Influence of interactions on water and aroma permeabilities of ι-carrageenan–oleic acid–beeswax films used for flavour encapsulation

The objective of this work is to investigate the water and aroma barrier properties of films obtained from ι-carrageenan containing glycerol and lipids mixtures of oleic acid (OA) and beeswax (BW) used for encapsulation of active compounds. Water vapor permeability (WVP) is greatly influenced by lipid composition, encapsulated aroma compound and also relative humidity. WVP decreases when films contain encapsulated aroma compound but increases when the moisture content in the films increases. When oleic acid was the main compound of lipid phase, the plasticizing effect of water revealed through water permeability is less marked. The results of ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexanoate, 2-hexanone, 1-hexanol and cis-3-hexenol permeabilities reveal that physicochemical interactions between aroma compounds-hydrocolloid and aroma compound-lipid induce structural changes and modify their permeability. This work gives evidence of the ability of ι-carrageenan–OA–BW films to protect encapsulated aroma compound and its influence in barrier properties.     

Film forming capacity of chemically modified corn starches

Native starch can be chemically modified to improve its functionality and to expand its uses. Modified starches were characterized and the rheological behavior of filmogenic suspensions was analyzed. The film forming capacity of different chemical modified corn starches was evaluated. Acetylated starch was selected by the characteristics of the resulted films; its optimum concentration was 5% w/w since their films exhibited the lowest water vapor permeability (WVP, 1.26 × 10⁻¹⁰ g/m s Pa). The effect of glycerol as plasticizer on film properties depend on its concentration, being 1.5% w/w those that allows to obtain the lowest WVP value (1.64 × 10⁻¹¹ g/m s Pa), low film solubility in water and a more compact structure than those of unplasticized films. Mechanical behavior of plasticized acetylated starch films depends on glycerol concentration, being rigid and brittle the unplasticized ones, ductile those containing 1.5% w/w of glycerol and very flexible those with a higher plasticizer content.     

Transport and tensile properties of compression-molded wheat gluten films

Mechanical and transport properties were assessed on wheat gluten films with a glycerol content of 25-40%, prepared by compression molding for 5-15 min at temperatures between 90 and 130 degrees C. Effects of storing the films up to 24 days, in 0 and 50% relative humidity (RH), were assessed by tensile measurements. The films were analyzed with respect to methanol zero-concentration diffusivity, oxygen permeability (OP), water vapor permeability (WVP), Cobb60 and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solubility coupled with sonication. The SDS solubility and methanol diffusivity were lower at the higher molding temperature. Higher glycerol content resulted in higher OP (90-95% RH), WVP, and Cobb60 values, due to the plasticizing and hygroscopic effects. Higher glycerol contents gave a lower fracture stress, lower Young's modulus, lower fracture strain, and less strain hardening. The mold time had less effect on the mechanical properties than mold temperature and glycerol content. The fracture stress and Young's modulus increased and the fracture strain decreased with decreasing moisture content.     

Properties and microstructure of protein-based film from round scad (Decapterus maruadsi) muscle as affected by palm oil and chitosan incorporation

The properties of protein-based film prepared from round scad (Decapterus maruadsi) muscle in the absence and the presence of palm oil and/or chitosan were investigated. Films added with 25% palm oil (as glycerol substitiution) had the slight decrease in water vapor permeability (WVP) and elongation at break (EAB) (p < 0.05). WVP and tensile strength (TS) of films increased but EAB decreased when 10–40% chitosan (as protein substitution) was incorporated (p < 0.05). Hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds, together with disulfide and non-disulfide covalent bonds, played an important role in stabilizing the film matrix. The a* and b*-values increased with increasing chitosan levels (p < 0.05). Films added with chitosan were less transparent and had the lowered transmission in the visible range. The incorporation of 25% palm oil and 40% chitosan yielded the films with the improved TS but decreased water vapor barrier property. Apart from film strengthening effect, chitosan inconjunction with Tween-20 most likely functioned as the emulsifier/stabilizer in film forming solution containing palm oil.     

