Puncture Strength Research Articles

Effect of Ethyl Methanesulfonate on Induced Morphological Variation in M3 Generation of Chrysanthemum indicum var. aromaticum

Mutation breeding is considered to be economic and efficient in plant improvement, and the use of chemical mutagens such as ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) can potentially address plant breeding challenges. The aim of this study was to induce morphological mutants in C. indicum var. aromaticum using EMS treatments with different doses, and to analyze the morphological and physiological traits of obtained mutants in expectation of finding favorable mutants. Results revealed significant effects of EMS doses on seed germination. The sample germination rate significantly decreased with increasing of EMS doses. The obtained morphological mutants were two viable types, containing leaf and stem mutants. Overall leaf size was significantly larger as a result of EMS treatments. And the height of mutant plants was significantly higher. Anatomical characteristics exhibited changes in both leaves and stems of the mutant plants. The puncture strength of the bent stem from the mutant plants was low, with weak penetration resistance. The total lignin and cellulose contents of mutant plants stem decreased significantly as a result of the EMS treatments. These results demonstrate the efficiency of EMS to induce mutations in C. indicum var. aromaticum, and this method can be useful in the future to assist breeding of this plant.

Effects of Maturity, Dipping Time and Drying Method on Selected Physical and Mechanical Properties of Dried Saba (Musa acuminate x balbisiana) Leaves as Packaging Material

Banana leaves are currently used as packaging material for fresh fruits and vegetables. This study focused on the characterization of the physical and mechanical properties of dried banana leaves. This study evaluated the effect of maturity (young, mature and old leaves), dipping time and drying method on the color, tensile strength and puncture strength of dried banana leaves. The leaves were dipped in boiling water at varying time (2 to 3 s, 5 to 6 s and 8 to 9 s) and dried using different methods (air, sun and oven drying). After drying, the samples were subjected to color analysis, tensile and puncture testing. Browning index was computed using the L*, a* and b* values measured. The combination of blanching and drying process will improve the properties of the leaves. The result showed that the browning index decreases with maturity while it increases with longer dipping time and higher drying temperature. Tensile strength was computed and showed that as the leaves mature, tensile strength decreases. Also, tensile strength decreases with longer dipping time. Puncture strength increases with maturity and decreases with longer dipping time. Overall, the combination of blanching followed by drying was proven to be effective in increasing the physical strength of the banana leaves. The study can be used in knowing the quality and finding the appropriate harvesting age of the leaves to be used as a packaging material.

β-Cyclodextrin-Mediated Beany Flavor Masking and Textural Modification of an Isolated Soy Protein-Based Yuba Film.

The application of β-cyclodextrin (CD) to remove unattractive volatile compounds has been applied in various food products. This study investigated the effect of CD concentration (1–4%) on the beany flavor masking and textural modification of yuba film prepared by isolated soy protein (ISP) in the presence of (+CD), or after removing, the flavor-entrapped CD (−CD). Based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), the addition of CD caused a decrease in 1-octen-3-ol, benzaldehyde, hexanal, and 2-heptanone, which are characterized as the major beany flavor compounds. Regardless of presence or removal, the use of CD was effective in reducing beany flavor in yuba film. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation indicated that the CD present in yuba film was distributed on the lower surface and matrices of the films. In yuba film containing 4% CD, the CD crystals were concentrated on both the upper and lower surfaces of the film. The textural properties of the yuba film were affected by the presence or removal of CD, and better puncture strength was obtained when yuba was made after removing the CD. Therefore, this study indicates that the addition of CD was a good approach to mask the beany flavor of soy protein-based products, and textural properties could be improved by removing CD from the product formulation.

Effect of glycerol and sorbitol concentrations on mechanical, optical, and barrier properties of sweet potato starch film

The search to improve the characteristics of biomaterials obtained from natural biopolymers such as starch has led to the use of mixtures of various polymers with plasticizing agents such as glycerol and sorbitol. In this research, the effect of concentration (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% starch basis) and type of plasticizer (glycerol and sorbitol) on water solubility (WS), total color difference (ΔE), mechanical properties and water vapor permeability (WVP) of films based on sweet potato starch was evaluated. The mechanical properties were determined by the Puncture Strength method, WVP and WS were performed using gravimetric methods, ΔE was determined by a colorimeter. The results showed an inverse relationship between the puncture resistance and ΔE of the films with the concentration of the plasticizers. However, an increase in plasticizer concentration led to an increase in the percentage of elongation, WS, and WVP of sweet potato starch films. The highest values for percentage elongation and WVP were found in films plasticized with glycerol. Sweet potato starch can be used for the development of film for edible candy wrappers and edible coatings fresh fruit and vegetables.

