Characteristics of edible films made from dairy proteins and zein hydrolysate cross-linked with transglutaminase

The main objectives of this research were to develop whey protein or casein films incorporating zein hydrolysate and also cross‐linked by transglutaminase as to well as characterize the physical and mechanical properties of the film. Zein hydrolysate decreased the solubility of the whey protein film (P < 0.05), while treatment with transglutaminase did not change the solubility of the film significantly. Electrophoresis patterns demonstrated that casein molecules were cross‐linked by transglutaminase and the extent of this cross‐linkage was further increased when zein hydrolysate was added. In addition, the use of zein hydrolysate decreased the tensile strength of the whey protein film by 35–45%. The elongation of the casein film was increased by 41% because of the action of transglutaminase and zein hydrolysate (P < 0.05). The water vapour permeability of the films was not significantly different. As the addition of zein hydrolysate and treatment with transglutaminase improved the flexibility of the films, the level of plasticizer required to maintain film flexibility could be reduced without sacrificing their water vapour permeability.     

Some Properties of Cross-bonded Phosphate Diester of Waxy Maize Starch

Phosphate diesters of waxy maize starch were prepared by crossbonding reactions using various concentrations of phosphorus oxychloride (POCl₃) under conditions of controlled pH and temperature in order to have the modified starch with better functional properties. The waxy maize starch treated with 350 ppm POCl₃ (D. B.) showed higher paste viscosity and better heat resistance and acid proofing at a range of pH 3.0–4.0 than the unmodified starch and the other diesters prepared using 250–1,000 ppm POCl₃. The viscosity at 25°C of 4% pastes, added salt, sugar and acid simulating a kind of brown sauce and cooked at 95°C for 10 min, containing the diester prepared by either 350 or 1,000 ppm POCl₃, was higher and more stable in a refrigerator up to 4 months than that of the unmodified waxy maize starch. Application of the diester (1,000 ppm POCl₃) to an effective thickener for “instant Miso soup” was also investigated.     

FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF HIGH HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TREATED WHEY PROTEIN

Surface hydrophobicity, solubility, gelation and emulsifying properties of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP)‐treated whey protein were evaluated. HHP treatment of whey protein buffer or salt solutions were performed at 690 MPa and initial ambient temperature for 5, 10, 20 or 30 min. Untreated whey protein was used as a control. The surface hydrophobicity of whey protein in 0.1 M phosphate buffers treated at pH 7.0 increased with an increase in HHP treatment time from 10 to 30 min. HHP treatments of whey protein in salt solutions at pH 7.0 for 5, 10, 20 or 30 min decreased the solubility of whey proteins. A significant correlation was observed between the surface hydrophobicity and solubility of untreated and HHP‐treated whey protein with r = ?0.946. Hardness of HHP‐induced 20, 25 or 30% whey protein gels increased with an increase in HHP treatment time from 5 to 30 min. An increase in the hardness of whey protein gels was observed as whey protein concentration increased. Whey proteins treated in phosphate buffer at pH 5.8 and 690 MPa for 5 min exhibited increased emulsifying activity. Whey proteins treated in phosphate buffer at pH 7.0 and 690 MPa for 10, 20 or 30 min exhibited decreased emulsifying activity. HHP‐treated whey proteins in phosphate buffer at pH 5.8 or 7.0 contributed to an increase in emulsion stability of model oil‐in‐water emulsions. This study demonstrates that HHP treatment of whey protein in phosphate buffer or salt solutions leads to whey protein unfolding observed as increased surface hydrophobicity. Whey proteins treated in phosphate buffers at pH 5.8 and 690 MPa for 5 min may potentially be used to enhance emulsion stability in foods such as salad dressings, sausage and processed cheese.     

