Mechanical and water vapour barrier properties of edible gellan films

Edible films based on gellan were developed. Of the plasticizers tested, glycerol was found to be the most suitable with respect to mechanical properties and transparency. The mechanical properties (tensile and puncture), water vapour permeability (WVP) and glass transition temperature (T_g) were examined for gellan films as a function of glycerol concentration. The lowest effective glycerol concentration was ∼60% (film dry weight basis); below this concentration, the films tended to be brittle and difficult to handle, whereas films with more than ∼75% glycerol tended to be sticky. Addition of glycerol to gellan films increased extensibility (tensile elongation and puncture deformation) moderately, but decreased tensile strength, elastic modulus and T_g, and increased WVP of the films. Increasing the a_w caused marked decreases in tensile strength and elastic modulus, but decreased tensile elongation only slightly. In general, tensile strength and elastic modulus appeared to be more sensitive to changes in glycerol content and a_w than puncture strength.     

Modification of the microstructural and physical properties of konjac glucomannan-based films by alkali and sodium carboxymethylcellulose

Edible films were cast from konjac glucomannan (KGM) solutions, with or without added alkali (KOH) and/or sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). Four types of KGM-based films (KGM, KGM–KOH, KGM–CMC and KGM–CMC–KOH) were produced and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), moisture sorption, water vapour permeability (WVP), and tensile tests. Tensile properties were studied as a function of water activity (a_w) over the range from 0.22 to 0.84. SEM revealed that films, with and without KOH, exhibited cross-sectional lamellar structures running perpendicular and parallel, respectively, to the film surface. Alkali treatment produced films with enhanced crystallinity, lower water-sorptive capacity (WSC) and WVP, and higher tensile properties. These effects were attributed to alkaline deacetylation of KGM molecules which permitted greater intermolecular interactions. The presence of CMC appeared to suppress crystallinity of native KGM films, but enhanced that of deacetylated KGM films. Films incorporating CMC exhibited higher WSC and WVP, but variable tensile properties depending on alkali treatment and a_w. The tensile properties of all KGM-based films were profoundly affected by a_w. Tensile modulus (TM) of all films were antiplasticized as a_w was increased from 0.22 to 0.43, but tensile strength (TS) was generally plasticized by water. Tensile elongation of KGM, KGM–KOH, and KGM–CMC–KOH films was generally much less sensitive to water. However, KGM–CMC films exhibited minimum elongation, attributed to antiplasticization by water, over the intermediate a_w range from 0.43 to 0.69. KGM–CMC–KOH films exhibited the highest TM and TS at any particular a_w.     

Mechanical and physical properties of calcium-treated gellan films

The physicochemical properties of Ca²⁺-treated gellan films plasticized with glycerol were investigated as a function of CaCl₂ concentration (0–20%, w/w) in an aqueous soaking solution. Films were examined based on their mechanical properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), swelling index (SI), thickness and opacity. The SI was lower for Ca²⁺-treated films relative to a control, however, above 13% (w/w) CaCl₂ no differences in SI were found. At 13% (w/w) CaCl₂, tensile and puncture strengths reached a maximum. Tensile elongation, puncture deformation, film thickness and WVP were lower for CaCl₂-treated films than untreated, however, all increased with CaCl₂ concentration. Opacity of gellan films increased with the Ca²⁺-treatment relative to the untreated film, however declined as CaCl₂ concentration increased. In general, Ca²⁺-treated gellan films were stronger, acted as better water vapor barriers, swelled less when in contact with water, and became less pliable and transparent.     

Edible Films and Coatings from Soy Protein

A method was developed by which films could be prepared from commercial isolated soy protein (ISP). ISP was treated with alkali (ATISP) to alter film orooerties. Water vapor oermeability (WVP). oxygen‘permeability (O₂P), tensile strength (TS), percent elongatidn (%E), and appearance of ISP and ATISP were compared. Alkali treatment had no effect on WVP. O₂P, and TS, gave hieher %E, and improved film appearance. Films properties were also compared at pH 6, 8, 10, and 12. In general, pH 6 gave higher WVP and O₂P and lower TS and %E; while higher pH gave lower WVP and O₂P and higher TS and %E. ATISP films could not be produced at pH 6. Film appearance generally improved with increased pH.     

