Food wrap made from milk

American researchers have created a milk-based film that not only helps preserve food effectively but is also edible.

Film made from milk protein effectively prevents air from entering food. (illustrative photo).

According to Science Daily, Professor Tomasula Peggy and colleagues at the US Department of Agriculture invented an environmentally friendly food wrap made from casein protein found in milk.

The new film is 500 times more effective at preventing oxygen from entering food than similar products made from plastic. Derived from milk, the film is biodegradable and completely edible.

"Protein-based packaging will prevent food from rotting, helping to reduce food waste during food transportation," Professor Tomasula shared at a conference of the American Chemical Society held on August 21.

Several edible wraps are available, but they are mostly made from starch. Starch-based wraps have more pores, allowing air to easily pass through the tiny holes and into the food. Milk-based wraps, on the other hand, have smaller pores, creating a tighter network that keeps air out.

The downside of the new film is that it is relatively difficult to use and dissolves in water too quickly. Scientists have improved the product by adding pectin extracted from grapefruit to help the film become more durable as well as better resistant to moisture and high temperatures.

"This product has a myriad of applications. We are testing it as an edible disposable food wrap," said study co-author Laetitia Bonnaillie, PhD.

According to VNE