Improving the functional properties of wild almond protein isolate films by Persian gum and cold plasma treatment

Abstract

The application of edible films in food packaging is limited due to their poor functional properties. Cold plasma treatment (CPT) is an emerging technology for the modification of edible films. In this study, edible films were developed from different ratios of wild almond protein isolate (WAPI) and Persian gum (PG). The characterization of films revealed that the sample containing 90 % WAPI and 10 % PG had the highest elongation at break (E), the highest tensile strength (TS), and the lowest water vapor permeability (WVP). Therefore, it was selected as having the best WAPI:PG ratio and exposed to CPT for 5, 10, and 15 min. The results revealed that the application of CPT significantly increased the thickness, TS, and E of edible films, while WVP and solubility were not affected. FTIR spectra showed slight increases in peak intensities at 1628, 1538, and 1400 cm^-1. The micrographs revealed that the roughness of composite films increased with increased cold plasma treatment time. In general, edible films treated by CPT for 10 min demonstrated the best functional properties.

Keywords: Cold plasma; Edible films; Persian gum; Wild almond protein isolate.