Film-forming Material Research Articles

Characterization of new biodegradable edible film made from basil seed (Ocimum basilicum L.) gum

It is well known that the market for edible films is experiencing remarkable growth and expected to continue. This study investigated the using of basil seed gum (BSG) as a new film-forming material under the influence of addition of glycerol (GLY) as plasticizer. Edible films based on BSG and three different concentrations of GLY (25%, 35%, and 50% w/w BSG) were developed, and their water vapor permeability (WVP), as well as physical, thermal and mechanical properties were measured. The addition of glycerol significantly increased water vapor permeability and solubility of the film (p<0.05). As expected, the increase in GLY concentration from 25% to 50% (w/w) increased the extensibility, but decreased tensile strength. This suggests weaker mechanical strength and higher mobility of polymer chains by plasticizing effect of GLY. The color measurement values showed that increasing the glycerol concentration in polymer matrix caused the b and L values increased while ΔE value decreased. The electron scanning micrograph showed plasticized films as smooth, and uniform which lacked pores or cracks compared with those were not plasticized. This study revealed that the BSG had a good potential to be used in producing edible films for various food applications.

Water Vapor Permeability, Optical and Mechanical Properties of Salep-Based Edible Film

This study investigates the mechanical and physical properties of salep-based edible film. Samples of edible film with varying glycerol concentrations and dry material contents were prepared and studied. The results showed that increasing the dry material content in the film solution from 1% (w/v) to 2% (w/v) decreased water vapor permeability; however, increasing the dry material content from 2% (w/v) to 3% (w/v) increased water vapor permeability. Increasing the dry material and glycerol content increased the tensile strength from 11.82 to 24.5 MPa, the percentage of film length up to the breaking point from 16.16 to 94.3% and the salep edible film thickness from 0.021 to 0.060 mm. This research demonstrated that palmate tuber salep provides the required physical and mechanical properties to give it great potential for use in edible film production. Practical Applications Salep was used as an edible film-forming material. Glycerol was found to be the most effective and stable plasticizer for the film. The physical properties of the film and also its barrier to water were investigated. Salep has potential value as a carbohydrate source that can be used to form biopolymer edible films for packaging of low and intermediate water activity food products. The edible salep films prepared in the present investigation can be applied to food packaging.

Cu3Mo2O9 nanosheet incorporated with hemoglobin on carbon ionic liquid electrode for the direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis

In this paper Cu3Mo2O9 nanosheet was prepared by a hydrothermal method and further used to investigate the direct electrochemistry of hemoglobin (Hb) with a carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) as the substrate electrode. Hb was mixed with Cu3Mo2O9 nanosheet and cast on the CILE surface with chitosan (CTS) as the film-forming material. UV-vis and FT-IR spectroscopic results showed that Hb remained in its native structure in the composite film. Direct electron transfer of Hb on the modified electrode was realized with a pair of well-defined quasi-reversible redox waves that appeared on cyclic voltammograms. The redox peak potential appeared at −0.252 V (Epc) and −0.141 V (Epa), respectively, with the formal peak potential calculated as −0.196 V, which was the characteristic of electroactive center of Hb heme Fe(III)/Fe(II). The result could be attributed to the presence of Cu3Mo2O9 nanosheet on the electrode surface that was of benefit for the protein orientation and promoted direct electron transfer between the redox active center of Hb and the substrate electrode. The CTS/Cu3Mo2O9–Hb/CILE showed good electrocatalytic ability in reducing different substrates such as trichloroacetic acid, H2O2 and O2, with wider linear range and lower detection limit, thus exhibiting the potential application of the Cu3Mo2O9 nanosheet in third-generation electrochemical biosensors.

