The development of edible films is pivotal not only for enhancing food safety and quality but also for addressing the growing environmental crisis triggered by the excessive generation of packaging waste. Despite animal proteins' versatility in edible film production, the increase in animal protein production and consumption has led to environmental, ethical and public health repercussions. Hence, it is important to switch to plant-based proteins. Hempseed protein is an excellent plant-based protein derived from the seeds of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.), containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for human health. In this study hempseed protein isolates were recovered and utilized for edible film production. Initially, the impact of different denaturation conditions (pH and temperature) in the film casting solution on the properties of edible hemp protein films was investigated. Specifically, pH values from 8 to 12 and temperatures of 70 °C, 80 °C and 90 °C were applied during the denaturation step. The resulting films were then studied in terms of their physicochemical (solubility, water vapour permeability, FTIR, etc.) and mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation, etc.). The results revealed variations in the film properties across different pH values and temperatures during the denaturation phase. Consequently, this highlights the potential to produce edible films with tailor-made properties, customized for specific applications. Subsequently, the potential application of hemp protein films in porridge oat production was assessed. Based on the previous results, edible films created under the selected denaturation conditions were employed to produce a heat-sealed pouch containing oats. The pouch was immersed in water and heated in a microwave oven to obtain the porridge meal. Interestingly, the edible pouch was completely dissolved in the porridge meal, demonstrating that hemp protein film can serve as a sustainable and edible packaging solution, while also enhancing the nutritional value of the meal.
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Development of edible hemp protein films: Characterization and evaluation of their potential application in porridge oat production
Published:
27 October 2025
by MDPI
in The 6th International Electronic Conference on Foods
session Chemistry and Physicochemical Properties
Abstract:
Keywords: Hemp protein isolate; Protein denaturation; Plant-based edible films; Sustainable food packaging application; Oat porridge