Mechanical, physicochemical and color properties of chitosan based-films as a function of Aloe vera gel incorporation

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of Aloe vera gel incorporation at different proportions on chitosan-based films. Consequently, the thickness of films was affected significantly by the addition of the gel and decreased from F0 (plain chitosan film) to F50 (the film containing 50% gel). The gel incorporation did not have a considerable effect on water vapor permeability (WVP); however, a significant difference was observed for F50. Addition of the gel significantly improved the water solubility (WS), wherein the F10 (the film with 10% of gel) showed the lowest. All mechanical properties increased by introducing the gel and, after reaching the peak for F20, started to reduce. Color properties were affected by the gel addition as the higher the gel, the darker the films. Overall, the results showed that incorporating the gel into film-forming solution of chitosan up to 20% (F20) was promising.     

Microstructural characterization of yam starch films

Yam starch films were produced by thermal gelatinization of starch suspensions using different starch and glycerol concentrations and were compared to control samples without glycerol. Films were characterized by polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermomechanical analysis (TMA), X-ray diffraction, water vapor permeability (WVP) and water sorption isotherms. The polarized light microscopy and DSC data showed that starch gelatinization for film formation was complete. Plasticized films have a homogeneous structure as observed by SEM. At water activities >0.43, glycerol increased the equilibrium moisture content of the films due to its hydrophilic character. X-ray pattern of the yam films could be assigned to a B-type starch; during storage this pattern remained almost the same, however a slight recrystallization process could be observed. Amylopectin retrogradation was not observed by DSC with storage time of the films. Glass transition temperatures of films with glycerol were lower than those of control films as measured by DSC and TMA. WVP of yam starch films increased with the presence of glycerol.     

Production and properties of edible film using whey protein

The utilization of exces whey is necessary to reduce dairy waste because the large amount of whey disposal in waste streams has caused environmental problems. During whey protein film production as the effective means of utilization of excess whey, we have examined the effects of pH, temperature, and plasticizers for water vapor permeability (WVP), tensile strength (TS), and elongation rate (%E) of the whey protein films. The 10% whey protein films had the highest WVP (28.73 g·mm/kPa·day·m²) and TS (1.85±0.11 Mpa). But, in this case, an increase of WVP was caused by the thickness of whey protein films. At the concentration of 8% whey protein, appropriate thickness was obtained. Whey protein films prepared at the pH 6.75 and 95°C showed lower WVP (28.38 g·mm/kPa·day·m²) and elongation rate (12.9%) and higher TS value (3.769±0.407 MPa) than at the pH 6.75 and 75°C. As the temperature increased, WVP of films decreased slightly and tensile strength increased slightly, while elongation rate decreased significantly. Higher WVP and TS were observed at pH 6.75 compared to pH 7–9. In contrast, significantly higher elongation was observed at pH 9 compared to pH 6.75–8. Among the plasticizer type used, the addition of sorbitol showed the highest TS value (6.244±0.297 MPa) at the concentration of 0.4 g sorbitol and elongation rate (49%) at the concentration of 0.6 g sorbitol.     

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) reinforced alginate based biodegradable nanocomposite film

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) reinforced alginate-based nanocomposite film was prepared by solution casting. The NCC content in the matrix was varied from 1 to 8% ((w/w) % dry matrix). It was found that the nanocomposite reinforced with 5wt% NCC content exhibits the highest tensile strength which was increased by 37% compared to the control. Incorporation of NCC also significantly improved water vapor permeability (WVP) of the nanocomposite showing a 31% decrease due to 5wt% NCC loading. Molecular interactions between alginate and NCC were supported by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction studies also confirmed the appearance of crystalline peaks due to the presence of NCC inside the films. Thermal stability of alginate-based nanocomposite films was improved after incorporation of NCC.     

Characterization of Corn Starch Films Reinforced with CaCO3 Nanoparticles

The characterization of corn starch (CS) films impregnated with CaCO₃ nanoparticles was investigated. Criteria such as morphology, crystallinity, water vapor permeability (WVP), opacity, and mechanical properties were the focus of the investigation. It was found that the CaCO₃ contents had significant effects on the tensile properties of the nanocomposite films. The addition of CaCO₃ nanoparticles to the CS films significantly increased tensile strength from 1.40 to 2.24 MPa, elongation from 79.21 to 118.98%, and Young’s modulus from 1.82 to 2.41 MPa. The incorporation of CaCO₃ nanoparticles increased the opacity of films, lowered the degree of WVP and film solubility value compared to those of the CS films. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that with the increase of CaCO₃ nanoparticles content in starch films, the roughness of the films increased, and pores or cavities were found on the surface of the films, while small cracks were observed in the structures of the fractured surfaces. X-ray diffraction showed that the addition of nanoparticles increased the peaks in the intensity of films.     

