Production of biodegradable sodium caseinate film containing titanium oxide nanoparticles and grape seed essence and investigation of physicochemical properties

In this study, sodium caseinate film was produced and the effect of titanium oxide nanoparticles and grape seed essence as factors that enhance film properties was investigated. For this purpose, nanocomposite films based on sodium caseinate were modified with different levels of nanoparticles of 0 to 1.5% and grape seed essence at levels of 0 to 500 ppm based on the central composite experimental design (CCD). The effects of these variables on physical/mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, and antioxidant properties were investigated. The morphology and chemical structure of different films were evaluated by SEM and FTIR techniques. The results showed that the addition of titanium oxide nanoparticles has improved the mechanical properties of the films. In this regard, films prepared from 1.5% and 500 ppm nanoparticles have the highest tensile strength. The results of scanning electron microscopy test showed that the addition of nanoparticles led to the indirect penetration of water, which reduced the permeability of the films to water vapor to 4.89 kg/m. The addition of grape seed essence caused the antioxidant effects of the produced films, so that the films containing 250 ppm showed antioxidant activity of 86.74%. Overall, the results showed that the addition of nanoparticles and grape seed essence had positive effects on the physical and chemical properties of sodium caseinate.