Temperature Effect on Oxygen Permeability of Edible Protein‐based Films

Abstract

ABSTRACT Edible films from corn zein, wheat gluten, and wheat gluten/soy protein isolate (2.1:0.9) were produced and their oxygen permeabilities were determined at 7, 15, 25, and 35°C under 0% relative humidity. Mean oxygen permeability values for the 3 films were in the range of 1.8–11.2, 0.9–6.1, and 0.6–3.8 amol/m.s.Pa, respectively. Data for all 3 films showed very good agreement with the Arrhenius activation energy model. No structural transitions were indicated within these films in this temperature range. Calculated activation energy values for the oxygen permeation process were 11.1, 11.9, and 10.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Comparisons with some non‐protein edible coatings and plastic packaging materials showed dry protein films were very efficient oxygen barriers.