Simulation and experimental validation of the denaturation of a whey protein-based coating during convection and/or infrared drying on a plastic film and influence on its oxygen barrier properties
Abstract
The in-process denaturation of native whey protein-based coatings, film temperature, residual humidity and protein degree of denaturation was simulated with combined existing models. The simulation was validated experimentally through determining the degree of denaturation of the protein in the coating. Whey protein-based formulations were applied and denaturation was induced via infrared heating during the drying process. The oxygen transmission rate was measured and correlated with the degree of denaturation. The observed influence of the denaturation degree allowed the identification of a critical denaturation degree improving oxygen barrier. The developed simulation appears as an efficient tool for optimising the processing and properties of protein-based materials.
