The Evaluation of Mechanical,Thermal, Optical and Microstructural Properties of Edible Films with Solid Lipid Nanoparticles-Xanthan Gum Stored at Different Temperatures and Relative Humidities

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were obtained using the hot homogenization method and incorporated into a xanthan gum matrix (XG) to prepare edible films. The effects of SLN content (60, 65, 70, and 75 g/L) on the mechanical, color, thermal and microstructural properties, and water vapor permeability (WVP) were studied. The SLN film-forming systems remained stable for 7 weeks. Particle size was in the range of 222–257 nm. The mechanical properties of the films improved significantly when the SLN were introduced into the polymeric network to provide greater strength and flexibility with elongation at breaking of 2–9 %, affected by temperature (4–25 °C), SLN concentration (60–75 g/L), and relative humidity (60–90 %). WVP was lower when edible films based on XG were incorporated with SLN at values of 0.50–0.70 g m-2 h-1 kPa^?1. The distribution of the SLN in the XG matrix was observed under scanning electron microscopy and showed changes in the arrangement as a function of SLN concentration. This explains the positive effect on the properties of the film of SLN-XG at 60 and 65 g/L. Total color difference (ΔE) increased with SLN content at values of 3.5–14. Thermal analysis showed that higher SLN content increased the melting temperature, while the plasticizer reduced it.     

Electrostatic and Conventional Spraying of Alginate-Based Edible Coating with Natural Antimicrobials for Preserving Fresh Strawberry Quality

Microbial contamination and mold growth are common causes of strawberry deterioration during storage. The growing need for extending shelf-life while enhancing the overall quality of perishable fruits has generated increasing interest in the development of novel preservation technologies. This study used electrostatic spraying (ES) technology as an innovative and efficient technique for the application of edible alginate coating enriched with carvacrol and methyl cinnamate (natural antimicrobials) on fresh strawberries. The efficiency of the electrostatic technology was compared to non-electrostatic (conventional) spray (NES) technology in terms of transfer efficiency and coating evenness. Furthermore, physicochemical and textural parameters (such as weight loss, visible decay, firmness, surface color, total soluble phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity) of ES and NES coated fruits were studied and compared to uncoated controls. ES technology demonstrated higher transfer efficiency and evenness than NES, which led to a significant reduction of visible decay over uncoated controls. The delay in microbial spoilage by ES (11 days) was greater than by NES (10 days) and uncoated strawberries (7 days). ES coating significantly inhibited strawberry decay with only 5.6 % of infected fruits, compared to 16.6 and 8.3 % for control and NES fruits after 13 days of storage, respectively. At the end of 13 days of storage, ES coating demonstrated superior performance on strawberry firmness, color retention, and weight loss reduction. Additionally, no differences were observed between uncoated and coated fruits with regard to their antioxidant and total soluble phenolics.     

Physical Characteristics,Release Properties,and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Whey Protein Isolate Films Incorporated with Thyme (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Thymus vulgaris</Emphasis> L.) Extract-Loaded Nanoliposomes

The aim of the current research was to fabricate, characterize, and compare physical, mechanical, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and release properties of whey protein isolate (WPI)-based films containing free or nanoencapsulated thyme (Thymus vulgaris) extract (TE) at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 15% w/w of WPI. Nanoliposomes with an average size of 350 nm were prepared using thin-film hydration and sonication method. The data obtained from FTIR reflected the occurrence of some new interactions between WPI and nanoliposomes. XRD results approved the negative effect of free TE on the crystallinity of WPI. Besides, SEM images showed that free TE caused the cracks and holes in the WPI matrix to increase. However, the encapsulated TE did not show these negative effects. The nanoliposome incorporation improved the mechanical stiffness, leading to a decrease in the water vapor permeability (WVP). The possible antimicrobial activity of the films containing TE-loaded nanoliposomes against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was decreased in comparison to the free TE-incorporated films, probably due to the inhibition effect of the encapsulation preventing the release of TE from the matrix. In addition, the antioxidant potential of the films containing TE-loaded nanoliposomes was lower than that of free TE-incorporated films. Release studies indicated that the migration of TE in ethanol 95% simulant decreased significantly by the nanoencapsulation of TE. However, the release rate increased by an increase in temperature in both types of active films. Therefore, this work showed that there is a potential for the production of antioxidant and antimicrobial controlled-release nanoactive WPI-TE films for use in food packaging and medical fields.     

