Drying temperature effect on water vapor permeability and mechanical properties of whey protein-lipid emulsion films

The water vapor permeability (WVP) and mechanical properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) and WPI-lipid emulsion films dried at different conditions were investigated. As drying temperature increased, WVPs decreased significantly. Significantly lower WVP was observed for emulsion films compared to WPI films. WPI-Beeswax (BW) and WPI-anhydrous milkfat fraction emulsion films dried at 80 degrees C and 40% RH gave the lowest WVP compared to 25 degrees C, 40% RH and 40 degrees C, 40% RH. A large drop in WVP of WPI-BW emulsion films was observed at 20% BW content. The decrease in WVP for emulsion films as drying temperature increased could be due to change in the lipid crystalline morphology and/or lipid distribution within the matrix. Mechanical properties of WPI and WPI-lipid emulsion films, on the other hand, were not modified by drying conditions.     

Oxygen permeability and mechanical properties of films from hydrolyzed whey protein

The effects of whey protein hydrolysis on film oxygen permeability (OP) and mechanical properties at several glycerol-plasticizer levels were studied. Both 5.5% and 10% degree of hydrolysis (DH) whey protein isolate (WPI) had significant effect (p 0.05) occurred for film OP between unhydrolyzed WPI, 5.5% DH WPI, and 10% DH WPI films at the same glycerol content. Hydrolyzed WPI films of mechanical properties similar to those of WPI films had better oxygen barrier. Therefore, use of hydrolyzed WPI allowed achievement of desired film flexibility with less glycerol and with smaller increase in OP.     

Aging of whey protein films and the effect on mechanical and barrier properties

This work focuses on the aging of whey protein isolate (WPI) films plasticized with glycerol (G) and sorbitol (S). The films were cast from heated aqueous solutions at pH 7 and dried at 23 degrees C and 50% relative humidity (RH) for 16 h. They were stored in a climate room (23 degrees C, 50% RH) for 120 days, and the film properties were measured at regular intervals. The moisture content (MC) of the WPI/G films decreased from 22% (2 days) to 15% (45 days) and was thereafter constant at 15% (up to 120 days). This affected the mechanical properties and caused an increased stress at break (from 2.7 to 8.3 MPa), a decreased strain at break (from 33 to 4%), and an increased glass transition temperature (T(g)) (from -56 to -45 degrees C). The barrier properties were, however, unaffected, with constant water vapor permeability and a uniform film thickness. The MC of the WPI/S films was constant at approximately 9%, which gave no change in film properties.     

Amaranthus cruentus flour edible films: influence of stearic acid addition, plasticizer concentration, and emulsion stirring speed on water vapor permeability and mechanical properties

Films forming solutions composed of Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) flour (4.0 g/100 mL), stearic acid (5-15 g/100 g of flour), and glycerol (25-35 g/100 g of flour) were prepared by an emulsification process, with varying stirring speed values (6640-13360 rpm). The influence of these parameters (stearic acid and glycerol concentrations and stirring speed) on the water vapor barrier and mechanical properties of films was evaluated using the response surface methodology (RSM). Other characterizations, including microstructure, water solubility, and oxygen permeability, were performed in optimized films. According to statistical analysis results, the optimized conditions corresponded to 10 g of stearic acid/100 g of flour, 26 g of glycerol/100 g of flour, and a stirring speed of 12 000 rpm. The films produced under these conditions exhibited superior mechanical properties (2.5 N puncture force, 2.6 MPa tensile strength, and 148% elongation at break) in comparison to those of other protein and polysaccharide composite films, low solubility (15.2%), and optimal barrier properties (WVP of 8.9 x 10(- 11) g m(- 1) s(- 1) Pa(- 1) and oxygen permeability of 2.36 x 10(- 13) cm3 m(-1) s(-1) Pa(-1)).     