Evaluation of mechanical and water barrier properties of transglutaminase cross‐linked zein films incorporated with oleic acid

In this study, four concentrations of transglutaminase were used in zein films incorporated with four oleic acid concentrations, and subsequently, the mechanical and water barrier properties were evaluated. Enzyme concentration significantly affected mechanical and barrier properties of the films. Transglutaminase concentration at 1% improved tensile strength of control sample from 17.5 to 26.9 MPa while solubility decreased from 6.4% to 4.4%. Incorporation of oleic acid into transglutaminase‐treated zein films irrespective of enzyme concentration decreased water vapour permeability and solubility with the 1% transglutaminase‐treated zein films incorporated with 3% oleic acid registering the lowest permeability (0.37 g mm m^?2 h^?1 kPa^?1) and solubility (2.8%) values while elongation at break was not significantly improved. The use of transglutaminase at 1% concentration in cross‐linking zein films coupled with incorporation of controlled concentrations of oleic acid can be an effective approach in improving mechanical and water barrier properties of zein‐based films.     

Effect of cross‐linking on some properties of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) starches

Starches separated from different potato cultivars were modified using two different cross‐linking agents: epichlorohydrin (EPI) and phosphoryl chloride (POCl₃) at different concentrations (1.0 and 2.0 g kg^?1 POCl₃; 2.5, 5.0 and 10 g kg^?1 EPI). Differential scanning calorimetry, rheological and retrogradation measurements were performed to characterise the influence of cross‐linking on the properties of potato starches. Cross‐linking considerably reduced swelling power, solubility, water‐binding capacity and paste clarity. The decrease became greater as the reagent concentration increased. The starches treated with 1.0 g kg^?1 POCl₃ exhibited exceptionally higher swelling power than their counterpart native starches. Neither cross‐linking agent caused any change in morphology of the starch granules. Studies on the phase transitions associated with the gelatinisation showed significantly higher values for the onset temperature (T_o), peak temperature (T_p), conclusion temperature (T_c) and enthalpy of gelatinisation (ΔH_gel) for the cross‐linked starches than the native starches. Starches treated with both the reagents showed lower peak storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) than their native counterparts. The tendency of the starch pastes towards retrogradation increased considerably with increases in storage duration. However, the starches treated with 1 g kg^?1 POCl₃ exhibited much lower syneresis than the other cross‐linked starches. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of Dielectric Barrier Discharges (DBD) Cold Plasma Treatment on Physicochemical and Structural Properties of Zein Powders

Zein powders were subjected to dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) cold plasma (CP) treatment, and the physicochemical and structural properties were investigated. The results indicated that CP treatment decreased the average diameter of zein micelles. It also increased the free sulfhydryl (SH) group concentration and decreased the pH of zein solutions. Significant improvement was observed in solubility of zein in both neutral and acidic water solutions after treatment. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) results indicated the conformation rearrangement for all treated samples. FTIR spectrum confirmed the change of secondary structure for amide I region (1600–1700 cm^?1) after CP treatment. Furthermore, the film-forming properties of zein were also studied. It was found that the increase of CP treatment time could reinforce the tensile strength (TS) and surface hydrophilicity of zein films. It is suggested that the DBD CP treatment technology can improve the utilization and broaden the application field of zein as an effective modification method.     

Liquid and vapour water transfer through whey protein/lipid emulsion films

BACKGROUND: Edible films and coatings based on protein/lipid combinations are among the new products being developed in order to reduce the use of plastic packaging polymers for food applications. This study was conducted to determine the effect of rapeseed oil on selected physicochemical properties of cast whey protein films. RESULTS: Films were cast from heated (80 °C for 30 min) aqueous solutions of whey protein isolate (WPI, 100 g kg^?1 of water) containing glycerol (50 g kg^?1 of WPI) as a plasticiser and different levels of added rapeseed oil (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4% w/w of WPI). Measurements of film microstructure, laser light‐scattering granulometry, differential scanning calorimetry, wetting properties and water vapour permeability (WVP) were made. The emulsion structure in the film suspension changed significantly during drying, with oil creaming and coalescence occurring. Increasing oil concentration led to a 2.5‐fold increase in surface hydrophobicity and decreases in WVP and denaturation temperature (T_max). CONCLUSION: Film structure and surface properties explain the moisture absorption and film swelling as a function of moisture level and time and consequently the WVP behaviour. Small amounts of rapeseed oil favourably affect the WVP of WPI films, particularly at higher humidities. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Relationship between protein characteristics and film‐forming properties of kidney bean,field pea and amaranth protein isolates