可食性大豆分离蛋白膜制备与性质

为探索新型生物膜材料的制备,以大豆分离蛋白为基本材料,探究大豆分离蛋白(SPI)、增塑剂(甘油)、还原剂(Na_2SO_3)、乙醇等添加量和处理温度、成膜液pH、成膜介质等条件对膜的完整率、厚度、透光率、水溶率、水蒸气透过系数、透油性等性质的影响。当SPI浓度在2%~6%时,随着添加量的增加,成膜变得容易,但是膜的厚度增加、水蒸气透过系数和透油系数变大、色泽变深。甘油添加量在2%以下可以改善膜的柔韧性,同时降低膜的透气性能和透油性。添加5%的乙醇也可以降低膜的透气性和透油性。添加0.1%的Na_2SO_3可以改善膜的色泽,同时降低膜的透油性。适当提高处理温度和溶液pH可以降低膜的透气性和透油性。     

Biodegradable Polymeric Films Incorporated with Nisin: Characterization and Efficiency against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Listeria monocytogenes</Emphasis>

Nisin (0.2 IU per cm² films) containing biodegradable films were produced from pea protein isolate (PPI), whey protein isolate (WPI), and polylactic acid (PLA). Nisin was released over 4 h at 22 °C and 8 h at 4 °C. PPI released more nisin compared to other films suppressing the growth of Listeria monocytogenes (P?<?0.05) based upon diffusion into agar and liquid culture media. The population of bacteria after 48 h in liquid media was 6 CFU/mL (1 log₁₀ increase) in PPI, 8.47 CFU/mL (3.47 log₁₀ increase) in WPI and 9 CFU/mL (4 log₁₀ increase) in PLA, which was significantly lower in protein based films compared to PLA (P?<?0.05). The inhibition zone in agar test was significantly higher (P?<?0.05) in PPI and WPI, compared to PLA film, which might be due to the higher hydration in protein based films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that nisin altered the intensity of amide I peaks in protein based films suggesting that nisin can bind to the protein functional groups in PPI and WPI. Thermogram showed that nisin did not influence the glass transition and melting temperatures of the films. Nisin containing films exhibited significantly lower enthalpy compared to control films (P?<?0.05). PeakForce Quantitative Nano Mechanical Property Mapping (PeakForce QNM) was applied to extract material and mechanical properties in PPI, WPI and PLA films with and without nisin. Results showed significant reductions in material and mechanical properties of protein based films containing nisin compared to PLA films.     

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.     

Heat Curing of Soy Protein Films at Selected Temperatures and Pressures

Vacuum and temperature effects on moisture content, water vapor permeability (WVP), color (L, a, b, and ΔE), tensile strength (TS), elongation (E), and total soluble matter (TSM) of soy protein isolate (SPI) films were examined. SPI films were cured at 60, 72.5, or 85 °C and at 101.3, 81.32, or 61.32 kPa for 24 h. As a result of heat-curing moisture content, WVP, E, and TSM decreased, and total color difference and TS increased. Pressure, individually and interactively with temperature, significantly affected film moisture content, TS, and TSM.     

Heat Curing of Soy Protein Films at Atmospheric and Sub-atmospheric Conditions

ABSTRACT: The effect of heat curing at atmospheric or subatmospheric conditions on selected properties (moisture content, water vapor permeability (WVP), color, tensile strength (TS), elongation (E), and total soluble matter (TSM) content) of cast soy protein isolate films was investigated. Films were heat cured at 85 °C for 6, 12, 18, or 24 h at absolute pressures of 101.3, 81.32, or 61.32 kPa. Heat-cured films had increased (P < 0.05) TS and decreased (P < 0.05) WVP and E compared to control, unheated films. Heat treatment under vacuum reduced the WVP of films faster than heat curing at atmospheric pressure. High TS values, low E values, and low TSM values were also reached within short heating time under vacuum. However, vacuum treatment increased the size and number of cavities in cured films as evidenced by scanning electron micrographs.     