High-pressure homogenization lowers water vapor permeability of soybean protein isolate-beeswax films

Soybean-protein isolate (SPI) has excellent film-forming capacity. However, the water vapor permeability of SPI film is high, which will cause the moisture lose of packaged products. The effect of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) on the water vapor permeability of SPI-beeswax films was evaluated. The HPH was effective at lowering the water vapor permeability of SPI-beeswax films to about 50% of the control. The HPH reduced the particle size of films and made their matrix more compact. The HPH improved the hydrophobicity of SPI-beeswax films. For the first time, we proved that the HPH improved the bound-beeswax content in SPI-beeswax films. The bound beeswax was effective at lowering the water vapor permeability of films rather than the free beeswax in the film matrix. In summary, the HPH lowered water vapor permeability of SPI-beeswax films by reducing their particle size and raising their hydrophobicity and bound-beeswax content.     

Relationship between the microstructure and the mechanical and barrier properties of whey protein films

This work was focused on the relationship between the microstructure and the mechanical and barrier properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) films. Sorbitol (S) and glycerol (G) were used as plasticizers and the pH was varied between 7 and 9. The films were cast from heated aqueous solutions and dried in a climate room at 23 degrees C and 50% relative humidity for 16 h. The microstructure of the films was found to be dependent on the concentration, the plasticizers, and the pH. When the concentration increased, a more aggregated structure was formed, with a denser protein network and larger pores. This resulted in increased water vapor permeability (WVP) and decreased oxygen permeability (OP). When G was used as a plasticizer instead of S, the microstructure was different, and the moisture content and WVP approximately doubled. When the pH increased from 7 to 9, a denser protein structure was formed, the strain at break increased, and the OP decreased.     

The water vapor permeability of polycrystalline fat barrier films

The water vapor permeability of fat barrier films has been associated with structural characteristics such as polymorphism, crystal size, and chemical composition, among others. However, no mechanistic models have been proposed to describe this relationship. In this study, we have determined the effects of processing conditions on the structure and physicochemical characteristics of four fats and their relationship to water vapor permeability. Results suggest that the solids' volume fraction and the domain size of the fat crystals seem to be the most important factors controlling water vapor migration. Moreover, materials with relatively large crystalline domains will yield malleable films with relatively low storage and loss moduli and strain/stress at the limit of linearity high tan delta values. The structural effects on the permeability of fat films are related to the nanoscale of the material.     

Mechanical and barrier properties of cross-linked soy and whey protein based films

Sterilized biofilms based on soy protein isolate (SPI, S system) and a 1:1 mixture of SPI and whey protein isolate (WPI, SW system) were achieved through the formation of cross-links by means of gamma-irradiation combined with thermal treatments. The effect of the incorporation of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and poly(vinyl alcohol) was also examined. gamma-Irradiation combined with thermal treatment improved significantly the mechanical properties, namely, puncture strength and puncture deformation, for all types of films. Irradiated formulations that contain CMC behave more similarly as elastomers. CMC showed also significant improvements of the barrier properties, namely, water vapor permeability, for irradiated films of the S system and for non-irradiated films of the SW system.     

Effects of pH and the gel state on the mechanical properties, moisture contents, and glass transition temperatures of whey protein films.

The mechanical properties, moisture contents (MC), and glass transition temperature (T(g)) of whey protein isolate (WPI) films were studied at various pH values using sorbitol (S) as a plasticizer. The films were cast from heated aqueous solutions and dried in a climate chamber at 23 degrees C and 50% relative humidity (RH) for 16 h. The critical gel concentrations (c(g)) for the cooled aqueous solutions were found to be 11.7, 12.1, and 11.3% (w/w) WPI for pH 7, 8, and 9, respectively. The cooling rate influenced the c(g), in that a lower amount of WPI was needed for gelation when a slower cooling rate was applied. Both cooling rates used in this study showed a maximum in the c(g) at pH 8. The influence of the polymer network on the film properties was elucidated by varying the concentration of WPI over and under the c(g). Strain at break (epsilon(b)) showed a maximum at the c(g) for all pH values, thus implying that the most favorable structure regarding the ability of the films to stretch is formed at this concentration. Young's modulus (E) and stress at break (sigma(b)) showed a maximum at c(g) for pH 7 and 8. The MC and epsilon(b) increased when pH increased from 7 to 9, whereas T(g) decreased. Hence, T(g) values were -17, -18, and -21 degrees C for pH 7, 8, and 9, respectively. E and sigma(b) decreased and epsilon(b) and thickness increased when the surrounding RH increased. The thickness of the WPI films also increased with the concentration of WPI.     

