Microbial Transglutaminase as a Tool to Improve the Features of Hydrocolloid-Based Bioplastics

Abstract

Several proteins from animal and plant origin act as microbial transglutaminase substrate, a crosslinking enzyme capable of introducing isopeptide bonds into proteins between the aminoacids glutamines and lysines. This feature has been widely exploited to modify the biological properties of many proteins, such as emulsifying, gelling, viscosity, and foaming. Besides, microbial transglutaminase has been used to prepare bioplastics that, because made of renewable molecules, are able to replace the high polluting plastics of petrochemical origin. In fact, most of the time, it has been shown that the microbial enzyme strengthens the matrix of protein-based bioplastics, thus, influencing the technological characteristics of the derived materials. In this review, an overview of the ability of many proteins to behave as good substrates of the enzyme and their ability to give rise to bioplastics with improved properties is presented. Different applications of this enzyme confirm its important role as an additive to recover high value-added protein containing by-products with a double aim (i) to produce environmentally friendly materials and (ii) to find alternative uses of wastes as renewable, cheap, and non-polluting sources. Both principles are in line with the bio-economy paradigm.

Effect of Transglutaminase Pre-Crosslinking Treatment Incorporated with Glucono-δ-lactone on the Physicochemical and Digestive Properties of Tofu

“…As time went on, larger and larger protein aggregates were formed; the cross-linking reaction caused by TGase was responsible for this result. It is well known that TGase is able to catalyze intra-and/or intermolecular crosslinks among protein molecules that result in forming ε-(γ-glutamine) lysine covalent isopeptide bonds [16]. As seen from Table 1, even if the incubation time lasts for only 0.5 h, significant increase (p < 0.05) in the particle average size (0.5 h, 442.2 ± 5.1 nm) was observed compared to the soymilk before incubation with TGase (0 h, 362.9 ± 3.2 nm).…”

A biorefinery approach for the conversion of Cynara cardunculus biomass to active films

“…Generally, biopolymers from agricultural sources are an interesting option for biodegradable/edible plastics production since agricultural industry generates a high quantity of different by-products containing biomacromolecules, such as proteins and polysaccharides, considered good candidates for the production of hydrocolloid bio-plastics. In fact, proteins from soy and different legumes as well as several carbohydrates, such as pectins, chitosan and starch are extensively used in this sector (Giosafatto, Fusco, Al-Asmar, & Mariniello, 2020). However, despite the huge worldwide production of these agricultural biomasses, they are basically used for animal feeding and on a small amount for bio-plastic production.…”

Rheological and Antimicrobial Properties of Chitosan and Quinoa Protein Filmogenic Suspensions with Thyme and Rosemary Essential Oils

“…The solutions were then mixed in 1:10 ratio (C:QP), sorbitol was added in a 1:1 weight ratio (C:sorbitol), and adjusted to pH 11. Then, the mixture was homogenized by a high speed mixer (IKA T25-Ultra-Turrax, Wilmington, USA) at 21,500 rpm for 3 min, followed by sonication for 10 min at 150 W, and 20 kHz (SONOPULS, HD3200, Bandelin GmbH, Berlin, Germany) [29].…”