Biopolymers Produced from Gelatin and Whey Protein Concentrate Using Polyphenols

Abstract

Several researchers have recently demonstrated the feasibility of producing biopolymers from the reaction of polyphenols with gelatin in combination with other proteins (e.g. whey) or with carbohydrates (e.g. chitosan and pectin). These combinations would take advantage of the unique properties of both species and at the same time create products with enhanced functional properties. We have successfully demonstrated that the polyphenolic gallic acid and the vegetable tannins quebracho and tara could be used to modify gelatin and whey protein concentrate (WPC) resulting in a subsequent change in the physicochemical properties of each. When gelatin-polyphenol products were used as fillers, considerable improvements were seen in the subjective properties of the leather and when compared to control samples, there was no significant impact on mechanical properties. In this continuing research, we have begun to evaluate the potential of tara-modified gelatin/WPC biopolymers, specifically for their application as fillers. In this study, modification parameters for gelatin/WPC combinations will be explored, and the results of product characterization using physicochemical analyses will be presented. These studies could further contribute the use of sustainable resources in production of unique products that may have leather processing applications.