Effects of Antimicrobial Edible Coating of Thymol Nanoemulsion/Quinoa Protein/Chitosan on the Safety,Sensorial Properties,and Quality of Refrigerated Strawberries (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fragaria × ananassa</Emphasis>) Under Commercial Storage Environment

The effectiveness of the edible coating with thymol nanoemulsion on the safety, sensorial properties, and quality of refrigerated strawberries was investigated under commercial storage conditions. Spontaneous emulsification was used to obtain the thymol nanoemulsion that was included on quinoa protein/chitosan coatings. During the entire storage time, strawberries coated with thymol-antimicrobial packaging had a lower fungal and yeast load compared with the controls (uncoated and coated with quinoa protein/chitosan). The flavour and aroma of the coated strawberries was initially affected, although this sensory appreciation was improved from the fifth day of storage and showed similar scores than the controls, and presenting better aroma score at day 12 of storage. Furthermore, the shelf life of the thymol nanoemulsion-coated strawberries increased in 4 days, unlike that in the both controls. Further, the application of these biocoatings on strawberries significantly decreased the weight loss relative to that in the control, during 16 days of storage at 5 °C and 90% relative humidity, and did not alter the quality parameters (pH, titrable acidity, and percentage of soluble solids). These results suggest that the application of thymol/nanomulsion-loaded edible films is an effective strategy to increase the shelf life of highly perishable products such as strawberries.     

Development and application of soy‐protein films to reduce fat intake in deep‐fried foods

A soy protein film coating was developed and evaluated to reduce fat transfer in deep‐fried foods during frying. Soy protein isolate solutions (10% SPI) with 0.05% gellan gum as plasticizer cooled after being held at 80 °C for 20 min provided suitable films. There was a significant fat reduction (55.12 (±6.03)%db) between fried uncoated and coated discs of doughnut mix. The same films were used on potato fries. Some panellists observed a slight difference between the coated and uncoated fries but many preferred the coated fries over the uncoated ones. Penetration test on potato fries showed no significant difference between the texture of coated (SPI with gellan gum) and the uncoated fried samples. A solution of 10% SPI with 0.05% gellan gum is recommended for coating foods to reduce fat intake during deep‐fat frying. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of additives on dough rheology and quality of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thepla</Emphasis>: an Indian unleavened flatbread

Thepla is Indian unleavened flatbread made from whole-wheat flour with added spices and vegetables. In the present study, effect of addition of various emulsifiers such as sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (SSL), di acetyl tartaric acid ester of monoglyceride (DATEM) and glycerol mono-stearate (GMS) were studied. Further hydrocolloids (guar gum, carrageenan) and modified polysaccharides [hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and carboxymethyl cellulose] were added at the concentration ranging from 0.25 to 1 % on the basis of whole wheat flour to prepared the doughs. These thepla doughs were analyzed for rheology and theplas were analyzed for tear force. Additives helped in improvement of dough and thepla quality. Guar gum increased dough stickiness and strength to the highest (31.12 and 1.76 g respectively). Also, guar gum decreased tear force value of thepla to 208.4 g. Tear force was found to be increasing with the duration of storage. Highest improvement in thepla dough and quality was obtained by the addition of guar gum at 0.75 % which retained the softest texture of thepla.     

Study of Spray System Applications of Edible Coating Suspensions Based on Hydrocolloids Containing Cellulose Nanofibers on Grape Surface (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis vinifera</Emphasis> L.)

An edible coating is a useful technology to preserve fruit quality by covering them with a protective layer which improves the appearance and provides a semipermeable barrier for gases and water vapor transfer, allowing extension of their shelf life. In this study, edible coatings based on hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, k-carrageenan, glycerol, and cellulose nanofibers were formulated. The operational conditions of the spray system were studied to obtain a coating with optimal adhesion on grape (Vitis vinifera L.) surface. Furthermore, the physico-chemical properties of grapes covered with edible coatings were evaluated during refrigerated storage. A full factorial 2³ experimental design was applied, where liquid suspension flow (1–5 L h^?1), air pressure (50–200 kPa), and height of impact (0.3–0.5 m) were evaluated as independent variables, whereas the percentage of coating and thickness of coating was the response variables. Both mechanical and physico-chemical properties were evaluated during 41 days in both coated and uncoated grapes as shelf life criteria. Throughout the storage time, noticeable changes in pH and total soluble solids were not found in grapes covered with edible coatings and they showed the highest stability for the evaluated mechanical properties. Moreover, coated grapes showed final weight loss and water vapor permeability values of approximately 30 and 34% lower, respectively, than uncoated grapes, suggesting a shelf life extension.     