助剂对聚乙烯醇缩甲醛机械性能及负压渗水性能的影响

为了提高新型负压渗水材料聚乙烯醇缩甲醛(polyvinyl formal,PVFM)的机械性能,该试验在先前制备聚乙烯醇缩甲醛泡沫塑料的基础上添加Si O2粉末、高岭土、硅油、硅油+Si O2粉末、硅油+高岭土5种助剂,运用机械发泡法制得5种聚乙烯醇缩甲醛泡沫塑料管,与不添加助剂的聚乙烯醇缩甲醛泡沫塑料管(CK)比较,检测了其基本物理性能、机械性能、负压渗水性能、孔隙结构等指标。结果表明,除Si O2粉末外,其余4种助剂均能改善PVFM的外观质量,使之表面光滑细腻;这5种助剂会降低PVFM负压渗水材料的吸水倍率,提高表观密度、真密度、孔隙率,其中加入高岭土能够在保证较高吸水倍率的同时显著(P0.05)增大孔隙率;硅油+Si O2粉末、硅油+高岭土2种混合助剂能够显著(P0.05)提高PVFM负压渗水材料的机械性能,其中硅油+Si O2粉末对其硬度的提高幅度高达62.5%,对拉伸强度的增幅高达51.9%,硅油+高岭土对其断裂伸长率的增幅高达33.5%;加入助剂能显著(P0.05)提高PVFM的发泡点值,硅油+高岭土使增幅达70.7%;但几种助剂的加入并未提高PVFM的累积入渗量及渗水速率,仅在较低负压(?10 k Pa)下加入Si O2粉末能使PVFM的累积入渗量增加;5种助剂的加入均能使PVFM孔隙结构变得更加均匀致密,其中加入硅油+高岭土后孔隙最为均匀细小,气泡极少。总体而言,混合助剂的两个处理均能提高PVFM的外观质量、发泡点值和机械性能,其提高幅度不同程度地高于单一助剂,而Si O2粉末可以较好地提高?10 k Pa下PVFM的累积入渗量和渗水速率,此研究为高分子型负压渗水材料的改良提供方向。     

Plasticizer effect on oxygen permeability of beta-lactoglobulin films

Plasticizer effect on oxygen permeability (OP) of beta-lactoglobulin (beta-Lg) films was studied. Propylene glycol (PG), glycerol (Gly), sorbitol (Sor), sucrose (Suc), and polyethylene glycol at MW 200 and 400 (PEG 200 and PEG 400, respectively) were studied due to their differences in composition, shape, and size. Suc-plasticized beta-Lg films gave the best oxygen barrier (OP < 0.05 cm3 x microm/m2 x day x kPa). Gly- and PG-plasticized films had similar OP values, and both had higher OP than Sor-plasticized films. PEG 200- and PEG 400-plasticized films were the poorest oxygen barriers. Empirical equations including plasticizer efficiencies for OP were employed to elucidate the relationships between OP of plasticized beta-Lg films and plasticizer type and content. Plasticizer efficiency ratios between mechanical and OP properties of beta-Lg films show the relative efficiency of plasticizers in modifying mechanical and OP properties. A large ratio is desirable.     

