Sustainable Snacking: Discover Edible, Biodegradable Food Packaging Crafted from Milk Protein

Researchers at Penn State are making exciting strides in sustainability with a new way to create biodegradable materials. They’ve combined milk protein with a plant-based compound to develop nanofibers that are incredibly thin—about 1,000 times thinner than a human hair. This process, called electrospinning, involves using electricity to shape a liquid into fine fibers.

These nanofibers are made from casein, the main protein found in milk, mixed with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (hypromellose), which comes from plants. The result is mats that could be used for various products, including biodegradable and even edible food packaging.

Federico Harte, a professor of food science, explained that these new materials could play important roles in tissue engineering, wound dressings, and food safety. “Protein-based electrospun nanofibers are highly sought after for their potential use,” he said.

A recent study published in the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science reveals that the researchers found the best performance when they mixed casein with hypromellose. They discovered that at 100% humidity, the fiber mats could even change into clear films suitable for food wraps.

Gregory Ziegler, another professor on the team, emphasized the versatility of casein. Traditionally, it has been used in different industries, from food to pharmaceuticals. This new form of nanofibers broadens its potential uses significantly.

Previously, researchers had experimented with casein and other additives but found the resulting fibers brittle. By adding hypromellose, they achieved a stronger, more flexible material.

Harte mentioned that future studies will focus on innovative applications for these edible nanofibers, particularly in food packaging and filtration.

This work is part of a growing trend in sustainable materials. According to a 2023 survey by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, 63% of consumers are seeking more eco-friendly packaging options. With innovations like these nanofibers, the future of sustainable materials is looking bright.

The National Dairy Council supported this research, which highlights the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in solving pressing environmental issues. You can read more about it in the full study here.

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