Water Vapor Permeability and Solubility of Films from Hydrolyzed Whey Protein

ABSTRACT: The effects of whey protein hydrolysis on film water vapor permeability (WVP) and solubility at 3 plasticizer levels were studied. Little or no significant difference (p > 0.05) appeared for film WVP between unhydrolyzed whey protein isolate (WPI), 5.5% degree of hydrolysis (DH) WPI and 10% DH WPI films at comparable plasticizer contents. However, increase in glycerol (gly) content significantly increased film WVP. Thus, reduction in WPI molecular weight (MW) through hydrolysis may be a better approach to improving film flexibility than addition of plasticizer. Both 5.5% and 10% DH WPI had significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) film solubility compared to unhydrolyzed WPI. Soluble Protein (SP) and total soluble matter (TSM) of hydrolyzed WPI films were much higher than for unhydrolyzed WPI films.     

Coating Satsuma mandarin using grapefruit seed extract–incorporated carnauba wax for its preservation

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE)–incorporated carnauba wax (CW) coating was developed to preserve Satsuma mandarins (Citrus unshiu Marc.). GSE (1.00%, w/w)–incorporated CW (GSE–CW) coating emulsions and GSE (0.50%)–oregano oil (OO, 0.50%)–incorporated CW (GSE–OO–CW) coating emulsions reduced Penicillium italicum disease incidence (%) on mandarin surfaces by 23.6 ± 3.6 and 25.0 ± 5.0%, respectively, relative to that on uncoated mandarin samples (100%). GSE (1.00%)–CW coating emulsions exhibited a higher colloidal stability than GSE (0.50%)–OO (0.50%)–CW coating emulsions. During storage at 25 °C, GSE (1.00%)–CW coating was superior to CW coating in reducing P. italicum disease incidence. CW coating significantly reduced weight loss, respiration rate, and firmness loss during storage at 4 and 25 °C (P < 0.05). The ascorbic acid concentration and peel color were not affected by GSE–CW coating (P > 0.05). These results suggest that GSE–CW coating can extend the post-harvest shelf life of mandarins by inhibiting the growth of P. italicum.     

Characterization of Biodegradable Films Based on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvia hispanica</Emphasis> L. Protein and Mucilage

Biodegradable films of chia by-products (mucilage and protein-rich fraction (PF)) incorporated with clove essential oil (CEO) were obtained and characterized. The effects of polymer concentration (PC; 1.0–3.0 %, w/v) and CEO concentration (0.1–1.0 %, v/v) were evaluated as well as the pH (7–10), using a 2³ factorial design with four central points. The films exhibited moisture values between 11.6 and 52.1 % (d.b.), which decreased (p?<?0.05) with increasing PC and CEO. The thickness of the films increased (p?<?0.05) with increasing PC. PC and pH influenced (p?<?0.05) the lightness (L) and variation in color between red and green (a). The orientation of the color to yellow-blue hues (b) decreased significantly (p?<?0.05) with increasing PC. Transparency was significantly lower and higher (p?<?0.05) than PC and CEO, respectively. The film surface morphology was evaluated using atomic force miscrocope images, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed to study the thermal stability of the films. The displacement and tensile strength were significantly lower (p?<?0.05) at higher concentrations of CEO, this variable being the only one with a significant effect. The chemical composition of the films was confirmed utilizing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The proportion of CEO added to the films had a significant influence on antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.     

Development of an Active Packaging Film Based on a Methylcellulose Coating Containing Murta (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ugni molinae</Emphasis> Turcz) Leaf Extract

A new active packaging film based on murta leaf extract was elaborated. The extract was incorporated into a methylcellulose layer which was coated on a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film. Its antioxidant effectivity, antimicrobial activity, and physicochemical properties were evaluated. The active film was able to keep its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties for at least 60 days. During this time, the growth of Listeria (L.) innocua was reduced by 2 log cycles and free radical formation could be inhibited by about 90 % for films stored under light and dark conditions. The active coating on the LDPE film did not affect the thermal and water vapor transmission properties; however, slight changes in the mechanical, color, and optical properties were observed. Finally, a sensory analysis showed that active coating did not change the flavor and odor properties of a fatty food packed inside the active material. This suggests that this active packaging film could be used to extend the shelf-life of packaged food.     

Modeling the Soluble Solids and Storage Temperature Effects on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Byssochlamys fulva</Emphasis> Growth in Apple Juices

Byssochlamys fulva is an ascospore producer fungus known to be heat resistant and commonly found in fruit juices. This work aims at studying the influence of soluble solid content and storage temperature on the growth of B. fulva in apple juices. Agar-added apple juices, adjusted to different levels of soluble solids (12, 20, 25, 35, 45, 55, 70 °Bx) were artificially inoculated with B. fulva spores and incubated at different temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 °C). Microorganisms’ growth was assessed every day for a total of 3 months. A Gompertz-based model was used in experimental data fit for each soluble solid and temperature condition applied. Kinetic parameters were estimated by nonlinear regression procedures. The soluble solids and temperature effects were thereafter included in the primary Gompertz-based model. The predictive ability of this expression in terms of B. fulva growth was successfully proven for the range of conditions tested.     

