only PLA/Cloisite 30B composite film showed a bacteriostatic function against Listeria monocytogenes.     

Properties of triticale flour protein based films

Triticale flour proteins based films were developed. Solubility in water, water vapor permeability (WVP), and mechanical properties of triticale films are presented. The effects of thermal treatments and glycerol concentration were also evaluated. WVP values were in the range 0.10-4.22 × 10⁻¹⁰ g m⁻¹ s⁻¹ Pa⁻¹. Tensile strength (TS) and percentage of elongation (%E) were in the range 2.9-0.20 MPa and 250-110% respectively. Total soluble matter (TSM), WVP, and %E decreased with the increase in the curing temperature. More plasticized films presented greater TSM, WVP, %E and lower values of TS. At a giving temperature (T) and glycerol concentration, an increase in relative humidity (RH) resulted in higher values of TSM, WVP, %E and lower TS values. It was observed that in films with the same treatments and conditioning, WVP increased with the increase in measurement temperature. Triticale proteins showed suitable film-forming capacity for the formulation of biodegradable films.     

Physical properties of a composite film containing sunflower seed meal protein and its application in packaging smoked duck meat

Sunflower seed meal protein (SP) films were prepared using various plasticizers, cross-linking agents, Cloisite Na⁺ or red algae, and their physical properties, such as tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (E), and water vapor permeability (WVP) were determined. The TS, E, and WVP of the SP film containing sucrose and fructose (2:1) as a plasticizer and cinnamaldehyde as a cross-linking agent were 3.05 MPa, 34.42%, and 2.25 × 10⁻⁹ g m/m² s Pa, respectively. The incorporation of Cloisite Na⁺ improved the physical properties of the SP film. The TS of the SP/Cloisite Na⁺ composite film containing 3% Cloisite Na⁺ increased by 2.19 MPa, and the WVP of the composite film decreased by 0.52 × 10⁻⁹ g m/m² s Pa compared to the SP film. The incorporation of red algae also improved the TS of the SP film. The TS of the SP composite film containing 1.2% red algae increased by 3.82 MPa compared to the SP film. In addition, an SP/red algae composite film containing grapefruit seed extract (GSE) was prepared and used in food packaging. After 12 days of storage, the population of Listeria monocytogenes inoculated on smoked duck meats packed with the SP/red algae composite film containing 1.2% GSE decreased by 1.31 log CFU/g compared to the control packaging. Therefore, these results suggest that SP composite films can be prepared by the addition of red algae to the SP film–forming solution and that the SP/red algae composite film containing GSE can be used as an antimicrobial food packaging material.     

Physico-chemical properties,morphology and antioxidant activity of film from fish skin gelatin incorporated with root essential oils

The influences of three root essential oils (ginger, turmeric and plai) at different levels (25%, 50% and 100%, based on protein content) on properties and antioxidative activity of fish skin gelatin-based film were investigated. Films incorporated with all essential oils showed the lower tensile strength (TS) but higher elongation at break (EAB) with increasing amount of essential oils, compared with the control film (without oil incorporated), regardless of types of essential oil (p < 0.05). Water vapor permeability (WVP) of films containing essential oils decreased as the amount of essential oils increased (p < 0.05). Decreases in L^*-value and increases in b^*-, ΔE^*- and transparency value were observed with increasing amount of essential oils incorporated (p < 0.05). FTIR spectra indicated that films added with essential oils, especially from plai root, exhibited higher hydrophobicity than the control film, as evidenced by higher amplitude at wavenunber of 2877–2922 cm⁻¹ and 1732 cm⁻¹. Lower degradation temperature was obtained in films containing essential oils. Microstructural study revealed that bilayer films could be formed when essential oils at level above 50% were incorporated. Film incorporated with plai and turmeric essential oils showed the higher DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, respectively, (p < 0.05), compared with the control film and ginger essential oil added film. Thus, the incorporation of root essential oils directly affected properties of fish skin gelatin-based film, depending on types and levels incorporated.     

