title: Modification of functional properties of pullulan-whey protein bionanocomposite films with nanoclay.
abstract: In this study, biodegradable nanocomposite film composed of pullulan - whey protein isolate (WPI) - montmorillonite (MMT) were developed and characterized as a function of incorporating various amounts of MMT nanoparticles (0, 1, 3 and 5 % wt). Results showed that the water-vapor permeability, moisture content, moisture absorption and water solubility decreased when the nano-MMT content was increased. Tensile strength improved and elongation at break simultaneously decreased with increasing MMT content. The glass transition temperature (Tg(and melting-point temperature (Tm) increased with increasing nano-MMT content. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed uniform distribution of MMT into the polymer matrix. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed enhancement of films' roughness with increasing MMT content.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science and Technology, Varamin-Pishva Branch, Islamic Azad University, Varamin, Iran.
authors.forename: Mahbobeh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hassannia-Kolaee
authors.affiliation: Bioprocessing and Biodetection Laboratory (BBL), Department of Food Science, Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4111, Karaj, 31587-77871 Iran.
authors.forename: Faramarz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Khodaiyan
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.
authors.forename: Iman
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Shahabi-Ghahfarrokhi
keywords: Film; Nano clay; Nanocomposite; Pullulan; Whey protein