Microstructure and Antimicrobial Functionality of Nano-Enhanced Protein-Based Biopolymers
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Since 1905, the Department of Agricultural Engineering, now the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), has been a leader in providing engineering solutions to agricultural problems in the United States and the world. The department’s original mission was to mechanize agriculture. That mission has evolved to encompass a global view of the entire food production system–the wise management of natural resources in the production, processing, storage, handling, and use of food fiber and other biological products.
History
In 1905 Agricultural Engineering was recognized as a subdivision of the Department of Agronomy, and in 1907 it was recognized as a unique department. It was renamed the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in 1990. The department merged with the Department of Industrial Education and Technology in 2004.
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1905–present
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- Department of Agricultural Engineering (1907–1990)
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- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (parent college)
- College of Engineering (parent college)
- Department of Industrial Education and Technology, (merged, 2004)
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Abstract
Whey protein isolates (WPI) and corn zein protein (CZP) films, embedded with porous silica-coated titanium nano-enhancers (TiO2@@SiO2), were prepared and exhibited enhanced antimicrobial functionality. Protein solutions at 5% WPI and 13.5% CZP were amended with 1.5% w/w of TiO2@@SiO2 nano-enhancers and subjected to sonication at 0, 16, 80, and 160 µm amplitude prior to casting into films. The effects of sonication on nano-enhancer distribution and the structure and morphology of the resulting films were elucidated by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The surface structure of the films was altered by the presence of nano-enhancers. The nano-enhanced biopolymer films exhibited antimicrobial functionality under sunlight by effectively inhibiting bacterial growth. The nano-enhanced biopolymers can potentially be used to make active antimicrobial surface coatings or packaging films to inhibit or slow down microbial growth during storage.
Comments
The following article is from Transactions of the ASABE 57 (2014): 1141–1150, doi:10.13031/trans.57.10379. Posted with permission.