Water barrier and physical properties of starch/decolorized hsian-tsao leaf gum films: Impact of surfactant lamination

The moisture barrier and physical properties of bilayer films prepared by lamination of starch/decolorized hsian-tsao leaf gum (dHG) and surfactant layers were investigated. It was found that the water vapor permeability (WVP) of tapioca starch/dHG film (1.31 × 10^?10 g/m s Pa) pronouncedly decreased by the aid of a surfactant layer lamination (1.36–5.25 × 10^?12 g/m s Pa). The WVP of bilayer film increased with increasing the concentration of starch/dHG in the surfactant layer, but was not significantly influenced when it was thickened. The sorption isotherms of both monolayer and bilayer films made from starch/dHG showed typical behavior of water-vapor-sensitive hydrophilic biopolymers. However, the equilibrium moisture content of the monolayer film was significantly higher than that of bilayer films when water activity (a_w) reaches 0.33. Both the tensile and puncture force of starch/dHG films did not vary significantly by laminating a surfactant layer, indicating the mechanical strength of surfactant layer is relatively weak, and this surfactant layer mainly served as a barrier for moisture. When compared to emulsion-based starch/dHG films with surfactant, the surfactant laminated starch/dHG films showed higher water barrier property, mechanical strength, and transparency.     

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.     

Effect of calcium and sodium caseinates on physical characteristics of soy protein isolate–lipid films

The effect of addition of caseinates to soy protein isolated (SPI) based films containing lipids (33% of oleic acid or 85:15 oleic acid (OA)–beeswax blend (BW)) on water vapour permeability (WVP), mechanical and optical properties was evaluated. SPI–lipids was combined with caseinates (sodium or calcium) in different SPI:caseinate ratios with the aim of improving water vapour barrier, mechanical and optical properties of SPI films containing lipids. Caseinate incorporation to SPI based films provoked an increase of elastic modulus and tensile strength at break, mainly for calcium caseinate. Both caseinates contributed to increase the water vapour barrier properties of soy protein-based films. Caseinates also provoked an increase of transparency of SPI based films and colour softening. The most effective combination was 1:1 sodium caseinate:SPI ratio, when film contains 85:15 oleic acid:beeswax ratio.     

Whey Protein Emulsion Film Performance as Affected by Lipid Type and Amount

Beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, and a high-melting fraction of anhydrous milkfat were homogenized with whey protein to produce edible emulsion films. Lipid type and amount were important in controlling the emulsion film water vapor permeability (WVP). The WVPs of the beeswax and milkfat emulsion films were significantly lower than that of films from lower moisture transmitters, carnauba and candelilla wax. Lipid WVP and degree of viscoelasticity determined the barrier properties of the films. A significant reduction in WVP of whey protein films could be achieved using large volume fractions of lipid depending on lipid type.     

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Pea Starch Edible Films Containing Beeswax Emulsions

ABSTRACT:  Hydrophobic beeswax emulsions were incorporated into hydrophilic starch films to modify physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the films. Beeswax was added in the film-forming solution of high-amylose pea starch (35% to 40% amylose w/w) at the level of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% w/w of starch with glycerol as a plasticizer (40/60 of glycerol/starch). Addition of beeswax affected mechanical properties, significantly reducing tensile strength and elongation and increasing elastic modulus. Beeswax addition decreased water vapor permeability and increased oxygen permeability. However, the addition of hydrophobic wax particles in starch films marginally affected these physical properties below 30% beeswax in the films. Beeswax addition at the 40% concentration formed amylose–lipid complex that caused the dramatic changes of physical and thermal properties of the films.     

