This volume details the utilization of plant and animal proteins as renewable raw materials for edible and degradable films and coatings. It presents in-depth information on protein-based biopolymer films and coatings, providing a comprehensive overview of the design, technology, properties, functionality, and applications of biopolymer films and coatings (edible and inedible) from plant and animal proteins. Both widely commercialized and envisioned applications of protein films are discussed, including hard and soft gelatin capsules, microcapsules, collagen casings, and meat and produce coatings.

From the Preface: “...It has become apparent that a book that comprehensively reviews the current body of knowledge on the formation, characterization, functional properties, and applications, both existing and potential, of protein-based films and coatings is needed. Protein-Based Films and Coatings aspires to meet this need by bringing together many researchers of varied backgrounds who are recognized leaders in this field...”

Target Audience: Food scientists and technologists, packaging scientists and technologists, protein chemists, and polymer chemists and technologists, as well as upper-level students in these disciplines.

Table of Contents:

Proteins as Raw Materials for Films and Coatings: Definitions, Current Status, and Opportunities

Formation and Properties of Corn Zein Films and Coatings

Formation and Properties of Wheat Gluten Films and Coatings

Formation and Properties of Soy Protein Films and Coatings

Formation and Properties of Cottonseed Protein Films and Coatings

Formation and Properties of Whey Protein Films and Coatings

Formation and Properties of Casein Films and Coatings

Formation and Properties of Fish Myofibrillar Protein Films and Coatings

Formation and Properties of Egg White Films and Coatings

Formation and Properties of Wool Keratin Films and Coatings

Formation and Properties of Collagen and Gelatin Films and Coatings

Films and Coatings from Proteins of Limited Availability

Modeling Water Vapor, Gas, and Solute Transport Through Protein Films

Proteins as Microencapsulating Agents and Microencapsulated Active Compounds in Pharmaceutical Applications

Hard Gelatin Capsules

Soft Gelatin Capsules

Collagen Capsules

Application of Edible Coatings on Muscle Foods

Protein-Based Edible Films and Coatings Carrying Antimicrobial Agents

Use of Proteins in Edible Coatings for Whole and Minimally Processed Fruits and Vegetables

Protein-Based Edible Coatings for Fried Foods

Application of Edible Protein Coatings to Nuts and Nut-Containing Food Products

Protein-Based Films and Coatings for Military Packaging Applications

Edible Films and Coatings as Aroma Barriers

Kosher and Halal Issues Pertaining to Edible Films and Coatings

Soy Protein Utilization in Compression-Molded, Extruded, and Injection-Molded Degradable Plastics

Index