Alkaline pH-modified edible casein-based films and coatings, and method for the making thereof
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
InventorsLaetitia Bonnaillie, Peggy M. Tomasula
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Abstract
Improved casein-based films are produced by adjusting the pH of a film-production suspension. The film-production suspension may contain a casein source, a plasticizer, and optionally a strengthening additive. The adjustment of the pH may be accomplished by the addition of an alkaline additive, such as a base, to achieve a desired pH value. The improved casein-based films have improved physical properties as compared to those produced without a pH-adjusted film-production suspension at least in part due to the chemical and structural changes imparted by the change in pH.
Claims24
A casein-based film, comprising:
- a casein source;
- a plasticizer;
- and
- an alkaline additive,
- wherein the film has a melting point temperature at 50% relative humidity of at least 60° C., and
- wherein the alkaline additive is in an amount in excess of an amount necessary to convert all casein in the mixture to caseinate.
A method of producing a casein-based film, comprising:
- producing a film-production suspension, the film-production suspension comprising a solvent, a casein source, and a plasticizer;
- adjusting the pH of the film-production solution to at least ≥8.0;
- creating a film from the pH-adjusted film-production suspension by drying;
- and
- thereby obtaining a casein-based film.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.