Migration analysis,antioxidant, and mechanical characterization of polypropylene-based active food packaging films loaded with BHA,BHT, and TBHQ

Polypropylene (PP) based active composite films were prepared by adding butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and tertiary butylated hydroquinone (TBHQ) antioxidants using the extrusion molding process. All concentrations of BHT, 2% to 3% BHA, and 3% TBHQ significantly increased the tensile strength (TS) of the composite films compared with control films. Increasing antioxidant concentration decreased TS values for BHT films, whereas an opposite trend was observed for BHA and TBHQ films. BHA at < 2%, BHT at > 2%, and TBHQ at all added concentrations significantly reduced elongation at break (E_b) of the composite films compared to control films. Water vapor permeability (WVP) of 1% BHT film was not significantly different from control. However, other antioxidants especially at increased concentrations significantly increased WVP values. TBHQ films with 300% to 662% increase had the highest WVP and BHT films with 5% to 81% increase had the lowest WVP among composite films. All three antioxidants had a negative effect on the transparency of the films; however the effect of BHA at higher concentrations was greater. The antioxidants did not change the color attributes of the films. Films containing all antioxidants showed 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity, which increased with increase in their concentration, especially for those containing 3 wt.% BHT and TBHQ. Overall, incorporating BHA and BHT into a PP matrix improved mechanical, barrier, antioxidant properties, and film appearance and consequently were proposed for the development of antioxidant active PP films. TBHQ film is not recommended for food packaging because of its weak mechanical properties (lower E_b and TS values, higher WVP, and greater migration).     

Permeability and Mechanical Properties of Cellulose-Based Edible Films

Factors affecting barrier properties [oxygen permeability (OP) and water vapor permeability (WVP)] and mechanical properties [tensile strength (TS) and elongation (E)] were investigated for methyl cellulose (MC) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) films. OP, WVP and TS of MC and HPC films increased as the molecular weight (MW) of the cellulose increased. E of MC films increased as MW increased, but E of HPC films was highest for the intermediate MW of 370,000. OP, WVP and TS of MC films were not a function of thickness, but E slowly increased as film thickness increased. OP and WVP of HPC films were not relatable to film thickness, but TS and E of HPC films slowly increased as film thickness increased. TS decreased and E increased for both film types as concentration of plasticizers was increased. Plasticizers enhanced or retarded OP and WVP of cellulose-based films, depending on their concentrations.     

Properties and Stability of Protein-based Films from Red Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Protein Isolate Incorporated with Antioxidant during Storage

Film from fish protein isolate (FPI) from red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) muscle prepared at pH 3 and incorporated with 100 ppm Trolox (FPIT film) was prepared and characterized in comparison with film prepared from unwashed mince film (UWM film) during storage of 40 days at room temperature (28–32°C). FPIT film had higher tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EAB) but lower water vapor permeability (WVP) than UWM film (p?<?0.05). During the storage, FPIT film had much lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value than UWM film. Furthermore, FPIT was more transparent and had no yellow discoloration, as evidenced by no change in b* and ΔE* values during the storage of 40 days. Both UWM and FPIT films were stabilized mainly by hydrogen bond, followed by hydrophobic interaction, disulfide bond, and nondisulfide covalent bond. Fourier transforms infrared spectra indicated that FPIT film contained the lower amount of lipids with the lower amplitude of amide B band, compared with UWM film. Higher degradation temperature (Td) was observed in FPIT film, indicating a greater protein–protein interaction in film matrix. FPIT film had smoother surface and cross-section than UWM film. After 40 days of storage, both films had the increase in TS and Td but lower EAB, WVP, and protein solubility. This was more pronounced in UWM film and was associated with the formation of nondisulfide covalent bond in the film network, most likely mediated by the interaction between protein and lipid oxidation products via Maillard reaction. Thus, film from FPI incorporated with antioxidant had the improved mechanical and physical properties without yellow discoloration.     

Mechanical and barrier properties of biodegradable soy protein isolate-based films coated with polylactic acid

Polylactic acid (PLA)-coated soy protein isolate (SPI) films were prepared by dipping SPI film into PLA solution. The effects of coating on improvements in mechanical and water barrier properties of the film were tested by measuring selected film properties such as tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (E), water vapor permeability (WVP), and water solubility (WS). TS of SPI films increased from 2.8±0.3 up to 17.4±2.1 MPa, depending on the PLA concentration of the coating solution, without sacrificing the film's extensibility. In contrast, the extensibility of SPI film coated with solution containing more than 2 g PLA/100 ml solvent, increased. WVP of PLA-coated SPI films decreased from 20 to 60 fold, depending on the concentration of PLA coating solution. Water resistance of SPI films was greatly improved as demonstrated by the dramatic decrease in WS for PLA-coated films. The improvement in water barrier properties was mainly attributed to the hydrophobicity of PLA.     

