Optical and mechanical properties of thin films based on proteins

Glycerol-plasticized soy protein thin films were prepared with two different disaccharides: lactose and sucrose. The effects of the type and concentration of each additive on optical, mechanical and barrier properties were measured and the results were related to the structure observed by XRD. Results indicate that the hydrophobic character, water vapor permeability, and flexibility of the films were improved by Maillard reaction. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.