This study was undertaken to evaluate physicochemical (colour, protein content, ash content and zeta potential), structural (size exclusion chromatography and thermal properties) and film‐forming properties of kidney bean, field pea and amaranth protein isolates (KBPI, FPPI and AMPI, respectively). Protein content, ash content, zeta potential and denaturation temperature of the isolates ranged from 83.9 to 91.4%, 2.9 to 4.5%, ?37.3 to ?44.2 mV and 85.5 to 96.2 °C, respectively. Size exclusion chromatography revealed that globulins were prominent proteins in KBPI and FPPI, while AMPI contained both globulins and albumins as major fractions. FPPI showed the highest L* value (88.1), surface charge (zeta potential = –44.2 mV) and protein solubility (80.0–94.2%). Films were prepared from heated (90 °C for 20 min) and unheated protein dispersions of pH 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 and evaluated for colour, opacity, tensile strength (TS), water‐solubilised matter (WSM) and water vapour permeability (WVP). FPPI films showed the most desirable properties in terms of the highest L* (87.5–90.5), TS (12.6–37.2 MPa) and the lowest opacity (7.1–8.4 A₆₀₀/mm). FT‐IR spectroscopic analysis of the films revealed that alkaline pH and heat treatment unfolded protein molecules. Alkaline pH reduced opacity, while heat treatment improved TS and water resistance (decreased WSM and WVP) of protein films, which varied with the protein isolates.     

Characterisation of zein–oleic acid films and applications in fruit coating

Pure zein films are known to be very hydrophobic, but are inappropriate for edible coating applications because of their brittle nature. In an attempt to improve the flexibility of these coatings, the influence of low concentrations of oleic acid (OA) as a plasticiser on mechanical, topographical and wetting properties of zein thin films was evaluated. Films were first obtained by casting from aqueous ethanol solutions with 4.0% in mass of zein and additions of 0%; 0.25%; 0.50%; and 1.0% (w/w) of OA. The results indicate an improvement in mechanical properties with increasing plasticiser leading to a reduction in the elastic modulus. An increase in the elongation at break has been observed, but with minor influence on tensile strength. All plasticised zein films have similar initial contact angle (approximately 69°) with a time‐dependent receding drop behaviour. An increase in plasticiser concentration increases film’s affinity towards water. As measured by atomic force microscopy, a consistent linear relation (R² = 0.991) was estimated between film composition and surface adhesion and consequently on the hydrophilicity. Surface topography also varied with plasticiser addition, becoming smoother as the OA concentration increases. When tested as an edible coating on pears (Pyrus communis L.), a formulation with 0.25% wt of plasticiser achieved the best results in preserving the pear mass as measured during the evaluated storage time (12 days) at room temperature. A 0.5% concentration of plasticiser had no influence and higher amounts resulted in a reduction in fruit protection.     

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.     

Effects of cross‐linking on the rheological and thermal properties of sweet potato starch