Soluble soybean polysaccharide: A new carbohydrate to make a biodegradable film for sustainable green packaging

Biodegradable edible films based on soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS), a new film-forming material, and three levels of glycerol (20%, 30% and 40%, w/w) as plasticizer, were developed and evaluated in terms of physical, mechanical, barrier and optical properties as well as their microstructure. SSPS-based films with a concentration of 20% glycerol possessed the lowest water vapor permeability. Increasing the glycerol content increased (P<0.05) values for elongation at break, but decreased (P<0.05) tensile-strength values. It was found that plasticizer concentration significantly affected the films’ glass-transition temperature; however, it had no significant effect on their melting point. Color measurement showed that increasing the glycerol concentration caused the b and L values to increase, while ΔE value decreased. These results were explained by the film's microstructure, which was analyzed by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that SSPS could be a promising food-packaging material.

Bio-based core–shell casein-based silica nano-composite latex by double-in situ polymerization: Synthesis, characterization and mechanism

Casein-based silica nano-composite latex as bio-based film-forming material was synthesized from casein, caprolactam, acrylate, tetraethoxysilane and silane coupling agent via double-in situ emulsion polymerization. The objective of this study was to solve the problem of casein film deficiencies, such as hard, brittle and poorer water resistance. To investigate the influences of silica on properties of the latexes and films, the resultant nano-composite and the control system (without silica) were both characterized by flourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetry (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), separately. FT-IR spectra suggested the successful incorporation of nano-silica particles with the matrix as well as the expected grafting of polyacrylate onto casein chains. Morphology of resultant composite latex exhibited evident core–shell structure with the average size of around 80nm, and the improved shell thickness indicated the encapsulation of silica on the outer layer of the particle, which was verified by TEM results. TG analysis demonstrated the enhanced thermostability of casein-based silica nano-composite, in comparison with the control system (without nano-silica). SEM, AFM and XPS results confirmed that the substantial silica dispersed uniformly near the outer layer of the films, and showed good compatibility between the inorganic and organic phases in the casein-based silica composite. Additionally, compared with the latex film without silica, the hybrid latex film containing silica showed higher hydrophobicity, lower water absorption, enhanced tensile strength and decreased flexibility.

Characterization of new biodegradable edible film made from basil seed (Ocimum basilicum L) gum

This study investigated the feasibility of using basil seed gum (BSG), as a new film-forming material. Edible films based on BSG and different three concentrations of glycerol (GLY) (25%, 35% and 50% w/w BSG) as plasticizer were developed, and their water vapor permeability (WVP), physical, and mechanical properties were characterized. WVP of the films was found to increase as the GLY content increased. As expected, the increase of GLY concentration from 25% to 50% w/w increased extensibility but decreased tensile strength, suggesting weaker mechanical strength and higher mobility of polymer chains by the plasticizing effect of GLY. The effect of plasticizer plays, then, an important rule on the physical and functional properties of these films. This study revealed that the BSG had a good potential to be used in producing edible films for various food applications.

Application of the film-forming material for increasing concrete articles firmness in cold continental climate

Application of the film-forming material for increasing concrete articles firmness in cold continental climate

Stability of the Physical Properties of Plasticized Edible Films from Squid (Todarodes pacificus) Mantle Muscle during Storage

Edible films from squid mantle muscle plasticized with different plasticizers were stored at 25 °C, 50% RH before the determination of physical properties. The results showed that tensile strength significantly increased (P < 0.05) upon the storage time, especially for the film plasticized with glucose, while there was no significant change (P ≥ 0.05) in elongation at break of all plasticized films. Water vapor permeability of glucose-plasticized film significantly decreased (P < 0.05) during storage, while there was only a slight change in those with glycerol, sorbitol, and fructose. Redness and yellowness of the films became significantly higher (P < 0.05) during storage, especially for the films plasticized with fructose and glucose. SDS-PAGE and protein solubility in SDS solution showed a possibility of protein aggregation throughout the storage. From these results, it is suggested that the changes in physical properties of the films were caused by the progress of Maillard reaction. In this study, squid mantle muscle was used as an edible film-forming material. By mixing with Na-citrate, squid mantle muscle possessed the ability to form transparent films with an excellent UV barrier property. Glycerol was found to be the most effective and stable plasticizer for the films. Edible films represent an option for the utilization of discarded squid during the fishing process.