Glow-discharge plasma enhanced coating and functionalization of needle-punched nonwoven PET filter media for textile wastewater decolorization

This study reports the use of glow-discharge plasma coated and functionalized PET needle-punched nonwovens as filter media for decolorization of textile dye-containing effluent. The investigation had been aimed at proving the possibility of GDP enhanced coating and functionalization (GDP processing) to produce better results for successfully replace such thermochemical finishing of PEI coat onto the primary PET fibers. The fiber surfaces functionalization with branched polymers such PEI has aroused much interest recently due to their unique properties as dye-immobilization absorber. For this study, the effect of processing time on the dye retention capacity of the functionalized PET nonwovens was investigated. Comparison was made between the most influential parameters of the basic, chemically and GDP processed PET nonwovens, such as: material thickness, air permeability, and puncture strength. The dye-retention capacity of the basic and functionalized nonwovens was determined by two synthetic water effluent – the anionic Orange G and the cationic Methylene Blue test-dyes have been used. The normal glow-discharge plasma processing in air as residual gas at 80 Pa provide the best possible anionic dye retention capacity. Based on this study, it was confirmed that this PEI coated and functionalized PET nonwoven could be used for the immobilization of anionic dyes from colored textile wastewater: the retention capacity from 4.16 to 5.57 mg/g with is comparable to the other available products used as adsorbent in dye-immobilization wastewater treatment.

Divergicin M35-Chitosan Film: Development and Characterization.

Chitosan films loaded with bacteriocin were examined by FTIR spectroscopy, tested for color, puncture strength, water vapor permeability, and as antimicrobials of Listeria innocua HPB13. Divergicin M35, a bacteriocin produced by Carnobacterium divergens, was incorporated into films made with chitosan of molecular mass 2kDa, 20kDa, or 100kDa and de-acetylated either 87% or 95%. Only 100kDa chitosan yielded films that could be peeled and handled easily. The higher degree of de-acetylation increased the total color factor (ΔE) of bacteriocin-loaded films, their permeability, and puncture strength. Incorporation of divergicin M35 into the films increased amide I peak intensity but otherwise did not induce significant structural change. The FTIR spectra of divergicin M35 shed from the films did not differ from those of the original free bacteriocin, except in overall peak intensity. The release of active divergicin M35 from the film was faster into the buffer than into tryptic soy broth and peaked at 10-12h in both cases. Chitosan 95% de-acetylated and loaded with divergicin M35 was the most active, producing a six-log drop in Listeria innocua HPB13 viable count within 24h. These results suggest that the biocompatible and biodegradable films developed here have the potential for application as antimicrobials of Listeria spp. in foods, especially ready-to-eat, minimally processed products.

A multifunctional separator with Mg(OH)2 nanoflake coatings for safe lithium-metal batteries

Abstract Dendrite growth and thermal runaway induce serious safety hazards, impeding the practical applications of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Although extensive advances have been attained in terms of LMB safety, most work only focus on a single aspect at a time. This paper reports a multifunctional separator coated by Mg(OH)2 nanoflakes with various excellent properties including electrolyte wettability, ionic conductivity, Li+ transference number, puncture strength, thermal stability and flame retardance. When used in LMBs, the Mg(OH)2 nanoflake coatings enable uniform Li+ distributing, which makes it homogeneous to deposit lithium, realizing effective dendrite suppression and less volume expansion. Meanwhile, Mg(OH)2 coatings can ensure LMBs are in normal conditions without thermal runaway until 140 °C. A part of lithium can be converted into Li+ ions by Mg(OH)2 during repeated charge/discharge cycles, not only reducing the risk of separator damage and consequent short circuit, but also replenishing the capacity loss of LMBs. The Mg(OH)2 nanoflakes can coat on all kinds of commercial separators to improve their performances, which offers a facile but effective strategy for fabricating multifunctional separators and a comprehensive insight into enhancing LMB safety.