Effects of Hasten Drying and Storage Conditions on Properties and Microstructure of Konjac Glucomannan-Whey Protein Isolate Blend Films

Impact of drying process and storage conditions on properties of konjac glucomannan (KGM) and whey protein isolate (WPI) blend films was investigated. Hundred grams of film solution contained 0.4 g KGM, 3.8 g WPI and 1.5 g glycerol. During drying process, air velocity was varied to produce fast drying (3 h) and slow drying (15 h) in tray dryers under 50 °C. The high air velocity resulted in a significant higher drying rate in fast drying than low air velocity in slow drying. Drying curves from both processes were well-fitted with Page model and Henderson and Pabis model (R² ≥ 0.98). Fast drying improved transparency and mechanical properties without impairing color, solubility or water vapor permeability (WVP). Fast-dried film had less surface roughness and contained larger protein clusters. It also had greater melting enthalpy of protein aggregates, implying stronger networks. For stability study, fast-dried film was stored at 4-35 °C for 24 days. Transparency decreased over time. Overall mechanical properties have improved during storage. Color, solubility and WVP did not significantly change over time at all conditions (p?>?0.05). Microstructure of aged films was relatively similar to that of the freshly prepared film. Overall, the fast-dried KGM-WPI film exhibited reasonable storage stability.     

Effect of transglutaminase treatment on the properties of cast films of soy protein isolates

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) treatment on the properties and microstructures of soy protein isolate (SPI) films cast with 0.6 plasticizer per SPI (gg(-1)) of glycerol, sorbitol and 1:1 mixture of glycerol and sorbitol, respectively. Tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) or water vapor permeability (WVP), moisture content (MC), total soluble matter (TSM), lipid barrier property and surface hydrophobicity of control and MTGase-treated films were evaluated after conditioning film specimens at 25 degrees C and 50% relative humidity (RH) for 48 h. The treatment by 4 units per SPI (Ug(-1)) of MTGase increased the TS and surface hydrophobicity by 10-20% and 17-56%, respectively, and simultaneously significantly (P< or =0.05) decreased the E, MC and transparency. The WVTR or TSM of SPI films seemed to be not significantly affected by enzymatic treatment (P>0.05). The MTGase treatment also slowed down the moisture loss rate of film-forming solutions with various plasticizers during the drying process, which was consistent with the increase of surface hydrophobicity of SPI films. Microstructural analyses indicated that the MTGase-treated films of SPI had a rougher surface and more homogeneous or compact cross-section compared to the controls. These results suggested that the MTGase treatment of film-forming solutions of SPI prior to casting could greatly modify the properties and microstructures of SPI films.     

Properties,Microstructure and Heat Seal Ability of Bilayer Films Based on Fish Gelatin and Emulsified Gelatin Films

Bilayer films prepared by the lamination of fish gelatin film (GF) and its corresponding emulsified film (EF) with different thickness ratios (7:3, 5:5 and 3:7) were characterized. Bilayer films had the similar tensile strength (TS) to EF (p > 0.05) but showed lower elongation at break (EAB) (p < 0.05). All bilayer films showed the lower water vapor permeability (WVP) but higher oxygen permeability (OP) than GF. Bilayer films had varying ΔE* (total color different), where the highest value was observed in that laminated with higher thickness ratio of EF (p < 0.05). Lower light transmission and higher transparency value were obtained for bilayer films, compared to GF (p < 0.05). Based on scanning electron microscopic (SEM) cross-section micrographs, all bilayer films consisted of two layers. Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis revealed that the bilayer films had the higher glass transition temperature (T _g) than GF but lower than EF. All bilayer films were heat sealable, however their seal strength and seal efficiency were lower than those of GF (p < 0.05). Therefore, the thickness ratios of GF and EF had a marked effect on the mechanical and barrier properties as well as heat sealing ability of resulting bilayer films.     

