Functional properties of bioplastics made from wheat gliadins modified with cinnamaldehyde

Cinnamaldehyde is a naturally occurring α,β-unsaturated aldehyde. Its potential as a natural cross-linker to improve the physical performance of cast wheat gliadin films was evaluated. The cross-linking reaction was found to be dependent on the pH of the reaction medium, with pH 2 as the optimum. The water resistance (weight loss after immersion), mechanical properties (Young's modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break), thermal properties (T(g) and decomposition behavior), optical properties and morphology of films were evaluated. Cross-linked films showed high transparency, maintained their integrity after immersion, and displayed significant improvements in tensile strength and Young's modulus without impairment of their elongation properties. These effects, which were proportional to the amount of cinnamaldehyde added, highlight the possible formation of intermolecular covalent bonds between "monomeric" gliadins, leading to a polymerized network. Thus, this treatment could provide a new alternative to the toxic cross-linkers commonly employed and so extend the use of gliadin films.