Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Coatings Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

Renewable Resources in Films and Coatings Technologies: Part I: Polysaccharides – Gums and Starch

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioactive Coatings and Biointerfaces".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 October 2024 | Viewed by 26880

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Monica Trif

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Centre for innovative process engineering (CENTIV) GmbH, 28857 Syke, Germany
Interests: coating; encapsulation; film; polymers; bioactive compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Alexandru Rusu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Strategic Research Department, Biozoon GmbH, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
Interests: microbial produced biobased materials; food grade packaging; 3D printing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Sneh Punia Bangar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634 USA
Interests: starch; modification; starch films; functional foods; cereals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Coating processes are used in many industrial applications, and polysaccharides/carbohydrates derived from renewable sources such as gums and starches are attracting interest for film/coating applications.

Gums are categorized into three groups: seaweed-based gums, plant-origin gums, and microbial gums. Seaweeds are natural sources of industrial gums such as agar, carrageenan, furcelleran, and alginic acid (alginate). Plant-origin gums produced commercially mainly include Arabic gum, karaya gum, ghatti gum, mastic gum (“Chios mastic” and “Pistacia lentiscus”), neem gum, locust bean gum/carob gum, Joel or Jingan gum, Mesquite gum, etc. Recently, microbial gums such as gellan, xanthan, pullulan, bacterial cellulose, and curdlan have been introduced as novel functional components of edible coatings and packaging. Cellulose is produced by bacteria as well as plants and other organisms.

Starch is found in plants, and it has a complex structure. Traditional starch products have faced stiff competition from alternatives, including synthetic products, but interest in them has not waned because of their renewable nature.

These types of polysaccharides can be extruded into biodegradable, edible, renewable, and low-cost films and coatings, alone or in combination with bioactive compounds, as supplements or substitutes of conventional materials. They have considerable properties which are suitable for various food, pharmacy, and medicine applications.

The coating method applied is determined by the properties of the active substances and the solid that requires coating, as well as the intended product quality. The most commonly used methods include dipping, brushing, or spraying the product and creating standalone film from solution or through thermoformation (rarely used). Drum coating (sugar coating or film coating) and fluidized bed spray coating (spray coating: top spray, tangential spray, bottom spray (Wurster process) or rotor process) are the oldest coating methods.

Protection, taste masking, and the delivery and controlled release of an active substance are some of the achievements of coating processes. In term of protection, a semipermeable barrier on the surface is produced aiming to reduce respiration rate, weight loss, and maintain the nutritional value. Edible protective layers have recently attracted attention for their potential to replace plastic packaging.

Ingredients or substances are coated in order to protect components from external influences or interactions with other ingredients. A frequently used application of such protective layers is the prevention of moisture migration. This can occur between components of the same matrix due to different water activities. Hygroscopic substances absorb moisture from the environment, which usually has a negative impact on the quality of the final product.

The protective layer is completely odorless, tasteless, and colorless and cannot be perceived by the consumer, while at the same time, it can extend the shelf life of the product and minimize the gas exchange between product and environment.

The aim of the present Special Issue is to present recent advancements in this field through research and review papers.

It is our pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue. In particular, the topics of interest include but are not limited to the following:

Polysaccharide gum-based edible film and coating applications;
Starch-based edible film and coating applications;
Coating and delivery of flavor, active ingredients, food additives, and antimicrobials using edible films and coatings;
Applied systems to produce optimal edible films and coatings;
Coating non-fluidizable particles such as tablets, capsules, etc.;
Coating of whole foods (e.g., fruits);
Increasing particles’ functionality to mask odors or tastes or to release specific active substances;
Microcapsules (also called coatings) and microbeadlets consisting of an outer shell (the coating material) that encloses a core.