Sweet potato starches were modified with three different concentrations of phosphorus oxychloride (POCl₃) (0.01, 0.02, and 0.03%, based on dry weight of starch) as a cross‐linking agent. The effects of crosslinking on rheological and thermal properties of sweet potato starch (SPS) pastes were evaluated. Cross‐linking considerably reduced the swelling power, consistency index (K), apparent viscosity (η_a), and yield stress (σ_oc) values of SPS, which significantly decreased with increase in POCl₃ concentration. The gelatinization temperature (T_p) and enthalpy (ΔH) values of the cross‐linked SPS, which were determined using differential scanning calorimetry, were higher than those of native SPS. Storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″), and complex viscosity (η*) of the cross‐linked SPS pastes determined using small deformation oscillatory rheometry, were higher than native starch, and they also decreased with increase in POCl₃ concentration from 0.01 to 0.03%. The tan δ (ratio of G″/G′) values (0.15–0.19) of the cross‐linked SPS samples were much lower than that (0.37) of the native SPS, indicating that the elastic properties of the SPS pastes were strongly influenced by modifications from cross‐linking. Finally, Cox–Merz plots showed that η* was much higher than η_a for the cross‐linked SPS pastes.     

Effects of ultraviolet-C irradiation on the physicochemical properties of polysaccharide films prepared from the stalk base of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)

The effects of ultraviolet (UV)-C irradiation on the physicochemical properties of oyster mushroom polysaccharide (OMP) films were investigated. The prepared OMP films were subjected to UV-C treatment (5.4 kJ m⁻²). UV-C irradiation increased the tensile strength and decreased the water vapour permeability of the OMP films. In addition, the incorporation of 1.0% Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extract (CTLE) enhanced the antioxidant activity as well as antimicrobial activity of OMP films; however, UV-C treatment did not affect the activities of films containing CTLE. Furthermore, UV-C-irradiated films had higher contact angles than non-irradiated films, indicating increased surface hydrophobicity. Microstructural imaging revealed that UV-C treatment caused the surface of treated films to be smoother than that of untreated films owing to surface degradation. These results indicated that UV-C irradiation can be used for OMP films to improve film properties that are associated with application of films as food packaging material.     

Miscibility of Quillaja Saponins with other Co‐surfactants under Different pH Values

The miscibility behavior of mixed surfactant systems and the influence of extrinsic parameters are crucial for their application as emulsifiers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the miscibility behavior of mixed systems composed of commercial Quillaja saponin and a co‐surfactant, namely sodium caseinate, pea protein, rapeseed lecithin, or egg lecithin. These mixtures were evaluated macro‐ and microscopically at different concentration ratios (maximum concentration 5% w/v) at pH 3, 5, and 7 at 25 °C. The individual ingredients were also assessed for their charge properties and surface hydrophobicity. The results showed that Quillaja saponin–caseinate mixtures were miscible only at pH 7, and showed aggregation and precipitation at lower pH due to increasing electrostatic attraction forces. Rheological measurements showed that Quillaja saponin‐pea protein mixtures formed gelled structures at all tested pH values mainly via association of hydrophobic patches. Quillaja saponins mixed with rapeseed lecithin were miscible at all tested pH values due to electrostatic repulsion. Quillaja saponin–egg lecithin mixtures aggregated independent of pH and concentration ratio. The microscopic analysis revealed that the lower the pH and the higher the Quillaja saponin ratio, the denser were the formed Quillaja saponin–egg lecithin aggregates. The results are summarized in ternary phase diagrams that provide a useful tool in selecting a surfactant system for food applications.     

Effects of oxygen and antioxidants on the lipid oxidation and yellow discolouration of film from red tilapia mince

BACKGROUND: Generally, biodegradable films from fish muscle protein become yellow after preparation. This discolouration is more likely associated with lipid oxidation and can be prevented by minimising the oxidation in the films. Thus, the effects of oxygen and antioxidants on lipid oxidation and yellow discolouration of film from red tilapia mince during storage were investigated. RESULTS: Both films prepared at pH 3 and 11, and kept under atmosphere containing 100% N₂ had the lowest TBARS value with the concomitant lowest b* and ΔE* values during storage (P < 0.05), when compared with other films kept in air and a 100% O₂ atmosphere. Films prepared at pH 3 and incorporated with antioxidants (Trolox and catechin) at all levels (100, 200 and 400 mg L^?1 film‐forming solution) had the lowest TBARS value, b* and ΔE* values during storage, indicating the retardation of lipid oxidation and yellow discolouration in films. Nevertheless, films prepared at pH 11 had no difference in TBARS values, in comparison with control film, regardless of antioxidant incorporation. Coincidentally, increases in b* and ΔE* values were observed in those films. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid oxidation was the main factor inducing yellow discolouration of film exposed to oxygen and the incorporation of antioxidants in film prepared at acidic pH was able to prevent yellow discolouration of resulting film. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of pH on surface properties of aqueous egg albumen solutions in relation to foaming behaviour