Physical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of chitosan/PEO blend films

Films formed by blending of two polymers usually have modified physical and mechanical properties compared to films made of the individual components. Our preliminary studies indicated that incorporation of chitosan in polyethylene oxide (PEO) films may provide additional functionality to the PEO films and may decrease their tendency to spherulitic crystallization. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between chitosan/PEO weight ratio and the physical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of corresponding films. Films with chitosan/PEO weight ratios from 100/0 to 50/50 in 10% increments were characterized by measuring thickness, puncture strength (PS), tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (%E), water vapor permeability (WVP), and water solubility (WS). Additionally, the films were examined by polarized microscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and their antibacterial properties were tested against Escherichia coli. The chitosan fraction contributes to antimicrobial effect of the films, decreases tendency to spherulitic crystallization of PEO, and enhances puncture and tensile strength of the films, while addition of the PEO results in thinner films with lower water vapor permeability. Films with 90/10 blend ratio of chitosan/PEO showed the most satisfactory PS, TS, %E, and antibacterial properties of all tested ratios.     

Characterization,Release Profile and Antimicrobial Properties of Bioactive Polyvinyl Alcohol-Alyssum homolocarpum Seed Gum- Nisin Composite Film

A common goal of active packaging is to improve the shelf life, safety, or quality of packaged foods. The integrity of an active package must be remained in order to prevent the growth of microorganisms on the surface of food. Therefore, active polyvinyl alcohol-Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum (PVA-AHSG) composite films with different nisin concentrations (3000, 5000 and 10,000 IU) were prepared and their physico-chemical and antimicrobial properties were determined. Addition of nisin to the composite films increased their water vapor permeability (WVP), elongation at break (EB) and opacity, whereas their total color difference (ΔE), glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), tensile strength (TS) and young modulus (YM) were decreased. Increasing the nisin concentration remarkably increased the chain mobility, interactions between polymers and water molecules and also the free volume of polymer matrix. The antimicrobial potential of film against L. monocytogene, S. aureus and E. coli as well as the release of nisin into phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.2) were investigated. Films containing nisin had inhibition effect against gram positive pathogens among which L. monocytogenes was the most sensitive bacterium. In liquid media, all films containing nisin prevented the growth of L. monocytogenes and S. aureus, but it was only the film with 10,000 IU nisin content which was able to control 100% of the microbial population during incubation time. Nisin release and diffusion coefficient (D) increased as its concentration increased in the film matrix due to the interaction of nisin with film polymer chains. Therefore, the resultant film had appropriate controlled release property and suitable microbial inhibitory against gram positive bacteria.

Composite bioactive films based on polyvinyl alcohol-Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum blend and Nisin: Physiochemical characterization and antimicrobial properties. Monjazeb et al. (2017).

     

Modification of collagen with a natural cross-linker, procyanidin

We have investigated the modification of collagen with a natural plant polyphenol, procyanidin under acidic conditions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies demonstrate that the hydrogen bond interactions between collagen and procyanidin does not destroy the triple helix conformation of collagen, and the fibril aggregation occurs because of the cross-linking with procyanidin. The water contact angle (WCA) tests indicate that the hydrophobicity of the procyanidin modified collagen films can be improved. Whereas, the water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films decrease with the increasing procyanidin content due to the formation of denser structure. Moreover, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TG) measurements reveal that the collagen/procyanidin films have improved thermal stability in comparison with pure collagen. The present study reveals that procyanidin stabilizes collagen as a cross-linker and preserves its triple helical structure.     

Properties of film from splendid squid (Loligo formosana) skin gelatin with various extraction temperatures

Properties of film from splendid squid (Loligo formosana) skin gelatin extracted at different temperatures (50-80°C) were investigated. Tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EAB) of films decreased, but water vapour permeability (WVP) increased (P<0.05) as the extraction temperature increased. Increase in transparency value with coincidental decrease in lightness was observed with increasing extraction temperatures. Electrophoretic study revealed that degradation of gelatin became more pronounced with increasing extraction temperatures. As a consequence, their corresponding films had the lower mechanical properties. FTIR spectra of obtained gelatin films revealed the significant loss of molecular order of the triple helix. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that F80 exhibited the higher heat susceptibility and weight loss. Loosen structure was observed in film prepared from gelatin with increasing extraction temperatures. Thus, the temperature used for gelatin extraction from splendid squid skin directly affected the properties of corresponding films.     

