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Novel Egg White Protein-Chitin Nanocrystal Biocomposite Films with Enhanced Functional Properties
Víctor Baquero-Aznar1,2, Víctor Calvo3, José Miguel González-Domínguez3
1Departamento de Ciencia Vegetal, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Av. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain.
Egg white protein (EWP) biocomposite films reinforced with chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) show improved mechanical and barrier properties for sustainable packaging. The method of ChNC incorporation significantly impacts film performance, offering tailored solutions for food packaging.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Food Science
Background:
- Protein-based films often have limitations in mechanical strength and barrier properties.
- Sustainable packaging solutions are in high demand to reduce environmental impact.
- Nanocrystal reinforcement offers a pathway to enhance biocomposite material performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop egg white protein (EWP) biocomposite films reinforced with chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs).
- To investigate the effect of ChNC incorporation method (suspension vs. powder) and concentration on film properties.
- To assess the potential of these EWP-ChNC biocomposites for sustainable food packaging.
Main Methods:
- Compression molding was used to prepare EWP biocomposite films with varying ChNC content (1-5 wt.%).
- ChNCs were incorporated either as aqueous suspensions or lyophilized powder.
- Structural (SEM, XRD), thermal (DSC/TGA), mechanical (tensile testing), optical, and barrier (permeability) properties were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Homogeneous ChNC dispersion was achieved using aqueous suspensions, while powder addition led to aggregation.
- ChNC reinforcement increased film crystallinity and tensile strength, particularly at 2 wt.% ChNCs in suspension.
- Water vapor permeability decreased by up to 14.5% with 2 wt.% ChNCs added as powder.
- Oxygen permeability remained largely unaffected, and optical properties showed minimal changes except for slight yellowness.
Conclusions:
- The incorporation method and concentration of ChNCs are critical factors in optimizing EWP biocomposite film properties.
- EWP films reinforced with ChNCs demonstrate enhanced mechanical and barrier functionalities.
- These findings support the potential of EWP-ChNC nanocomposites as sustainable bio-derived materials for advanced food packaging.
