Physical properties of edible emulsified films based on pistachio globulin protein and fatty acids

Novel edible composite films were prepared from pistachio globulin protein (PGP), saturated fatty acids, and an emulsifier using the emulsification technique. The water vapor permeability (WVP) of the emulsified films was reduced by approximately 37-43% by fatty acid addition. The effect of fatty acid on the oxygen permeability (OP) of PGP films was indirectly determined as the oil peroxide value. The OPs of the emulsified films were lower than those of a PGP film without fatty acid, but the differences were not significant (P<0.05). The mechanical properties of PGP films were also affected by fatty acid addition; the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) was diminished, and elongation at breaking (E) decreased considerably (35-70%). Furthermore, the incorporation of fatty acid increased the opacity of the films. Finally, differential scanning calorimetry showed that the glass transition temperature (T-g) of the PGP film was similar to 127 degrees C and was not considerably affected by fatty acid addition. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.