Modeling, Simulation, and Experimental Validation of Drying and Denaturation Behavior of Whey Protein Isolate–Based Coatings

Abstract

Previous studies proved that heat-treated whey protein isolate (WPI)-based coatings can act as an adequate packaging material with sufficient barrier properties and producibility. These properties also depend on the degree of denaturation of the coating formulations used. This study focuses on the modeling, simulation, and experimental validation of drying and denaturation behavior of WPI-based coatings. Simulation according to existing models is able to describe denaturation and drying kinetics of WPI based coatings adequately. A degree of denaturation of about 13% was reached during coating production. Water vapor transmission rates were reduced up to 67%.

Keywords:

• Degree of denaturation
• Infrared and convective drying
• Reaction engineering approach (REA)
• Surface energy
• Water vapor transmission rate
• Whey protein isolate

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors acknowledge support from all involved colleagues at Fraunhofer IVV and Prof. Dr. Uwe Grupa from Fulda University of Applied Sciences.