The surface properties of aqueous egg albumen protein solutions (0.1 g litre⁻¹) were studied at pH values of 4.8, 7.0, 9.2 and 10.7 and related to foaming behaviour such as bubble size distribution, overrun and drainage. By measurements far from equilibrium of dynamic steady state surface dilation using the overflowing cylinder technique, egg albumen showed ability to slow down surface expansion and to lower the dynamic surface tension. The pH‐effect was small, but at pH 4.8 the film length, at which a motionless surface was created, was longer than at higher pH indicating a somewhat more rigid surface at low pH. Near equilibrium sinusoidal surface area deformation resulted in relatively high moduli of egg albumen, with a significant effect of pH. The surface modulus E showed at pH 4.8 an increase in the course of time, but at higher pH it was constant. Large deformation of egg albumen surface was not destructive, and for all pH values the surface behaved viscoelastic, with highest loss modulus E″ and tan θ values at pH 4.8. Surface deformation frequency sweeps revealed the relaxation processes to be relatively slow at pH 4.8 and faster at pH 7.0–10.7. Foamability measured as overrun of foam as a result of shaking and stirring was highest at pH 4.8 and lowest at pH 10.7. Foam stability against drainage was best at pH 7.0 after 30 min, but at a long‐term scale foam at pH 4.8 was most resistant to drainage. Foam samples were subjected to microscopy and image analysis. The smallest bubbles were found at pH 4.8 (mean diameter 142 µm) and the largest at pH 7.0 (mean diameter 328 µm). In conclusion, the foaming behaviour of an aqueous egg albumen solution at pH 4.8 can be related to dynamic surface properties as follows: the more rigid behaviour of the surface at this pH favours a small bubble size and slow drainage of liquid from the foam. The high overrun at this pH can be explained by a lower dynamic surface tension, but also here film stability during foam making can be promoted by a more rigid liquid surface. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Physicochemical Properties of Zein-Based Films by Electrophoretic Deposition Using Indium Tin Oxide Electrodes: Vertical and Horizontal Electric Fields

In this study, biodegradable and biocompatible zein films were prepared by electrophoretic deposition using indium tin oxide electrodes with two different modes: vertical and horizontal electric fields. The effects of the different mode of the electric field in the presence of ethanol on mechanical, hydrophobicity, water resistance properties, microstructures, and thermal stability of zein films were investigated. The results indicated that the physiochemical properties (tensile strength, hydrophobicity, water vapor permeability, water absorption, and thermal stability) of zein films prepared from the vertical electric field were superior to those of zein film produced from the horizontal electric field and the control. The results of scanning electron microscope demonstrated the presence of the compact and homogenous structures of zein films manufactured in electric fields. In summary, the knowledge achieved from this study could facilitate to prepare the zein-based films using a readily and scale-up method.     