Dr. Monica Trif
Dr. Alexandru Rusu
Dr. Sneh Punia
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

seaweed-based gums
plant-origin gums
microbial gums
starch and starch derivative
film coating
edible films and coatings
microcapsules
coating ingredients
tablet and capsule coating
control release and delivery
spray coating
drum coating

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 6126 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Composites of Sodium Alginate with Guar Gum and Iron Coated Activated Alumina for the Purification of Water from Direct Blue 86

by Samia Kanwal, Ali Irfan, Sami A. Al-Hussain, Gulnaz Sharif, Amina Mumtaz, Fozia Batool and Magdi E. A. Zaki

Coatings 2023, 13(1), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13010103 - 5 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1969

Abstract

This study aims to purify water from hazardous dyes and for this purpose, a novel adsorbent is developed that was synthesized by using sodium alginate, guar gum and iron coated activated alumina (SA@GG@ICAA Composites) with the Ion Gelation Method. The novel composites were characterized by using SEM, XRD, DSC, FTIR, BET, EDX, zeta potential and zeta sizer. These novel composites were used for the removal of Direct Blue 86 (DB86). The surface area of the adsorbent was found to be 5.606 m²/g. Zeta size and zeta potential was found to be 169.9 nm and −47.7 mV, respectively. Optimized parameters were achieved for best adsorption of the selected dye. For DB86, the removal efficiency was found to be 97% at 40 ppm (dye concentration), 150 min (contact time), 3 (pH) and 150 mg (adsorbent concentration) at λmax of 620 nm. Linear and non-linear forms of adsorption isotherms are applied on the experimental data to check the adsorption methodology and its chemistry. The non-linear form of the Freundlich isotherm was found to be best fitted for the current work (0.942) as compared with the linear form (0.76). The first order kinetics model and second order kinetics model are applied in both linear and non-linear forms, and results with a high R² value were obtained for the non-linear form of pseudo-first order kinetics. The adsorption mechanism was found to be electrostatic based on the interaction of the adsorbent and dye. Synthesized adsorbent can be successfully applied for the removal of DB86 dye from waste water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Resources in Films and Coatings Technologies: Part I: Polysaccharides – Gums and Starch)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proteolysis of β-Lactoglobulin Assisted by High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatment for Development of Polysaccharides-Peptides Based Coatings and Films

by Yang Fei, Zhennai Yang, Sobia Niazi, Gang Chen, Muhammad Adnan Nasir, Imran Mahmood Khan, Abdur Rehman, Rana Muhammad Aadil, Monica Trif and Viorica Coşier

Coatings 2022, 12(10), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12101577 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1439

Abstract

Peptides usually have many bioactive functions. The variety of peptide binding and the modularity of the components allow for their application to additional tissues and materials; hence broadening the range of possible coatings and films. β-lactoglobulin (b-LG) forms spherical microgels or can be used in the formation of coated particles, with the core formed by aggregated b-LG and the coat by polysaccharides. The enzymatic proteolysis of b-LG assisted by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment was studied. Pretreatment of HHP enhanced the hydrolysis degree (DH) of b-LG. The highest value of DH without pretreatment was 24.81% at 400 MPa, which increased to 27.53% at 200 MPa with pretreatment, suggesting a difference in the DH of b-LG caused by the processing strategy of HHP. Molecular simulation suggested that the flexible regions of b-LG, e.g., Leu140-Ala142 and Asp33-Arg40, might contribute to enzymatic proteolysis. The b-LG hydrolysate exhibited the highest capacity of scavenging free DPPH and OH radicals at 200 MPa. In addition, the 1–2 kDa and 500–1000 Da peptides fractions significantly increased from 10.53% and 9.78% (under 0.1 MPa) to 12.37% and 14.95% under 200 MPa, respectively. The higher yield of short peptides under HHP contributed to the antioxidant capacity of b-LG hydrolysates. Enzymatic hydrolysis also largely reduced the immunoreactivity of b-LG, which is of high importance in the practical application of b-LG in the field of coatings and films in regard to biocompatibility. Hydrolysis of b-LG assisted by high-pressure treatment showed promising potential in the preparation of bioactive peptides for further development of polysaccharide-peptide-based coatings and films. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Resources in Films and Coatings Technologies: Part I: Polysaccharides – Gums and Starch)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soybean Oil Enriched with Antioxidants Extracted from Watermelon (Citrullus colocynthis) Skin Sap and Coated in Hydrogel Beads via Ionotropic Gelation

by Muhammad Farooq, Elham Azadfar, Monica Trif, Ramezan Ali Jabaleh, Alexandru Rusu, Zohre Bahrami, Mahniya Sharifi, Sneh Punia Bangar, Naila Ilyas, Bianca Eugenia Ștefănescu and Yunyang Wang

