Milk Proteins for Edible Films and Coatings

Abstract

Due to the recent increase in ecological consciousness, research has turned toward finding edible materials. Viable edible films and coatings have been produced using milk proteins. These films and coatings may retard moisture loss, are good oxygen barriers, show good tensile strength and moderate elongation, are flexible, and generally have no flavor or taste. Incorporation of lipids in protein films, either in an emulsion or as a coating, improve their properties as barriers to moisture vapor. Interactions between chemical, structural properties, as well as film-forming conditions and functional properties of edible milk films are elucidated. Some potential uses of milk protein packaging, which are hinged on film properties, are described with examples.

Keywords:

• edible films
• bio-packaging
• milk proteins
• casein
• whey protein
• permeability
• tensile properties

Notes

^a Relative humidities (RH) were those on outside and inside of the test cup (outside/inside)

^b Total milk protein obtained by ultrafiltration

^c Glycerol

^d Sodium caseinate

^e Calcium caseinate

^f Acetylated monoglyceride

^g Polyethylene glycol

^h Whey protein isolate

ⁱ Sorbitol

^j Beeswax

^k Low density polyethylene

^l High density polyethylene

^m Ethylene vinyl alcohol

ⁿ Vinyl alcohol

^*Not specified

^a Room temperature

^b Glycerol

^c Soy protein isolate

^d β-lactoglobulin

^e Sodium caseinate

^f Sorbitol

^g Whey protein isolate

^h Beeswax

ⁱ Low density polyethylene

^j High density polyethylene

^k Ethylene vinyl alcohol

^l Vinyl alcohol

^m Poly(vinylidene chloride)

^* Based on values for PVDC-based films

^a Milk protein obtained by ultrafiltration

^b Glycerol

^c Transglutaminase

^d β -lactoglobulin

^e Sodium caseinate

^f Polyethylene glycol

^g Calcium caseinate

^h Potassium caseinate

ⁱ Whey protein isolate

^j Sorbitol

^k Whey protein concentrate

^l Acetylated monoglyceride

^m Low density polyethylene

ⁿ High density polyethylene

^a Acetylated monoglyceride

^b Whey protein isolate