Preparation of Clindamycin Hydrochloride Loaded De-Esterified Low-Methoxyl Mango Peel Pectin Film Used as a Topical Drug Delivery System

In this study, we aimed to develop a low-mexthoxyl pectin (LMP) from mango peel pectin through a de-esterification method for use as a film forming agent. The prepared de-esterified pectin (DP) was compared to commercial LMP (cLMP) which possessed a 29% degree of esterification (DE). Mango peel pectin was extracted from ripe Nam Dokmai mango peel using the microwave-assisted extraction method. Pectin derived from the mango peel was classified as a high mexthoxyl pectin (79% DE) with 75% of galacturonic acid (GalA) content. A de-esterification experiment was designed by central composite design to plot the surface response curve. Our prepared DP was classified as LMP (DE 29.40%) with 69% GalA. In addition, the Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) spectra of the DP were similar to cLMP and the pectin backbone was not changed by the de-esterification process. Strikingly, the cLMP and DP films showed non-significant differences between their physical properties (p > 0.05) with respect to the puncture strength (13.72 N/mm2 and 11.13 N/mm2 for the cLMP and DP films, respectively), percent elongation (2.75% and 2.52% for the cLMP and DP films, respectively), and Young’s modulus (67.69 N/mm2 and 61.79 N/mm2 for the cLMP and DP films, respectively). The de-esterified pectin containing clindamycin HCl (DPC) and low-methoxyl pectin containing clindamycin HCl (cLMPC) films demonstrated 93.47% and 98.79% of drug loading content. The mechanical properties of the cLMPC and DPC films were improved possibly due to their crystal structures and a plasticizing effect of clindamycin HCl loaded into the films. The DPC film exhibited a drug release profile similar to that of the cLMPC film. Our anti-bacterial test of the films found that the cLMPC film showed 41.11 and 76.30 mm inhibitory clear zones against Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes, respectively. The DPC film showed 40.78 and 74.04 mm clear zones against S. aureus and C. acnes, respectively. The antibacterial activities of the cLMPC and DPC films were not significantly different from a commercial clindamycin solution. The results of this study suggest that mango peel pectin can be de-esterified and utilized as an LMP and the de-esterified pectin has the potential for use as a film forming agent, similar to cLMP. In addition, the remarkable use of de-esterified mango peel pectin to prepare films, as shown by our study, holds a great promise as an alternative material for anti-bacterial purposes.

Strain‐rate‐dependent mechanical properties of polypropylene separator for lithium‐ion batteries

AbstractThe mechanical integrity of battery separators is critical for battery safety and durability. A comprehensive study of strain‐rate‐dependent tensile and puncture properties of a polypropylene lithium‐ion battery separator is presented here with a new model. Due to anisotropy of the polymeric membrane, tensile testing was conducted for different directions. Results showed that tensile strength and elastic modulus were increased 1000% and 500%, respectively, for different directions. It was also demonstrated that tensile strength changed 10 to 25% with strain rate (1.67 × 10−4 to 1.67 × 10−1 s−1) for different directions. An equation was obtained for the first time for flow stress versus strain rate at varied tensile directions with respect to machine direction. Moreover, puncture testing was performed and it was shown that puncture strength was increased 140% with increasing strain rate from 0.25 to 250 mm min−1. Two failure modes were also observed in puncture samples. Finally, Eyring's model was used to calculate activation enthalpy of the porous polypropylene separator. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry

Design, optimization and characterization of novel topical formulations containing Triamcinolone Acetonide

Triamcinolone Acetonide (TA), a lipid-soluble molecule, is a synthetic glucocorticosteroid with anti-scarring, immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activity. The penetration of TA through the hypertrophic scar is challenging due to the scar tissue is thicker than the normal skin tissue. To overcome this problem, it was planned to prepare liposomal systems which are using for their penetration enhancer effect in topical use. So, in the present study, TA loaded liposome and liposomal film formulations were prepared and optimized to increase release and also stability. For the optimization of liposome formulations, response surface methodology (RSM) was used and the selected independent variables were the amounts of phospholipon 90g (PH) and cholesterol (CH). Encapsulation efficiency, particle size and zeta potential which were selected as dependent variables for liposome were found as 85.18% ± 2.01%, 185.2 ± 2.15 nm and −7.48 ± 0.42 mV, respectively. By using optimum liposome formulation, liposomal film formulations were prepared. The percentage of PVA ad PG were chosen as independent variables of liposomal film formulation. The dependent variables of the liposomal film formulations which were thickness, puncture strength and puncture deformation values were found to be 0.24 ± 0.02 mm, 5.53 ± 2.43 N/mm2 and 8.65% ± 1.45%, respectively. Spherical and uniform shapes of liposomes were confirmed by electron microscopy. The in-vitro bioadhesion work value of the optimum liposomal film formulation indicated that the films provide sufficient adhesion on the skin. In vitro release studies showed that the release behavior of TA from the optimized formulations fitted well with the Higuchi kinetic model. Physical stability tests demonstrated that optimized liposome and liposomal film were convenient for storage at 5 ± 3 °C for at least 90 days. In conclusion, optimized liposome and liposomal film formulations of TA could be offered as a promising strategy regarding their release, particle size, high encapsulation efficiency and stability for the treatment of hypertrophic scars.