Coatings 2021, 11(11), 1370; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11111370 - 8 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2469

Abstract

Many plants and fruits are rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds, such as phenolic compounds. Watermelon is one example, as various parts of the fruit present interesting phytochemical profiles. This study demonstrates that a natural C. colocynthis (watermelon) (W) skin sap (SS) extract can effectively improve the oxidative stability of microencapsulated soybean (SB) oil. By employing a combination of alginate–xanthan gums (AXG) in a matrix hydrogel bead model with WSS extract, high encapsulation efficiency can be obtained (86%). The effects of process variables on the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of phenolic compounds from watermelon (W) skin sap (SS) using the response surface methodology (RSM), as an optimized and efficient extraction process, are compared with the effects of a conventional extraction method, namely the percolation method. The WSS extracts are obtained via UAE and RSM or the conventional percolation extraction method. The two obtained extracts and synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytolune (BHT) are added to SB oil separately and their antioxidant effects are tested and compared. The results show the improved oxidative stability of SB oil containing the extract obtained via the optimized method (20–30%) compared to the SB oil samples containing extract obtained via the percolation extraction method, synthetic antioxidant (BHT), and SB oil only as the control (no antioxidant added). According to existing studies, we assume that the use of WSS as an effective antioxidant will ensure the prolonged stability of encapsulated SB oil in hydrogel beads, as it is well known that extended storage under different conditions may lead to severe lipid oxidation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Resources in Films and Coatings Technologies: Part I: Polysaccharides – Gums and Starch)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 27328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proso-Millet-Starch-Based Edible Films: An Innovative Approach for Food Industries

by Sneh Punia Bangar, Kawaljit Singh Sandhu, Alexandru Vasile Rusu, Pinderpal Kaur, Sukhvinder Singh Purewal, Maninder Kaur, Navneet Kaur and Monica Trif

Coatings 2021, 11(10), 1167; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11101167 - 27 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2953

Abstract

The present investigation searches for functional and antioxidant properties in proso millet starch and films. Proso millet starch was studied for its physical, chemical, morphological, and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, films were prepared from proso millet starch (native) and a starch–ĸ-carrageenan blend. Both films were characterized for moisture content, thickness, water-solubility, opacity, water vapor permeability, and textural and antioxidant properties. The amylose content, water absorption capacity, swelling, and solubility power of the proso millet starch were 19.19%, 87.5%, 15.32%, and 19%, respectively. Compared to aqueous extracts (0.68 mg GAE/g and 0.36 mg AAE/g), the total phenolics and total antioxidant capacity were observed to be higher in methanolic starch extracts (0.75 mg GAE/g and 0.41 mg AAE/g). Methanol extracts of native starch-based films showed higher antioxidant activity than the film prepared using a ĸ-carrageenan blend. The water vapor permeability and solubility of films prepared from native starch (2.38 g/Pa·s·m² and 28%) were lower than those prepared using the ĸ-carrageenan blend (3.19 g/Pa·s·m² and 42.05%). The findings may be of commercial interest to pharmaceutical and food industries in producing new antioxidant-rich drugs and food products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Resources in Films and Coatings Technologies: Part I: Polysaccharides – Gums and Starch)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Cross-Linking Modification on Structural and Film-Forming Characteristics of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) Starch

by Anil Kumar Siroha, Sneh Punia Bangar, Kawaljit Singh Sandhu, Monica Trif, Manoj Kumar and Prixit Guleria

Coatings 2021, 11(10), 1163; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11101163 - 27 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2154