Effects of glycerol,sorbitol, xylitol and fructose plasticisers on mechanical and moisture barrier properties of pullulan–alginate–carboxymethylcellulose blend films

The effects of glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol and fructose plasticisers on water sorption, mechanical properties, water vapour permeability (WVP) and microstructure of pullulan–alginate–carboxymethycellulose (PAC) blend films were investigated. At low plasticiser concentrations (below 7% w/w dry basis), antiplasticisation effect was observed, causing an increase in tensile strength (TS) but a decrease in the equilibrium moisture content. As glycerol concentration increased from 0% to 7%, TS increased from 68.1 to 69.6 MPa, whereas equilibrium moisture contents at 0.84 a_w decreased from 0.37 to 0.3 g H₂O g^?1 dry basis. At higher plasticiser concentrations (14–25% w/w), an opposite trend was observed on the PAC films, resulting in the reduction of TS and elevation of moisture content. Among the four plasticisers tested, the fructose‐plasticised films were the most brittle, showing the highest TS, but had the lowest elongation at break (EAB), WVP and equilibrium moisture content values than films plasticised with other polyols. On the other hand, glycerol resulted in the most flexible film structure, exhibiting opposite materials' properties as compared with the fructose‐plasticised films. For instance, at 25% (w/w) plasticiser concentration, EAB and WVP values of fructose‐plasticised films were 33.5% and 3.48 × 10^?6 g m Pa^?1 h^?1 m^?2, which were significantly lower than that of glycerol‐plasticised films (58.6% and 4.86 × 10^?6 g m Pa^?1 h^?1 m^?2, respectively). Scanning electron microscopy showed that the plasticised PCA films were less homogeneous and more porous than the unplasticised counterparts, indicating that plasticisers had an effect on the microstructural morphology of the film matrix.     

Effects of plasticizers and nano-clay content on the physical properties of chicken feather protein composite films

To prepare chicken feather protein (CFP)/nano-clay composite films and to evaluate the effects of various plasticizers and nano-clay concentrations on the mechanical properties of the films, CFP composite films with various concentrations of Cloisite Na⁺ were prepared, and their physical properties such as tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (E), and water vapor permeability (WVP) were investigated. Optimal CFP films were formed with 5 g of CFP, 0.5 g of glycerol, and 1.5 g of sorbitol in 100 mL of film-forming solution; the TS, E, and WVP of the film were 4.74 MPa, 10.08%, and 3.11 × 10⁻⁹ g m/m² s Pa, respectively. After the nano-clay was incorporated into the CFP film-forming solution, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies were conducted to examine the structural characteristics of the CFP/nano-clay composite films. The incorporation of nano-clay improved the physical properties of the CFP films. The TS of the CFP/nano-clay composite film containing 7% Cloisite Na⁺ increased by 1.21 MPa, and the WVP of the composite film decreased by 1.15 × 10⁻⁹ g m/m² s Pa compared to the CFP film. Therefore, these results suggest that CFP composite films can be prepared with improved mechanical property by the addition of nano-clay and used as a food packaging material in the food industry.     

Roles of lipid oxidation and pH on properties and yellow discolouration during storage of film from red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) muscle protein

Protein-based films prepared from red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) washed and unwashed mince solubilised at pH 3 and 11 were prepared and characterised. Tensile strength (TS) of films from washed mince was greater than that of films prepared from unwashed mince for both pH used (P < 0.05). TS of films prepared at pH 3 was higher than that of films prepared at pH 11 for both of washed and unwashed mince (P < 0.05). Film from washed mince with pH 3 showed the highest TS, while that from unwashed mince with pH 11 had the lowest TS with the highest elongation at break (EAB) (P < 0.05). Films from washed mince had the lower value of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) than did those from unwashed counterpart, regardless of pH used. Nevertheless, TBARS was much higher in films prepared at acidic pH, compared with those prepared at alkaline pH. During storage of 20 days at room temperature, films became yellowish as evidenced by the increases in b^∗ and ΔE^∗-values. Films prepared at pH 11 showed the higher b^∗ and ΔE^∗-values than did those prepared at pH 3, especially for those from unwashed mince. However, films prepared from washed mince at pH 3 showed higher b^∗ and ΔE^∗-values than did those prepared at pH 11 (P < 0.05). Films generally had the increase in TS but the decreases in water vapour permeability (WVP), film solubility and protein solubility after 20 days of storage (P < 0.05). Therefore, lipid oxidation more likely played a role in yellow discolouration of fish muscle protein film, mainly by providing the carbonyl groups involved in Maillard reaction, while pH regulated the rate of reaction.     