An Edible Film of Lipids and Cellulose Ethers: Barrier Properties to Moisture Vapor Transmission and Structural Evaluation

An edible, composite film of lipid and cellulose ethers was developed and appraised as a barrier to moisture vapor transmission. The film was comprised of a matrix of methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl meth-ylcellulose and saturated C₁₆ and C₁₈ fatty acids, with a thin layer of white beeswax laminated to the surface. The edible film effectively retarded transport of moisture at water activities (a_w) up to at least 0.97 and maintained good barrier properties even when the a_w on the low-humidity side of the film was relatively high. The apparent activation energy for water vapor transmission through the edible film was 14.2 ± 2.5 kcal/mole. Electron microscopy revealed the importance of lipid morphology in determining moisture resistance lipid-base films.     

Water vapour barrier and tensile properties of composite caseinate-pullulan films: Biopolymer composition effects and impact of beeswax lamination

The water sorption, water barrier properties and mechanical behaviour of pullulan (P) and sodium caseinate (SC), as well as their blend and bilayer films plasticized with sorbitol (25% dry basis), were investigated as a function of weight polymer ratio, water content and beeswax lamination. Very similar moisture sorption isotherms were obtained for blend and bilayer films with P/SC weight ratio of 1/3 and 3/1. Neither the type of film (blend or bilayer) nor the different P/SC ratio affected significantly (P > 0.05) the water vapour permeability (WVP) of the films. A mixture-process variable experimental design was applied to evaluate the effect of the proportion of the two polymers in relation with the relative humidity (RH, 53% and 75%) on the mechanical properties of the films. Increasing the P/SC ratio decreased the Young’s modulus (E), the tensile strength (σ_max) and increased the % elongation at break (% EB), suggesting that P imparts flexibility and SC stiffness to the composite films. With moisture content increase from 5% to 8% most of the films exhibited an increase in E and σ_max, whereas a sharp decline in both parameters and an increase in % EB were observed above this moisture level. The brittle to ductile transition of P coincided with its glass to rubber transition, whereas SC exhibited a ductile behaviour within the glassy state. The tensile characteristics of bilayer films at moisture content greater than 8% were dominated by the component present in higher proportion, while films made with the biopolymer blends showed mechanical behaviour closer to that of plain P films. Beeswax lamination of plain, bilayer and blend films resulted in a drastic decrease in water vapour permeance, whereas its effect on E and σ_max and in % EB was related to the mechanical properties of the hydrocolloid layers used and varied according to the moisture content of the films.     

Emulsifier Composition of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) Affects Mechanical and Barrier Properties of SLN‐Protein Composite Films

Protein films can be applied to improve food quality and to reduce packaging waste. To overcome their poor water barrier properties, lipids are often incorporated. The function of incorporated lipid depends on the interface between filler and matrix. This study aimed to tailor the properties of a protein–lipid film by designing the oil/water interface to see if the concept of inactive/active filler is valid. Therefore, we varied the emulsifier stabilizing solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) to promote (via β‐lactoglobulin) or to minimize (via Tween 20) interactions between particle surface and protein. SLN were incorporated into protein films and film properties were determined. Addition of SLN led to significantly decreased water vapor permeability (WVP) of protein films. However, WVP was mainly affected by the emulsifiers and not by the lipid. Protein‐stabilized SLN (BS) replaced a lacking protein in the protein network and therefore did not influence the mechanical properties of the films at ambient temperature. BS‐composite films were temperature sensitive, as lipid and sucrose palmitate melted at temperatures above 40 °C. Tween 20‐stabilized SLN (TS) led to reduced tensile strengths, probably due to perturbative effects of TS and plasticizing effects of Tween 20. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that TS and Tween 20 increased film mobility. Melting of lipid and emulsifiers, and temperature‐dependent behavior of Tween 20 led to a strong temperature dependence of the film stiffness. By designing the interface, particles can be used to tailor mechanical properties of protein films. Tuned edible films could be used to control mass transfers between foods.     