Abstract

Pearl millet starch was modified using epichlorohydrin (EPI) at different concentrations (0.1%; 0.3%; 0.5%; and 0.8%) and evaluated for physicochemical, rheological, in vitro digestibility, and film-forming characteristics. The degree of cross-linking was observed at higher levels (0.5% and 0.8%) of EPI. Upon cross-linking, breakdown and setback viscosity reduced whereas pasting temperature was increased. Storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) value of cross-linked (CL) starches ranged between 2877 to 5744 Pa and 168 to 237 Pa, respectively, during the frequency sweep test. A drastic decrease was observed for steady shear (yield stress and consistency index) characteristics of CL starches. Resistant starch (RS) content was increased after starch modification, which imparts its nutritional values and starch modified at 0.8% had the highest RS content. Modifications of starch at different levels had significant effects on the moisture, opacity, solubility and mechanical properties of films. Outcomes of this study will be helpful to understand the properties of native and CL starches for their potential applications in preparation of edible films. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Resources in Films and Coatings Technologies: Part I: Polysaccharides – Gums and Starch)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2303 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Process Parameter Optimization and Characterization for an Edible Film: Flaxseed Concern

by Sneh Punia Bangar, Ajay Singh, Monica Trif, Manoj Kumar, Pradyuman Kumar, Ramandeep Kaur and Navjeet Kaur

Coatings 2021, 11(9), 1106; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11091106 - 14 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2721

Abstract

Consumer demands for biocompatible, minimally processed and eco-friendly foods have increased drastically and are currently trending. Polysaccharides derived from various plant seeds exhibiting structure conformational diversity are among such foods and used for the development of edible films. In this study, the physical properties of flaxseed, proximate characterization and rheological, mechanical and thermal features of flaxseed meal-based edible films were investigated. A development strategy worked through adding pectin + flaxseed meal to a plasticizer (glycerol) with a ratio of 7:3 w/v, whereas, in the control group, the flaxseed meal remained unaltered. The rheological results showed the non-Newtonian behavior of film-forming solutions and data were well fitted into the power law model. The developed film (flaxseed + pectin) was slightly brownish and exhibited a transparency of 17.78, which is clear enough to be used as see-through packaging material, whereas the control sample had a transparency of 38.25, indicating its fair transparency. The water vapor permeability of the test sample was also beneficial (0.992 g/cm²/24 h) and was competitively close to the control (0.981 g/cm²/24 h). The developed blended films were 98–99% soluble in water and acid, indicating their usefulness when applied as a coating. The mechanical properties, tensile strength and elongation value of the test sample were less than the control. This study will be helpful in the development of a novel biodegradable film for extending the life of different foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Resources in Films and Coatings Technologies: Part I: Polysaccharides – Gums and Starch)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural and Film-Forming Properties of Millet Starches: A Comparative Study

by Sneh Punia Bangar, Anil Kumar Siroha, Manju Nehra, Monica Trif, Vandana Ganwal and Sumit Kumar

Coatings 2021, 11(8), 954; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11080954 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4159

Abstract

Millets are an underutilized and important drought-resistant crop, which are mainly used for animal feed. The major constituent in millet is starch (70%); millet starch represents an alternative source of starches like maize, rice, potato, etc. This encouraged us to isolate and characterize the starches from different millet sources and to evaluate the application of these starches in edible film preparation. In the present study, the physicochemical, morphological, and film-forming characteristics of millet starches were studied. The amylose content, swelling power, and solubility of millet starches ranged from 11.01% to 16.61%, 14.43 to 18.83 g/g, and 15.2% to 25.9%, respectively. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found with different pasting parameters, and the highest peak (2985 cP), breakdown (1618 cP), and final viscosity (3665 cP) were observed for barnyard, proso, and finger millet starch, respectively. Little millet starch achieved the highest pasting temperature. All starches showed A-type crystalline patterns, and relative crystallinity was observed at levels of 24.73% to 32.62%, with proso millet starch achieving the highest value. The light transmittance of starches varied from 3.3% to 5.2%, with proso millet starch showing the highest transparency. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the water solubility, thickness, opacity and mechanical characteristics of films. The results of the present study facilitate a better assessment of the functional characteristics of millet starches for their possible applications in the preparation of starch films. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Resources in Films and Coatings Technologies: Part I: Polysaccharides – Gums and Starch)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

24 pages, 1724 KiB

Open AccessReview

Protein-Based Films and Coatings: An Innovative Approach

by Sukhvinder Singh Purewal, Avneet Kaur, Sneh Punia Bangar, Poornima Singh and Harinder Singh

Coatings 2024, 14(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14010032 - 26 Dec 2023