Chitosan-Based Layer-by-Layer Assembly: Towards Application on Quality Maintenance of Lemon Fruits

We fabricated a novel chitosan-carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) layer-by-layer assembly system to facilitate the postharvest quality of the fresh produce. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), TA-XT2 texture analyzer, water vapor permeability (WVP) analyzer, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied to compare the properties of chitosan and layer-by-layer assembly. The strategy involved the optimization of water vapor permeability, puncture strength, and elasticity properties of multiplayer polymer coating. Results showed that the lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.), coated by chitosan-CMC layer-by-layer assembly, displayed significantly higher lemon firmness and vitamin C content with excellent morphology, as well as inhibited weight loss and flesh browning. This study could provide support for quality maintenance in the fruit and vegetable industry and make a significant contribution to the utilization of the natural polysaccharide as a viable resource.

Electrospun polyimide nonwovens with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties by addition of trace plasticizer

Electrospun polyimide (PI) nanofiber nonwovens with excellent mechanical and thermal performance are highly required in many applications. The addition of phosphorus-containing compounds could be used as plasticizer to achieve this purpose. Herein, different amounts of trace diphenyl phosphate (DPhP) as plasticizer are added into the PI’s precursor for electrospinning. After imidization, phosphorous-containing electrospun PI nonwovens (PI-PX) are produced. The results indicate that the addition of DPhP significantly enhanced the thermal and mechanical properties of PI-PX. PI-P0.6 (0.6 wt% DPhP) shows a T5% of 510 °C in air and 561 °C in Ar, 29 °C and 40 °C higher than those of pure PI. PI-P0.6 also shows the highest tensile strength/modulus/toughness of 44 MPa/2.0 GPa/8.5 MPa, 208 MPa/9.7 GPa/40.7 MPa, and 123 MPa/3.3 GPa/25.1 MPa, respectively, when applying different thickness determinations. In addition, PI-P0.6 also exhibited much higher puncture strength than other Li-ion battery separators. Such PI-PX composite nonwovens would be good candidates for various applications, especially for Li-ion battery separators.

Teaching the Effect of Liming Concentration on Mechanical Characteristics of Cowhide Crackers for Senior High School Students

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of liming concentration on the mechanical characteristics of cowhide crackers and to analyze the results of learning science about food mechanical characteristics related to the food chemical composition in high school students. The cowhide crackers production is carried out through the process of washing, liming, deliming, cutting, seasoning, drying, and frying the cowhide. The mechanical characteristics of the cowhide crackers were tested through the hardness and puncture strength test. Also, teaching and learning are conducted using experimental demonstration methods to 18 students through three stages, namely given a pretest; given an instructional video, and given posttest. The results of the research from cowhide crackers production with various concentrations show that the best cowhide crackers are obtained at a liming concentration of 93 grams because of the better level of crispiness than others. The mechanical properties change due to lime reduce the water and protein content in cowhide. The learning result about effect of food chemical composition on mechanical composition on cowhide crackers showed that experimental demonstration is effective in improving student learning outcomes because the average posttest score after video presentation is higher than pretest score. Furthermore, this research is important to analyze and inform the effectiveness of the use of instructional media in the science teaching and learning process.