普鲁兰、甘油共混对结冷胶食用膜性能的影响

研究了普鲁兰、甘油共混对结冷胶食用性膜的机械性能、水蒸汽透过率、阻氧性和吸水率的影响。结果表明,普鲁兰的添加,提高了结冷胶食用膜的延展性、水蒸汽透过率和阻氧性,但降低了结冷胶食用膜的抗拉强度和吸水率;甘油增加了膜的延展性和水蒸汽透过率,但降低了膜的阻氧性。     

Properties of Laminated Films from Whey Powder and Sodium Caseinate Mixtures and Zein Layers

Corn zein-stearic acid films were laminated to whey powder (WP) and sodium caseinate (SC) mixture (WSM) films. WSM films were prepared at three mass ratios of WP and SC (50:50, 60:40, and 70:30 in w/w) by casting method. WSM films with poor mechanical and barrier properties were produced as the whey powder ratio of WSM increased from 50:50 to 70:30. Corn-zein lamination improved the mechanical and water barrier properties of WSM films by increasing tensile strength (TS) from 4.7-14.5 to 14.0-26.8 MPa and by decreasing water vapor permeabilities (WVP) from 0.432-0.490 to 0.386-0.422 ng m/m² s Pa. However, elongations of corn-zein laminated films were reduced from 64.5-128.0 to 2.6-4.5%. Mechanical and water barrier properties of corn-zein laminated WSM films were affected by the mass ratio of whey powder to sodium caseinate in WSM films. Addition of stearic acid up to 10 g/100 g of corn zein decreased TS and WVP of laminated films to approximately 12 MPa and 0.36 ng m/m² s Pa regardless of mass ratio in WSM film. However, no significant differences in TS and WVP were found with further addition of stearic acids.     

大豆分离蛋白膜研究

以大豆分离蛋白(SPI)和甘油为成膜基质,研究多聚磷酸钠、羧甲基纤维素钠(CMC–Na)、微波及磷酸化对大豆分离蛋白膜性质影响。结果表明,多聚磷酸钠可显著提高膜的水溶性(ρ0.01)和抗拉伸强度(ρ0.05),显著降低膜的氧气透过性(ρ0.01)和水蒸气透过性(ρ0.05);CMC–Na能显著提高膜抗拉伸强度(ρ0.01)和氧气透过性(ρ0.05),显著降低膜的水溶性、透光率及水蒸气透过性(ρ0.01);微波处理可显著提高膜的抗拉伸强度(ρ0.05),降低膜的水溶性(ρ0.05);磷酸化可显著降低膜的氧气透过性(ρ0.05)、透光率及抗拉伸强度(ρ0.01)。     

Effect of the presence of glycerol and Tween 20 on the chemical and physical properties of films based on chitosan with different degree of deacetylation

Chitosans with two different deacetylation degree (DD) (60.9% and 96%) were used to elaborate edible films. The influence of the degree of deacetylation and the presence of glycerol and Tween 20 in the formulation on the surface tension of the film forming solutions as well as on the chemical structure, optical and mechanical properties and water vapor permeability (WVP) of the resulting films were studied.IR spectra showed no significant differences on the chemical structures of chitosan of the different films. However, X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the use of chitosan with higher DD and the use of glycerol as additive resulted in higher crystallinity. Films made of chitosan with the lower DD (60.9%) were found to have higher tensile strength (TS) and elongation (E) in a tensile test. Degree of deacetylation did not have any effect on WVP. The presence of glycerol resulted in less resistant, more elastic and more permeable films.The presence of Tween 20 improved the wettability of film solutions and affected significatively mechanical, optical and barrier properties of the films. A positive interaction between glycerol and Tween 20 was observed for WVP.