Combined effect of cassava starch nanoparticles and protein isolate in properties of starch‐based nanocomposite films

Abstract

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporation of cowpea protein isolate and cassava starch nanoparticles obtained by ultrasound on the properties of cassava starch:glycerol films. The cowpea bean protein isolate was successfully obtained with 72.5% of protein and solubility about 90%. The cassava starch nanoparticles yielded 97.85%. Increasing protein isolate concentration in starch:glycerol films resulted in a progressive reduction of water vapor permeability up to 27.0%. The cassava starch nanoparticles added films presented expressive increments in tensile strength (283.83%) as well as modulus of elasticity (204.31%), accompanied by decreasing in elongation at break (24.28%). The thermal stabilities of cassava starch films were affected by the addition of both protein isolate and cassava starch nanoparticles. The cassava starch nanoparticles obtained by ultrasound ensured the maintenance of film properties, optimizing the production time, with a higher yield, and without the need for chemical reagents. Thus, it could be useful for substitution of those obtained by acid hydrolysis. Therefore, giving rise to a trend of production of nanocomposite films suitable for reinforced packaging applications.