How does ultraviolet light affect layer production, fear, and stress

The lighting spectrum used in modern poultry production commonly lacks significant amounts of ultraviolet light; however, poultry can perceive the ultraviolet spectrum unlike humans and little research has been done to investigate the importance of this part of the spectrum on bird welfare. To determine if adding ultraviolet light to typical light emitting diode (LED) lighting affected production, stress, and behavior we reared laying hens from 18 to 72 weeks of age under either just a commonly used LED fixture (Control) or with the addition of ultraviolet light (UV). To determine stress bilateral asymmetry (ASYM, n = 216), humoral immunity (KLH, n = 40), heterophil to lymphocyte ratios (HL, n = 24), and plasma corticosterone concentrations (CORT, n = 24) were measured. Fear was measured using tonic immobility (TI, n = 216) and inversion (INV, n = 216 during production. Production traits and egg quality traits were also determined. The UV birds had lower CORT at 44 and 72 weeks of age (448.5 ± 70.5 ng/dl, P = 0.03; 1433.0 ± 163.4 ng/dl, P = 0.05), ASYM (4.39 ± 0.23, P = 0.03; 3.22 ± 0.18, P = 0.004) and HL (0.28 ± 0.02, P = 0.002; 0.31 ± 0.03, P = 0.02) at 44 and 72 weeks of age than the Control birds (699.4 ± 89.9 ng/dl; 1840.7 ± 124.5 ng/dl, 5.26 ± 0.33; 4.06 ± 0.22 and 0.41 ± 0.03; 0.42 ± 0.04). The UV birds righted faster during TI (299 ± 17 s, P = 0.05; 306 ± 19 s, P = 0.04) and flapped less intensely during INV (5.35 ± 0.17 flaps/sec, P = 0.04; 5.09 ± 0.17 flaps/sec, P < 0.001) compared to Control birds (347 ± 17 s; 361 ± 19 s and 5.90 ± 0.20 flaps/sec; 5.78 ± 0.13 flaps/sec) at 44 and 72 weeks of age. There was no difference between treatments in KLH, egg shell breaking strength, egg shell puncture strength, egg shell thickness, haugh unit, feed conversion, and average egg weight at any of the time points (P > 0.05). These results demonstrate that rearing laying hens with UV light as part of the lighting spectrum can reduce their stress and fear response and once again indicate that it is important to use the correct lighting to optimize bird welfare.

The effect of silica/polyurethane waterborne dispersion on the perforating features of impregnated polypropylene-based fabric

In an attempt to improve the puncturing behavior of a commercial technical textile, this study investigated the effects of fabric impregnation with waterborne polyurethane dispersions (WPUDs). The infusing solutions were prepared by mixing a commercially available WPUD with other components, such as water, hydrophilic and hydrophobic silica (SiO2) nanoparticles, and a crosslinker. Quasi-static perforation tests were performed on a dynamometer machine equipped with a spherical spike and pointed blade as piercing probes. The results showed that the polyurethane impregnation augmented the puncture performances of the treated textiles. Then, further improvements in the spike and blade strength of the impregnated fabrics were obtained by adding hydrophilic silica nanoparticles and crosslinker into WPUDs, respectively. No effect of silica functionalization (hydrophilic or hydrophobic) has been verified on the mechanical features of the respective treated samples for the tested filler contents of 3% and 5% in wt. The best fabric features (blade strength increase of +63% and puncture strength increase of +71% compared to the neat material) were obtained by combining the two additives, nano SiO2 and crosslinker, into the polyurethane. The performances of these last systems were also superior to those obtained by doubling the amount of polymeric dispersion applied to the neat materials. The discussion of the results was supported by electron scanning microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and further measurements of the cutting resistance. Finally, the mass per unit area of the substrate for the impregnated samples was measured in order to assess weight gain due to treatment.

Active edible furcellaran/whey protein films with yerba mate and white tea extracts: Preparation, characterization and its application to fresh soft rennet-curd cheese

Biopolymer films based on furcellaran-whey protein isolate (FUR/WPI) and furcellaran-whey protein isolate incorporated with yerba mate extract (FUR/WPI + YM) and with white tea extract (FUR/WPI + WT) were successfully developed and investigated as active packaging materials for fresh soft rennet-curd cheese. YM improved water vapour permeability, water content, solubility, modulus elasticity, puncture strength and thermal stability of film. Water content and water activity decreased (P ≤ .05) during storage in cheese packed in each kind of the biopolymer films. These parameters did not change (P > .05) in control wrapped in linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Likewise, pH decreased with the exception of the application of LLDPE and FUR/WPI + YM. In those cheese samples pH did not differ (P > .05) during storage. Total bacteria count decreased (P ≤ .05) in the cheese samples wrapped in edible films during storage. However, their levels were not significantly lower than control samples when compared within the storage week. The yeast and mould counts did not differ (P > .05) during storage for the cheese packed in FUR/WPI + WT, whereas it increased in other cheese samples. The coliform bacteria count decreased (P ≤ .05) during storage in all examined cheese samples. Overall organoleptic quality was more often rated as desirable and very desirable in cheese packed in edible films than in LLDPE.