Antioxidant activity and emulsion-stabilizing effect of pectic enzyme treated pectin in soy protein isolate-stabilized oil/water emulsion

The antioxidant activity of pectic enzyme treated pectin (PET-pectin) prepared from citrus pectin by enzymatic hydrolysis and its potential use as a stabilizer and an antioxidant for soy protein isolate (SPI)-stabilized oil in water (O/W) emulsion were investigated. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) was found to be positively associated with molecular weight (M(w)) of PET-pectin and negatively associated with degree of esterification (DE) of PET-pectin. PET-pectin (1 kDa and 11.6% DE) prepared from citrus pectin after 24 h of hydrolysis by commercial pectic enzyme produced by Aspergillus niger expressed higher α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, TEAC, and reducing power than untreated citrus pectin (353 kDa and 60% DE). The addition of PET-pectin could increase both emulsifying activity (EA) and emulsion stability (ES) of SPI-stabilized O/W emulsion. When the SPI-stabilized lipid droplet was coated with the mixture of PET-pectin and pectin, the EA and ES of the emulsion were improved more than they were when the lipid droplet was coated with either pectin or PET-pectin alone. The amount of secondary oxidation products (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) produced in the emulsion prepared with the mixture of SPI and PET-pectin was less than the amount produced in the emulsion prepared with either SPI or SPI/pectin. These results suggest that PET-pectin has an emulsion-stabilizing effect and lipid oxidation inhibition ability on SPI-stabilized emulsion. Therefore, PET-pectin can be used as a stabilizer as well as an antioxidant in plant origin in SPI-stabilized O/W emulsion and thus prolong the shelf life of food emulsion.     

Beta-lactoglobulin-dextran conjugates: effect of polysaccharide size on emulsion stability

A series of dextrans and beta-lactoglobulin were covalently conjugated and screened for their ability to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. Dextrans with the molecular mass of 19.6 kDa, 87 kDa, 150 kDa, 500 kDa, and 2000 kDa were attached to beta-lactoglobulin via the Maillard reaction. The conjugates were then purified and evaluated as emulsifiers under neutral conditions. The ability to stabilize emulsions was determined by monitoring oil droplet size over time. Adsorption of the conjugates to the droplet surface was characterized by determining the protein surface load. The results show that increasing polysaccharide size increases emulsion stability up to 150 kDa before leveling off. Conversely, surface protein density remains constant until 150 kDa before decreasing with polysaccharide size. A model is presented to interpret the results.     

Edible arabinoxylan-based films. 1. Effects of lipid type on water vapor permeability,film structure,and other physical characteristics

Arabinoxylans (AX) are natural fibers extracted from maize bran, an industrial byproduct. To promote this polymer as a food ingredient, development of edible coatings and films had been proposed. Indeed, composite arabinoxylan-based films were prepared by emulsifying a fat: palmitic acid, oleic acid, triolein, or a hydrogenated palm oil (OK35). Lipid effects on water vapor permeability (WVP), surface hydrophobicity (contact angles), lipid particle size, and mechanical properties were investigated. Results showed that OK35-AX emulsion films had the lowest WVP. Emulsified films presented a bimodal particle size distribution; however, the smallest particle mean diameter (0.54 microm) was observed in OK35-AX emulsion films. Contact angles of water comparable to those observed for LDPE films (>90 degrees ) are measured on the OK35-AX film surface. Finally, only triolein-AX emulsion films had elongation higher than films without lipid. These results suggest that OK35 enhances functional properties of AX-based films and should be retained for further research.     

Effect of additives on subcritical water hydrolysis of whey protein isolate

The objective was to examine the effect of the additives acetic acid, lactic acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, and sodium hydroxide on the hydrolysis of whey protein isolate with subcritical water. A screening experimental design was used to study the effect of temperature, time, and additives. The most influential additive, sodium bicarbonate, along with temperature and time was used in a second experimental design to predict the treatment conditions to maximize the degree of hydrolysis and production of free amino acids. The maximum degree of hydrolysis achieved was 50% at a concentration of 1.24 M sodium bicarbonate, 291 °C, and 28 min. The highest concentration of total amino acids was 83.0 mg/g of whey protein isolate with 0.83 M sodium bicarbonate at 264 °C for 29 min. Compared to water alone, sodium bicarbonate increased the degree of hydrolysis 4-fold and the production of amino acids by 44% and decreased peptides' molecular weight.     