Mechanical and barrier properties of nanocrystalline cellulose reinforced chitosan based nanocomposite films

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) reinforced chitosan-based biodegradable films were prepared by solution casting. The NCC content in the films was varied from 1 to 10% (dry wt. basis). It was found that the tensile strength (TS) of the nanocomposite films with 5% (w/w) NCC content was optimum with an improvement of 26% compared to the control chitosan films. Incorporation of NCC also significantly improved barrier properties. Water vapor permeability (WVP) of the chitosan/NCC films was decreased by 27% for the optimum 5% (w/w) NCC content. Swelling studies revealed a decrease in water uptake of the NCC-reinforced chitosan films. Analyses of thermal properties showed no significant effect of NCC whereas X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the appearance of crystalline peaks in the nanocomposite films. Surface morphology of the films was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and it was found that NCC was dispersed homogenously into chitosan matrix.     

Pore size determination of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibril films by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy

Wood cellulose nanofibril films with sodium carboxylate groups prepared from a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized pulp exhibited an extremely low oxygen permeability of 0.0008 mL μm m(-2) day(-1) kPa(-1) at 0% relative humidity (RH). Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) was used to determine the pore sizes in wood and tunicate TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibril (TOCN-COONa) films in a vacuum (i.e., at 0% RH). PALS analysis revealed that the pore size of the wood TOCN-COONa films remained nearly at 0.47 nm from the film surface to the interior of the film. This is probably the cause of this high oxygen-barrier properties at 0% RH. The crystalline structure of TOCN-COONa also contributes to the high oxygen-barrier properties of the wood TOCN-COONa films. However, the oxygen permeability of the wood TOCN-COONa films increased to 0.17 mL μm m(-2) day(-1) kPa(-1) at 50% RH, which is one of the shortcomings of hydrophilic TOCN-COONa films.     

Effect of Formulation Conditions on Hypromellose Performance Properties in Films Used for Capsules and Tablet Coatings

This study investigated the effects of polymer dispersion and hydration conditions on hypromellose (HPMC) film properties, such as strength, oxygen permeability, water vapor transmission, clarity, and haze. The focus of the study was to build a better understanding of the impact that changes to HPMC dispersion and hydration conditions have on performance properties of the resulting films. This understanding could potentially lead to more flexible formulation guidelines for formulators. Films of HPMC 2906 (USP) were produced from aqueous solutions prepared using various formulation conditions. Results showed that tensile properties and oxygen permeability were not significantly affected by the variables used. The differences observed in water vapor transmission are unlikely to affect practical application of the material. However, the differences observed in clarity and haze at 50°C hydration temperature could affect the appearance of a capsule or coated tablet. Several methods were used to determine whether loss of optical properties was due to surface phenomena or bulk defects within a film. Results indicated that the cloudy appearance was primarily due to surface roughness. Based on this information, there is some flexibility in formulation conditions; however, hydration temperatures greater than 25°C are not recommended.     

Vapor Barrier Properties and Mechanical Behaviors of Composite Hydroxypropyl Methylcelluose/Zein Nanoparticle Films

Composite films of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and zein nanoparticles (ZNP) were prepared to create a biopolymer-based film with reduced vapor permeability and potential for active-packaging applications. Microscopy verified the dispersion of ZNP with diameter of ~100 nm throughout the width and depth of the films, with ZNP forming sub-micrometer clusters of nanoparticles at loaded volume fractions >0.15. Incorporation of non-hygroscopic ZNP increased film-water contact angles to >70 degrees and decreased water vapor permeability of films by ~10–30%. Extensional measurements of films described an increase in tensile strength from 27 kPa to 49 kPA, a decreased capacity to elongate, and an initial increase followed by gradual decrease in Young’s moduli with increasing ZNP fractions. Decreased elasticity was observed within microscale regions of the films at higher ZNP volume fractions using dynamic force spectroscopy, and the trends were strongly correlated with bulk Young’s moduli of the composite films. A mathematical model rationalized the initially increased and subsequently decreased Young’s modulus by the change in ZNP dispersion/clustering combined with a collapse of the interfacial zone surrounding ZNP.