WPI and Cellulose Nanofibres Bio-nanocomposites: Effect of Thyme Essential Oil on the Morphological, Mechanical, Barrier and Optical Properties

The uncertainty of consumers about the toxicological effects of synthetic antioxidants incorporated into the packaging has led to a demand for natural substituents that exhibit antioxidant activity without adding risk to the consumers. In this context, the effects of adding different concentrations of thyme essential oil (TEO) (20, 30, and 40% w/w) to whey protein isolate (WPI) and cellulose nanofibre (CNF) bio-nanocomposites developed by casting were studied. Scanning electron microscopy showed a reduction in the dispersion of CNF's in all films with the addition of TEO. The addition of TEO also decreased the water vapor permeability, increased the glass transition temperature, and crystallinity index. For the mechanical properties, the addition of TEO produced less rigid and elastic films with decreased in tensile strength, elongation at break, puncture strength, puncture deformation, and elastic modulus. In addition, the mechanical properties showed the formation of non-interactive systems and the FTIR spectra showed maintenance of the phenolic compounds of the TEO after the synthesis of the films. The optical properties showed that films were less yellow (b*) with a tendency to green (a*), less saturated (c*), and less transparent when compared with the control (0% TEO). The addition of TEO to bio-nanocomposites of WPI and CNFs, in the concentration range tested, enabled the formation of materials with properties that encourage the studies for various applications.

Delineating the effects of hot-melt extrusion on the performance of a polymeric film using artificial neural networks and an evolutionary algorithm.

The aim of this study was to utilize an artificial neural network (ANN) in conjunction with an evolutionary algorithm to investigate the relationship between hot melt extrusion (HME) process parameters and vaginal film performance. Investigated HME process parameters were: barrel temperature, screw speed, and feed rate. Investigated film performance attributes were: percent dissolution at 30min, puncture strength, and drug content. An ANN model was successfully developed and validated with a root mean squared error of 0.043 and 0.098 for training and validation, respectively. Of all three assessed process parameters, the model revealed that barrel temperature has a significant impact on film performance. An increase in barrel temperature resulted in increased dissolution and punctures strength and decreased drug content. Additionally, a successful implementation of an evolutionary algorithm was carried out in order to demonstrate the potential applicability of the developed ANN model in film formulation optimization. In this analysis, the values predicted of film performance attributes were within 1% error of the experimental data. The findings of this study provide a quantitative framework to understand the relationship between HME parameters and film performance. This quantitative framework has the potential to be used for film formulation development and optimization.

Characterization of edible films from whey proteins treated with heat, ultrasounds and/or transglutaminase. Application in cheese slices packaging

Abstract Application of high power ultrasound and microbial transglutaminase addition, and their combination, have been studied for the modification of protein structure and crosslinking in order to change the properties of whey protein concentrate edible films. They were compared to untreated and heat-treated films (from heat-treated solutions). Ultrasound treatment modified some film properties. Water vapor permeability of ultrasound-treated films was slightly lower than those of untreated and heat-treated films. Ultrasound treatment increased tensile and puncture strengths of films in comparison with untreated samples. Transglutaminase addition only increased puncture deformation values and made films less green, more yellow and darker than non-added films. Heat-treated films showed better mechanical properties and were selected for a preliminary evaluation as separation material of cheese slices; they exhibited similar results regarding slice separation easiness and slice wholeness after separation that the commercial material, without modifying cheese color and odor.

Sodium caseinate films modified using halloysite: Physicochemical characterization and drug permeability studies

Modification of sodium caseinate (SC) films by adding halloysite (HS) was investigated in this study. SC films with HS added in different ratios were prepared, and the physicochemical properties and drug permeability of the films were characterized. Acetaminophen was used as a model drug, and parabens served to evaluate the effect of the molecular weight of permeants through the films. This study revealed that SC could interact with HS through hydrogen bonding between the amine and amide groups of SC and the hydroxyl groups on the inner or outer tubular HS. The SC-HS films presented as continuous sheets and had a similar transparency as the SC films. The thermal stability of the SC films could be enhanced by adding HS. Incorporation of HS caused a reduction in puncture strength and elongation of the dry SC films, whereas strength enhancement of the wet SC-HS films in acidic medium was found. The SC-HS films had lower water uptake and delayed drug permeation across the films in acidic medium. Moreover, the drug permeations across the SC and SC-HS films were dependent on the molecular weight or alkyl chain of parabens that impacted drug diffusion and partition processes through the films. The new knowledge obtained can be helpful for the development of film coating material based on SC-HS composites for modified-release tablets.