Preparation and characterization of whey protein film incorporated with TiO2 nanoparticles

Biodegradable titanium dioxide (TiO(2))/whey protein isolate (WPI) blend films were made by casting denatured WPI film solutions incorporated with TiO(2) nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction, UV-vis spectra, and fluorescence spectra of the films showed the successful incorporation of TiO(2) nanoparticles into the WPI matrix and indicated the interactions between TiO(2) and WPI. Mechanical tests revealed the antiplasticizing effect of TiO(2) nanoparticles on the WPI/TiO(2) film. Small amounts (<1 wt%) of added TiO(2) nanoparticles significantly increase the tensile properties of WPI film, but also decrease the moisture barrier properties. The addition of higher amounts (>1 wt%) of TiO(2) improves moisture barrier properties but lowers the tensile properties of the film. Microstructural evaluation confirmed the aggregation and distribution of TiO(2) nanoparticles within the WPI matrix and validated the results of functional properties of the WPI/TiO(2) film.