Study on the Preparation and Properties of Low Permeability Coating

Fluorinated amorphous carbon (a-C:F) films have long attracted much consideration due to their low surface energy, hydrophobicity, low refractive index, good electrical and thermal insulation and good thermal stability, and so on. To repair of some polymer films that have good flexibility and low permeability, F2314 resin was used as main film-forming material of coating in this paper. The solubility parameter of F2314 was estimated by group contribution method, which is 20.548 J1/2•cm-3/2. And proper solvents were selected on the basis of the solubility parameter. FEVE resin was selected as one of the components of coating, because of its good adhesion and compatibility. The adhesion of the F2314 coating was improved, and penetration resistance performance of F2314 coating was enhanced to 300(mg•mm)/(m2•h).

Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Antimicrobial Properties of Wine Grape (cv. Merlot) Pomace Extract‐Based Films

Wine grape pomace (WGP) (cv. Merlot) extract-based films were studied in terms of their physicochemical, mechanical, water barrier, nutritional, and antibacterial properties. Pomace extract (PE) was obtained by hot water extraction and had a total soluble solid of 3.6% and pH 3.65. Plant-based polysaccharides, low methoxyl pectin (LMP, 0.75% w/w), sodium alginate (SA, 0.3% w/w), or Ticafilm (TF, 2% w/w), was added into PE for film formation, respectively. Elongation at break and tensile strength were 23% and 4.04 MPa for TF-PE film, 25% and 1.12 MPa for SA-PE film, and 9.89% and 1.56 MPa for LMP-PE film. Water vapor permeability of LMP-PE and SA-PE films was 63 and 60 g mm m(-2) d(-1) kPa, respectively, lower than that of TF-PE film (70 g mm m(-2) d(-1) kPa) (P<0.05). LMP-PE film had higher water solubility, indicated by the haze percentage of water after 24 h of film immersion (52.8%) than that of TF-PE (25.7%) and SA-PE (15.9%) films, and also had higher amount of released phenolics (96.6%) than that of TF-PE (93.8%) and SA-PE (80.5%) films. PE films showed antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua, in which approximate 5-log reductions in E. coli and 1.7- to 3.0-log reductions in L. innocua were observed at the end of 24 h incubation test compared with control. This study demonstrated the possibility of utilizing WGP extracts as natural, antimicrobial, and antioxidant promoting film-forming material for various food applications. WGP extract-based edible films with the addition of a small amount of commercial polysaccharides showed attractive color and comparable mechanical and water barrier properties to other edible films. The films also demonstrated their potential antioxidant and antimicrobial functions. Hence, they may be used as colorful wraps or coatings for food, pharmaceutical, or other similar applications.

Development and characterisation of a new biodegradable edible film made from kefiran, an exopolysaccharide obtained from kefir grains

This study examined the feasibility of using kefiran, an exopolysaccharide obtained from kefir grains, as a new film-forming material. Kefiran-based films, with and without glycerol as plasticizer, were prepared by a casting and solvent-evaporation method. To study the impact of the incorporation of glycerol into the film matrix, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the films were investigated. As expected, the increase of glycerol concentration from 15% to 35% w/w increased extensibility but decreased tensile strength, implying higher mobility of polymer chains by the plasticizing effect of glycerol. Water vapour permeability of films was found to increase as the plasticizer content increased. Glass transition temperatures decreased as a result of plasticization as glycerol content increased. The properties of the films were related to their microstructure, which was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Thus, it was observed that plasticizer is a significant factor in the properties of these films and their food technology applications.

Physical, mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties of polyol-plasticized biodegradable edible film made from kefiran

The feasibility of using kefiran as a new film-forming material was studied. Edible kefiran films were produced using glycerol and sorbitol as plasticizers at the ratio of 10, 15, and 25% (w/w) by the casting method. Physical, mechanical and water vapor permeability (WVP) properties were determined as a function of plasticizer concentration. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis was used to determine the glass transition temperature. Increased glycerol concentration caused an increase in flexibility and WVP, as expected. However, the plasticizing effect of glycerol became less significant, particularly for puncture deformation and tensile strength. Glycerol was found to be a more suitable plasticizer for kefiran films than sorbitol. The properties of the films were related to their microstructure, which was observed by scanning electron microscopy. It was determined that plasticizers can play an important role in adapting the properties of these films to make them more suitable for food technology applications.

