title: Development and characterization of the kefiran-whey protein isolate-TiO2 nanocomposite films.
abstract: Biodegradable kefiran-whey protein isolate (WPI)-titanium dioxide (TiO2) blend films were developed and characterized as a function of incorporating amount of TiO2 nanoparticles (1, 3 and 5% wt.). Results showed that the water vapor permeability, moisture content, moisture absorption and water solubility decreased by increasing the nano-TiO2 content. Mechanical tests revealed the plasticizing effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the kefiran-WPI-TiO2 film. Addition of TiO2 nanoparticles to kefiran-WPI films significantly decreased tensile strength and Young's modulus, while increased its elongation at break. Differential scanning calorimetry data indicated that the glass transition temperature significantly changed by adding nano-TiO2. X-ray diffraction analysis also demonstrated that crystal type in kefiran-WPI was not affected by incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles. A uniform distribution at 1 and 3% wt. loading levels of TiO2 nanoparticles was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science, Engineering & Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4111, Karaj 31587-77871, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohsen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zolfi
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science, Engineering & Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4111, Karaj 31587-77871, Iran. Electronic address: khodaiyan@ut.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Faramarz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Khodaiyan
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science, Engineering & Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4111, Karaj 31587-77871, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mousavi
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbial Biotechnology & Biosafety, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Karaj, Iran.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hashemi
mesh_terms: D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D008894:Milk Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry*; D010539:Permeability; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000737:chemistry*; D012995:Solubility; D013696:Temperature; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*; D014835:Volatilization; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry; D000067816:Whey Proteins
chemical_list: D008894:Milk Proteins; D011134:Polysaccharides; D000067816:Whey Proteins; D014867:Water; C009495:titanium dioxide; C050180:kefir grain polysaccharide; D014025:Titanium
keywords: Biodegradable films; Kefiran; Water vapor permeability; X-ray diffraction