Biopolymeric films based on whey protein isolate/lignin microparticles for waste recovery

Abstract

Lignin is a source of phenolic compounds. It can be an excellent raw material for the production of films with whey protein isolate (WPI). The present study investigates WPI films with lignin microparticles (LMP). The structural, morphological, physical (thermal and mechanical analysis, water vapor barrier, color parameters, and transparency) properties, and the antioxidant properties were determined. The concentration of LMP were 0, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75% (w/w). Structural analysis showed the addition of LMP to WPI‐based films did not change the film structure. A good dispersion of the microparticles is observed for the treatments containing 0.25 and 0.50% (w/w) LMP. In the concentrations of WPI and LMP used, an improvement in the thermal (increase of 13.46°C in Tg) and mechanical properties (35% more resistant) were observed, as well as higher temperatures of degradation and lower water vapor barrier (12 and 16% for 0.25 and 0.50%, w/w, LMP). The films containing LMP showed antioxidant potential, with higher values for 0.75% (w/w) of LMP.Practical ApplicationsThe Whey Protein Isolate is by‐product of the cheese industry and Lignin is a by‐product of the cellulose, paper, and ethanol biorefineries. The lignin improved the resistance of packaging to handling, providing longer use time for the packaging. These two polymers combined interesting characteristics for the development of new active packaging, with antioxidant action, capable of reducing food degradation and expanding the shelf life of foods.

Control of lipid oxidation in ground meat by using whey protein isolate active biopolymers with lignin microparticles

“…The LMP was produced according to Gomide et al, 6 and the films were produced by the casting technique according to Azevedo et al 22 WPI and glycerol were used at 6% (w/v) in relation to the volume of solution and 30% (w/w) in relation to the base polymer. For the production of the control film (CF), WPI and glycerol were dissolved separately in distilled water under stirring for 30 min.…”

“…Its chemical structure has types and numbers of bonds that vary according to the source and extraction methods. The advantages of lignin as an antioxidant agent include its attractiveness as a natural and biodegradable source obtained as a co‐product in the pulp and paper industry, low cost and good availability 6,13–18 . A previous study on the development of WPI‐based films and lignin microparticles (LMPs) showed a good dispersion of LMP (0.25 and 0.50 w/w) in the WPI polymeric matrix, with improved thermal stability, resistance to stiffness and enhanced water vapour barrier.…”

“…A previous study on the development of WPI‐based films and lignin microparticles (LMPs) showed a good dispersion of LMP (0.25 and 0.50 w/w) in the WPI polymeric matrix, with improved thermal stability, resistance to stiffness and enhanced water vapour barrier. However, the study did not address the use in food and the possible antioxidant potential of lignin in food products 6 …”

Elaboration of Whey Protein-Based Films in Food Products: Emphasis on the Addition of Natural Edible Bio-nanocomposites with Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity

“…The obtained data by the study of Sukatta et al (19) revealed that film imparts remarkable antioxidant activity (even better than BHT and α-tocopherol) and mediocre antibacterial effects toward S. aureus. Moreover, the results of the addition of paprika extract and coconut EO (20), microparticles of lignin (29), and α-tocopherol (30) to WP-based films are outlined in Table 1.…”

Effect of whey protein isolate addition on thermoplasticized pectin packaging properties

“…This waste volume has been improperly disposed of for many years and has generated enormous environmental problems. Currently, the food industry has developed alternatives to minimize whey disposal, including use in food products such as dairy drinks, ice cream, and WPI production (Carvalho et al, 2019;Carvalho et al, 2020;de Oliveira, Ugucioni, da Rocha, & Borges, 2019;Galus & Kadzi nska, 2019;Gomide et al, 2021). WPI films stand out for their advantages, such as a high oxygen barrier and a good film-forming capability.…”