Formation and complex investigation of spectral-morphologic parameters of Ag nanoscale phase in polymer film

Methods have been developed for the formation and characterization of an ultra-dispersed silver phase in polymeric matrices, specifically in polyvinyl alcohol films. A method for laser erosion of metals in air is proposed for production of silver nanoparticles. Polyvinyl alcohol films with silver nanoparticles can be obtained by implanting the particles in aqueous solutions of the film-forming material. A complex diagnostic method is recommended for investigation of the resulting polymeric films.

Surface modified porous substrate by plasma immobilization of allyl alcohol for drug delivery

The objective of this study is to examine an effectiveimmobilization method anchoring a thin functional plasmapolymer as a barrier material onto substrate’s surface forcontrolling drug-releasing behavior by a new composite LT-plasma treatment. The term ‘composite’ means combinationof two kinds of LT-plasma treatment, i.e. plasma polymer-ization and plasma-induced grafting. In general, a prerequisitefor introducing specific functional groups onto a substrate’ssurface requires an ability to make covalent bonds betweenthe substrates’ surface radicals and unsaturated carbon bondsof monomers. If such is the case, thin films deposited byplasma polymerization have merit for this purpose becausethey have surface radicals for further reactions, especiallythe grafting by unsaturated hydrocarbon monomers. As acandidate for a suitable monomer for this purpose, allylalcohol is presumed to play an essential role since it has acarbon double bond in its backbone and, in addition, ahydroxyl group responsible for hydrophilic character. In thiswork, the immobilization of allyl alcohol as a thin film-forming material with hydrophilic functionality onto cellu-lose surface as a substrate is investigated by the compositeplasma treatment, in which the cellulose surface is coatedfirst with thin film by allyl alcohol-plasma-polymer (AAPP)and then grafted with allyl alcohol polymer via covalentbond. Cellulose, (C

Effect of the Complex of Zinc(II) and Cerium(IV) with Chitosan on the Preservation Quality and Degradation of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Chinese Jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dongzao)

The effects of a novel complex of zinc(II) and cerium(IV) with chitosan film-forming material on the preservation quality of Chinese jujube fruits (Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dongzao) and degradation of organophosphorus pesticides in the fruits during the room temperature storage were investigated. The results showed that after 18 days of storage, the weight loss, respiratory intensity, and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity of fruits treated with the complex were 11.72, 31.51, and 7.07% lower than the control. Furthermore, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, and polyphenol contents were 15.45, 14.55, and 13.93% higher than the control. The degradation rates of chlorpyrifos and parathion were increased to 97.31 and 92.70% for the complex treatment, which were 30.18 and 17.02% higher than the control, respectively. Therefore, the complex can be applied for preserving Chinese jujube fruits to expand their shelf life and decrease residues of organophosphorus pesticides on the fruits.

Comparative investigations on different polymers for the preparation of fast-dissolving oral films

The aim was to compare different film-forming materials used for the preparation of fast-dissolving oral films. Films were prepared with and without caffeine and caffeine citrate as model drugs. The disintegration/dissolution behaviour of films was investigated using the newly developed slide frame method and Petri dish method. Films were also characterised by dynamic vapour sorption. All films dissolved within 40 s. Drug-loaded films disintegrated more slowly than the equivalent drug-free formulations. Disintegration/dissolution was fastest with films made from the carboxymethyl cellulose C 30 PA 09 (drug-free < 5 s, drug-loaded < 10 s). Dissolution times for drug-loaded oral films made from C 30 PA 09 and HM 6 PA 2910 (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose) differed significantly (alpha= 0.05). Dynamic vapour sorption studies revealed higher water absorption ratios for carboxymethyl cellulose films, and these were sticky and difficult to handle. This case study showed that hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose was the most suitable film-forming material for drug-free and caffeine-loaded films, providing fast dissolution films that were not sticky and were easy to handle.

