Characteristics of edible films made from dairy proteins and zein hydrolysate cross-linked with transglutaminase

The main objectives of this research were to develop whey protein or casein films incorporating zein hydrolysate and also cross-linked by transglutaminase as to well as characterize the physical and mechanical properties of the film. Zein hydrolysate decreased the solubility of the whey protein film (P < 0.05), while treatment with transglutaminase did not change the solubility of the film significantly. Electrophoresis patterns demonstrated that casein molecules were cross-linked by transglutaminase and the extent of this cross-linkage was further increased when zein hydrolysate was added. In addition, the use of zein hydrolysate decreased the tensile strength of the whey protein film by 35-45%. The elongation of the casein film was increased by 41% because of the action of transglutaminase and zein hydrolysate (P < 0.05). The water vapour permeability of the films was not significantly different. As the addition of zein hydrolysate and treatment with transglutaminase improved the flexibility of the films, the level of plasticizer required to maintain film flexibility could be reduced without sacrificing their water vapour permeability.