Lysozyme release from isolate pea protein and starch based films and their antimicrobial properties

The objective of the current research was to analyze the effects of the pea protein and corn starch films as well as the temperature influence (10 and 25 degrees C) on the release of lysozyme to a food simulant (agar gel). Lysozyme concentration at different depths of food simulant was measured, as a function of diffusion time, through its enzyme activity. In both polymer matrices, a loss of lysozyme activity was observed after film formation. Diffusion of lysozyme was enhanced when temperature increased, mainly when pea protein films were tested. A higher retention of lysozyme in the film starch matrix was significantly detected which could be attributed to the different hydration degree of the film in contact with the agar medium and the different interactions between the enzyme and the film polymer chains. The antimicrobial effectiveness of pea protein and starch films containing lysozyme (0, 50, 75 and 100 mg lysozyme/g hydrocolloid), against Listeria monocytogenes was proved. At 10 degrees C, both matrices were effective against the pathogen. At 25 degrees C, the effectiveness of films significantly decreased and pea protein films showed the best antimicrobial activity. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.