Effect of ultrasound treatment on properties of gluten-based film

Abstract Gluten films obtained in acid conditions display some protein dispersion difficulties. Ultrasound treatment (UT) could represent an interesting strategy for improving gluten film appearance. Different UT exposure times were applied to film-forming dispersion. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of ultrasound treatment on gluten-based films at molecular and mesoscopic levels. Distribution in gliadin and glutenins was determined with SE-HPLC. The UT improved protein dispersion and final film appearance. Sonication did not lead to large changes in various gluten fractions, which suggests absence of important protein breakdown at the molecular level. Gluten showed high tolerance to UT. Surface properties of untreated and treated films were investigated by contact angle measurement: sonication promoted hydrophilic surface properties. Industrial relevance Bio-based packaging has been receiving increasing attention in view of its beneficial impact on the environment. Among proteins, gluten resulted as a very interesting film-forming material. Gluten films prepared in acid conditions showed problems in protein dispersion. Sonication represents a physical strategy which allowed us to obtain gluten-based films without the addition of chemical additives, such as sodium sulphite.

Novel modified starch–xanthan gum hydrogels for controlled drug delivery: Synthesis and characterization

This work was intended to develop a new cross-linked gelatinized starch–xanthan gum hydrogel system, to characterize the properties of the new material, and to explore its potential applications in controlled drug delivery. Cross-linked starch–xanthan gum polymers were synthesized with varying levels of xanthan gum and sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). The reaction of starch–xanthan gum polymers with STMP was examined using solid 31P NMR spectroscopy and FTIR. Morphology of the films made from the new polymers was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The swelling properties and the network parameters such as gel mesh size of the films were investigated. The permeation of solutes with various molecular weights and charges across the films was determined. 31P NMR and FTIR spectra showed that both starch and xanthan gum were reacted with STMP. The swelling ratio of the films was higher at higher STMP and xanthan gum levels. The gel mesh size increased with increasing swelling ratio varying from 2.84 to 6.74 nm. Permeability of anionic drugs across the polymeric films was significantly lower than their neutral form due mainly to the electrostatic repulsion between the negatively charged drugs and the polymer. The results suggest that the new cross-linked starch–xanthan gum hydrogels can be potentially used as a film-forming material in controlled release formulations.

Model estimation of ammonia volatilization from a paddy rice field after application of a surface film-forming material

SUMMARYThe efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer use is as low as 0·30–0·35 in most agricultural practices due to losses to the natural environment in many ways. Ammonia (NH3) volatilization is important in paddy rice fields. The present study investigated the effect of a surface film-forming material (SFFM) on NH3 volatilization from a paddy rice field, by model estimation using parameters from evaporative pan experiments. The modified Jayaweera–Mikkelsen (J-M) ammonia volatilization model was employed to simulate and elucidate the effect of SFFM in reducing ammonia volatilization from paddy fields. A parameter of kf value in the J–M modified model was introduced to represent the resistance of NH3 volatilization loss from SFFM. The simulated data fitted well with the prediction of the J–M modified model and field observations. The modified J–M model is suitable for screening and verifying the new SFFM, and merits further study.

Electrochemical Direct Determination of Catecholamines for the Early Detection of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Smart (Nano) materials with biosensing functions posses enormous potential in development of new generation of stable biosensors, chemical sensors, and actuators. Recently, there is a considerable interest in using TiO2 nanostructured materials as a film-forming material since they have high surface area, optical transparency, high bio-compatibility, and relatively good conductivity. In this work, TiO2 nanostructured films were used as nanoporous electrodes to study the electron transfer mechanisms of dopamine. epinephrine and norepinephrine, in order to develop a new generation of chemical sensors. The interesting results obtained are described herein and the analytical characterization of these neurotransmitter sensors is reported.