超声波微波协同改性乳清蛋白/壳聚糖可食膜工艺优化

为研究新型高性能可食膜及制备方法采用浓缩乳清蛋白(whey protein concentrate,WPC)和壳聚糖(chitosan,CS)为成膜基材,制备出可食膜,利用超声波微波协同作用对可食膜进行改性,试验结果表明超声波微波协同改性后的可食膜具有较低透气性;并研究成膜材料配比、山梨醇质量浓度、pH值和超声波微波协同作用时间对可食膜水蒸气透过系数(water vapor permeability,WVP)、氧气透过率(oxygen permeability,OP)抗拉强度(tensile strength,TS)、断裂伸长率(elongation,E)和透光率(transmittance,T)的影响。试验结果表明成膜材料配比WPC∶CS=5.8∶6.2、山梨醇质量浓度0.021 g/mL、pH值5.13、超声波微波协同作用5 min时,此时制备的可食膜透气性较低,且具有较好的物理性质,水蒸气透过系数为1.22×10-13 g/(cm·s·Pa),氧气透过率为1.29×10-5 cm3/(m2·d·Pa)。该文研究成果可为可食膜的研发提供新的参考。     

Physical properties, molecular structures, and protein quality of texturized whey protein isolate: effect of extrusion temperature

Although extrusion technology has contributed much to increasing the effective utilization of whey, the effect of extrusion conditions on the functional properties of the proteins is not well understood. In this work, the impact of extrusion temperature on the physical and chemical properties, molecular structures, and protein quality of texturized whey protein isolate (WPI) was investigated at a constant moisture content and compared with WPI treated with simple heat only. The Bradford assay methods, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography techniques were used to determine protein solubility and to analyze compositional changes in the two major whey proteins, α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin. Circular dichroism and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopic techniques were applied to study the secondary and tertiary structures of the proteins. This study demonstrated that extrusion temperature is a critical but not the sole determining factor in affecting the functional properties of extruded WPI.     

Rheological properties and characterization of polymerized whey protein isolates.

Whey protein polymers were formed by heating whey protein isolate solutions at 80 degrees C. Flow behaviors of whey protein polymers produced from different protein concentrations and heating times were comparable to various flow behaviors of hydrocolloids. Polymer formation was found to be a two-phase process. The initial protein concentration was a significant factor that determines the size and/or shape of the primary polymer in the first phase as shown by intrinsic viscosity. Heating time was a factor in determining the aggregation in the second phase as shown by apparent viscosity. Intrinsic viscosity of whey protein polymers was as high as 141.7 +/- 7.30 mL/g, compared to 5.04 +/- 0.20 mL/g for native whey proteins. The intrinsic viscosity and gel electrophoresis data suggested that disulfide bonds played an important role in whey polymer formation.     

Rheological and physical properties of derivitized whey protein isolate powders

Pregelatinized starch is employed in many food applications due to the instantaneous nature of thickening and stability imparted by modification. Proteins, however, have been excluded as a viscosifying agent due to requisite thermal treatments required to create structure. Whey protein isolate gels were produced while manipulating heating time, pH, and mineral type/content, producing a variety of gel types/networks. Gels were frozen, freeze-dried, and ground into a powder. Once reconstituted in deionized water, gel powders were evaluated based on solubility studies, rotational viscometry, and electrophoresis. The protein powder exhibiting the largest apparent viscosity, highest degree of hydrolysis, and greatest solubility was selected for pH and temperature stability analyses and small amplitude oscillatory rheology. This processing technique manipulates WPI into a product capable of forming cold-set weak gel structures suitable for thickening over a wide range of temperature and pH food systems.