Effects of plasticizers, pH and heating of film-forming solution on the properties of pea protein isolate films

Effects of glycerol (3-7% w/w) and sorbitol (4-8% w/w) concentration, pH (7.0, 9.0, 11.0) and heating (90 °C, 20 min) of film-forming solution (FFS) on the water vapor permeability (WVP), moisture content (MC), solubility, light transmission and transparency of pea protein isolate (PPI) films were investigated. Films plasticized with sorbitol exhibited significantly lower WVP, lower MC and higher solubility, in comparison with glycerol-plasticized films. Increasing glycerol content of the films led to increases in WVP and MC but did not affect film solubility. In contrast, increase in sorbitol content had no effect on permeability and MC but resulted in increased film solubility. Moisture sorption isotherms of PPI films suggested that the difference in WVP observed among films plasticized with glycerol and sorbitol might be due to the different hygroscopicity of these plasticizers. The pH of FFS did not have a significant effect on WVP and MC. Solubility of PPI films formed from non-heated FFS was not affected by pH, whereas solubility of films formed from heat-treated FFS generally increased when pH was increased from 7.0 to 11.0. Heating of FFS resulted in improved film transparency. All tested films were characterized by excellent ability to absorb UV radiation. Microstructural observation by scanning electron microscopy did not show differences between sorbitol- and glycerol-plasticized films.     

Physical assessment of composite biodegradable films manufactured using whey protein isolate,gelatin and sodium alginate

Composite films were manufactured using whey protein isolate (WPI), gelatin (G) and sodium alginate (SA) using a simplex centroid design. Tensile strength (TS), puncture strength (PT), percentage elongation at break point (E), tear strength (TT), water vapour permeability (WVP) and oxygen permeability (OP) of films were evaluated. The interactions between biopolymers showed quadratic effects (P < 0.01) on TS, E, PT, TT and WVP values. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to investigate the microstructures of composite films. The proportion of ingredients required to produce the optimum composite films was determined to be: WPI (g):G (g):SA (g) = 8.0:12.0:5.0. Overall, films (WPIGSA-9) produced using the combination of WPI (g):G (g):SA (g) = 10.0:16.0:14.0 demonstrated the best barrier to oxygen (8.00 cm³ μm/m² d kPa); while films (WPIGSA-1) showed the best barrier to water vapour (48.04 g mm/kPa d m²); films (WPIGSA-6) using the combination of WPI (g):G (g):SA (g) = 10.0:17.5:22.5 had the best mechanical properties of all of the experimental composite films tested.     

Preparation and properties of dialdehyde carboxymethyl cellulose crosslinked gelatin edible films

Glycerol-plasticized gelatin edible films with a new kind of dialdehyde polysaccharide, dialdehyde carboxymethyl cellulose (DCMC) as crosslinking agent are successful prepared using casting techniques. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, light barrier properties, swelling behavior as well as water vapor permeability (WVP) of the gelatin-DCMC films are investigated. The results indicate that the addition of DCMC causes tensile strength (TS) and thermal stability to increase and elongation at break (EB) to decrease, suggesting the occurrence of crosslinking between gelatin and DCMC. The light barrier measurements present high values of transparency at 280 nm and low values of transparency at 600 nm of the gelatin-DCMC films, indicating that gelatin-DCMC films are very transparent (lower in transparency value) while they have excellent barrier properties against UV light. Moreover, the values of transparency at 280 nm increase with the increased DCMC and glycerol content, suggesting the potential preventive effect of gelatin-DCMC films on the retardation of product oxidation induced by UV light. Furthermore, the addition of DCMC can greatly decrease the water vapor permeability (WVP) and equilibrium swelling ratio (ESR) down to values about 1.5 × 10⁻¹⁰ g m/m² s Pa and 150%, revealing the potential of DCMC in reducing the water sensitivity of gelatin-based films. In common for hygroscopic plasticizer in edible films, the addition of glycerol gives increase of EB and WVP and decrease of thermal stabilities and ESR of the gelatin-DCMC films.