Effect of clay content on the physical and antimicrobial properties of whey protein isolate/organo-clay composite films

Whey protein isolate (WPI)/Cloisite 30B organo-clay composite films with different amounts of the clay (0, 5, 10, and 20 g/100 g WPI) were prepared using a solution casting method and their properties were determined to assess the effects of clay content on film properties. The resulting films had an opaque appearance, which depended on the amount of clay added, and a similar gloss. However, the composite films were slightly less transparent compared to the transparent neat WPI films. Film properties, such as surface color and optical properties, varied depending on clay content. The haze index of the WPI/clay composite films as assessed by surface reflectance decreased indicating that the surface of the films was more smooth and homogeneous. The tensile and water vapor barrier properties of the composite films were also influenced by the amount of incorporated clay. In addition, WPI/Cloisite 30B composite films showed a beneficially bacteriostatic effect against Listeria monocytogenes.