Analyzing the effect of whey protein concentrate and psyllium husk on various characteristics of biodegradable film from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) rhizome starch.

• Composite biodegradable film presented higher TS, lower WVP & solubility.
• SEM revealed homogeneous, smooth surface of composite film.
• Cross-sectional morphology indicated uniformity of composite film polymeric matrix.
• DSC, confirmed the thermal stability of composite biodegradable film.
• XRD & FTIR confirmed amorphous character & miscibility of film components.

The present study aimed at developing and characterizing biodegradable films produced by casting technique using lotus rhizome starch (3%, 4% and 5% starch concentration) along with whey protein concentrate and psyllium husk. Physicochemical, barrier, optical, mechanical, thermal and surface properties of novel composite biodegradable film developed using blend of lotus rhizome starch, whey protein concentrate and psyllium husk were found better than lotus rhizome starch alone. Composite biodegradable film presented higher tensile strength, lower water vapor permeability (WVP) and solubility as compared to lotus rhizome starch films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cross-sectional morphology revealed homogeneous, smooth surface of composite film in comparison to lotus starch films. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), X-ray diffractogram (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed thermal stability, amorphous character and miscibility of different components of composite biodegradable film. These studies demonstrated that the developed composite film possessed important and improved characteristics such as solubility, WVP, tensile strength, % elongation and therefore have potential as packaging film.

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