Viewed by 3303

Abstract

Protein-based films and coatings are highly biodegradable and represent sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based materials. These materials possess commendable barrier properties, effectively safeguarding against oxygen, moisture, and aroma compounds, rendering them well-suited for various food packaging applications. Beyond their role in food packaging, coatings and films have significant applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical domains. Their inherent biocompatibility and controlled release properties make them valuable for applications such as drug-delivery systems, wound dressings, and tissue-engineering scaffolds. Moreover, the adaptability of these films to exhibit stimuli-responsive behavior opens avenues for on-demand drug release and sensing capabilities. Despite these promising attributes, challenges persist in terms of the mechanical strength, water resistance, and scalability of the processing of protein-based films and coatings. Ongoing research endeavors are dedicated to refining protein extraction methods, incorporating reinforcing agents, and implementing strategies to optimize the overall performance of these materials. Such efforts aim to overcome existing limitations and unlock the full potential of protein-based films and coatings in diverse applications, contributing to the advancement of sustainable and versatile biomaterials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Resources in Films and Coatings Technologies: Part I: Polysaccharides – Gums and Starch)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 679 KiB

Open AccessReview

Application of Functional and Edible Coatings and Films as Promising Strategies for Developing Dairy Functional Products—A Review on Yoghurt Case

by Heba Hassan Salama, Monica Trif, Alexandru Vasile Rusu and Sourish Bhattacharya

Coatings 2022, 12(6), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12060838 - 15 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2622

Abstract

Edible coatings and films appear to be a very promising strategy for delivering bioactive compounds and probiotics in food systems when direct incorporation/inoculation is not an option. The production of dairy products has undergone radical modifications thanks to nanotechnology. Despite being a relatively new occurrence in the dairy sector, nanotechnology has quickly become a popular means of increasing the bioavailability and favorable health effects of a variety of bioactive components. The present review describes, in detail, the various processes being practiced worldwide for yoghurt preparation, microencapsulation, and nanotechnology-based approaches for preserving and/or enriching yoghurt with biologically, and its effect on health and in treating various diseases. In the case of yoghurt, as a perfect medium for functional ingredients supplementation, different gums (e.g., alginate, xanthan gum, and gum arabic), alone or in combination with maltodextrin, seem to be excellent coatings materials to encapsulate functional ingredients. Edible coatings and films are ideal carriers of bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, antimicrobials, flavors, and probiotics, to improve the quality of dairy food products. Yoghurt is regarded as a functional superfood with a variety of health benefits, especially with a high importance for women’s health, as a probiotic. Consumption of yoghurt with certain types of probiotic strains which contain γ-linolenic acid or PUFA can help solve healthy problems or alleviate different symptoms, and this review will be shed light on the latest studies that have focused on the impact of functional yoghurt on women’s health. Recently, it has been discovered that fermented milk products effectively prevent influenza and COVID-19 viruses. Bioactive molecules from yoghurt are quite effective in treating various inflammations, including so-called “cytokine storms” (hypercytokinaemia) caused by COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Resources in Films and Coatings Technologies: Part I: Polysaccharides – Gums and Starch)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

26 pages, 11129 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bioactive Edible Films and Coatings Based in Gums and Starch: Phenolic Enrichment and Foods Application

by Sónia Pedreiro, Artur Figueirinha, Ana Sanches Silva and Fernando Ramos

Coatings 2021, 11(11), 1393; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11111393 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4463

Abstract

Edible films and coatings allow preserving fresh and processed food, maintaining quality, preventing microbial contamination and/or oxidation reactions and increasing the shelf life of food products. The structural matrix of edible films and coatings is mainly constituted by proteins, lipids or polysaccharides. However, it is possible to increase the bioactive potential of these polymeric matrices by adding phenolic compounds obtained from plant extracts. Phenolic compounds are known to possess several biological properties such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Incorporating phenolic compounds enriched plant extracts in edible films and coatings contribute to preventing food spoilage/deterioration and the extension of shelf life. This review is focused on edible films and coatings based on gums and starch. Special attention is given to bioactive edible films and coatings incorporating plant extracts enriched in phenolic compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Resources in Films and Coatings Technologies: Part I: Polysaccharides – Gums and Starch)

► Show Figures