Whey protein-okra polysaccharide fraction blend edible films: tensile properties, water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability

BACKGROUND: A hot‐buffer‐soluble‐solid fraction (HBSS) and an alkaline‐soluble‐solid fraction (ASS) of okra polysaccharides (OKP) were obtained using sequential extraction. These fractions were combined with whey protein isolate (WPI) and glycerol (Gly) plasticizer to form blend edible films. Effects of OKP fraction and content on tensile properties, water vapor permeability (WVP) and oxygen permeability (OP) were determined. RESULTS: HBSS film had significantly higher percent elongation (%E) and lower elastic modulus (EM), WVP and OP than ASS film. Increasing HBSS or ASS content in blend films with WPI significantly reduced film tensile strength and EM and increased film %E and WVP. OP values for WPI–HBSS blend films were significantly lower than OP for WPI or HBSS film. WPI–HBSS and WPI–ASS blend films had lower WVP and OP than WPI films with equivalent tensile properties. CONCLUSIONS: WPI–HBSS blend films have higher WVP and lower OP than WPI film or HBSS film, indicating unique interactions between WPI and HBSS. Compared to WPI film, WPI–HBSS blend films have improved flexibility, stretchability and oxygen barrier. Different HBSS and ASS compositions and structures are responsible for property differences between HBSS and ASS films and between WPI–HBSS and WPI–ASS blend films. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Design and Characterization of Corn Starch Edible Films Including Beeswax and Natural Antimicrobials

The effectiveness of edible films (EFs) used as coatings to maintain the quality and safety of fresh produce for long time depends on their functional properties characterization. This study was aimed to design and evaluate physicochemical, barrier, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties of EFs based on corn starch (acetylated cross-linked (ACLS) or oxidized (OS)), micro-emulsified beeswax (BW, 0–1 % w/w), and two natural antimicrobials (lauric arginate (LAE, 400–4000 mg/L) and natamycin (NAT, 80–800 mg/L)). EFs based on ACLS or OS made with 1 % BW microemulsion produced homogeneous EFs surface and did not show changes in thickness or opacity. Water vapor permeability (WVP, 0.57 ± 0.04 g mm m^?2 h^?1 kPa^?1 for ACLS, and 0.56 ± 0.05 g mm m^?2 h^?1 kPa^?1 for OS) was reduced; tensile strength (TS, 51.48 ± 5.92 MPa for ACLS, and 40.96 ± 4.98 MPa for OS), and elastic modulus (EM, 211.30 ± 7.85 MPa for ACLS, and 203.50 ± 5.35 MPa for OS) were decreased, whereas elongation at break (E, 4.59 ± 1.11 % for ACLS, and 4.76 ± 4.98 % for OS) increased. The additive effect showed by the combination of natural antimicrobials (2000 mg/L of LAE plus 400 mg/L of NAT) incorporated into EFs with 1 % BW completely inhibited Rhizopus stolonifer, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Botrytis cinerea, and Salmonella Saintpaul. These properties of corn starch EFs used as coatings represent an excellent alternative to extend the shelf life of fresh produce.     

Effect of gum arabic concentration and inlet temperature during spray drying on physical and antioxidant properties of honey powder

The research studied the effect of gum arabic concentration at 35, 40 and 45 % with inlet temperatures of 160, 170 and 180 °C on the physico-chemical, functional and thermal properties of honey powder enriched with aonla (Emblica officinalis. Gaertn) and basil (Ocimum sanctum) extract, wherein other parameters like concentration of aonla extract (8 %), basil extract (6 %) and feed rate (0.11 mL/s) were kept as constant. Powder recovery and glass transition temperature (T_g) showed significant increase with the increase in inlet temperatures. On the other hand hygroscopicity, tapped density, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and vitamin C content showed inverse response to the increase in inlet temperatures. However powder recovery, T_g, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and vitamin C content increased with the increase in concentration of gum arabic. On the basis of obtained results it can be concluded that honey powder with the concentration of 45 % gum arabic at 170 °C inlet temperature was found to be less hygroscopic with better powder recovery and overwhelming antioxidant properties.