纳米TiO2对魔芋葡甘聚糖/玉米醇溶蛋白复合膜结构和性能的影响

本文以魔芋葡甘聚糖、玉米醇溶蛋白为成膜基质,添加不同含量（1%、2%、3%）的纳米TiO₂,以流延方式制备纳米TiO₂/魔芋葡甘聚糖/玉米醇溶蛋白复合膜,并对复合膜的微观结构、热性能、力学性能、疏水性、水蒸气透过率和抑菌性能进行了分析。结果表明,纳米TiO₂与魔芋葡甘聚糖、玉米醇溶蛋白间发生相互作用,有良好的相容性;添加纳米TiO₂使复合膜表面粗糙度增加,复合膜热稳定性和疏水性增强,力学性能降低;纳米TiO₂添加量为1% wt时,复合膜的水蒸气透过率（5.7×10?13 g·cm/（cm2·s·Pa））和溶胀率（16.4%）最小,水接触角值（99.6 °）最大;复合膜对金黄色葡萄球菌和大肠杆菌有明显的抑制作用,对枯草芽孢杆菌的抑制作用不明显。本研究为纳米TiO₂/魔芋葡甘聚糖/玉米醇溶蛋白复合膜作为包装材料的开发与应用提供一定参考依据。     

Antimicrobial Activity and Hydrophobicity of Edible Whey Protein Isolate Films Formulated with Nisin and/or Glucose Oxidase

The use of edible antimicrobial films has been reported as a means to improve food shelf life through gradual releasing of antimicrobial compounds on the food surface. This work reports the study on the incorporation of 2 antimicrobial agents, nisin (N), and/or glucose oxidase (GO), into the matrix of Whey protein isolate (WPI) films at pH 5.5 and 8.5. The antimicrobial activity of the edible films was evaluated against Listeria innocua (ATCC 33090), Brochothrix thermosphacta (NCIB10018), Escherichia coli (JMP101), and Enterococcus faecalis (MXVK22). In addition, the antimicrobial activity was related to the hydrophobicity and water solubility of the WPI films. The greatest antibacterial activity was observed in WPI films containing only GO. The combined addition of N and GO resulted in films with lower antimicrobial activity than films with N or GO alone. In most cases, a pH effect was observed as greater antimicrobial response at pH 5.5 as well as higher film matrix hydrophobicity. WPI films supplemented with GO can be used in coating systems suitable for food preservation.     

Corn Zein Packaging Materials for Cooked Turkey

Mechanical and barrier properties of corn zein films with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), bacterial enzyme, and emulsifier additives were investigated and compared to those of polyvinylidine chloride (PVDC) films. No significant differences (P < 0.05) occurred in elongation, tensile strength, or Young's modulus among corn zein films. PVDC had the lowest apparent water vapor permeability (WVP_app), and no significant differences in WVP_app were found between zein films and PVDC. Cooked turkey breast was packaged, evaluated by a trained sensory panel, and analyzed for hexanal content. Turkey breast wrapped in corn zein film with antioxidant and emulsifier had lower hexanal content than samples packaged in PVDC.     

Effects of pH and Salts on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Pea Starch Films

To identify the significant contribution of intermolecular hydrogen bonds of starch molecules to the film structure formation, pH of film‐forming solutions was adjusted and also various salts (NaCl, CaCl₂, CaSO₄, and K₂SO₄) were mixed into the glycerol‐plasticized pea starch film. The film made from pH 7 possessed the highest tensile strength‐at‐break (2 times) and elastic modulus (4 to 15 times) and the lowest elongation‐at‐break compared with those of the films made from acid and alkali environments. The pH 7 film also has the highest film density and the lowest total soluble matter. At the level of 0.01 to 0.1 M of CaSO₄ and 0.1 M of K₂SO₄ in a kilogram of starch, the water solubility of the film increased, while chloride salts slightly lowered the solubility. NaCl and CaSO₄ reduced water vapor permeability (WVP), while CaCl₂ slightly increased WVP at 0.01 and 0.06 M concentrations, and K₂SO₄ significantly increased WVP at 0.03 and 0.15 M. Presence of salts increased tensile strength (5 to 14 times than the control films) and elastic modulus (35 to 180 times) of starch film at 0.01 to 0.03 M of CaSO₄ and K₂SO₄. Elongation‐at‐break increased significantly as salt concentration increases to an optimal level. However, when the concentration exceeded above the optimal level, the E of starch films decreased and showed no significant difference from the control film. Overall, the addition of salts modified physical and mechanical properties of pea starch films more than pH adjustment without any salt addition.