U.S. Develops Protein-rich Edible Food Packaging Film

Frederik F. Shi, a chemist at the Southern Research Center of the US Bureau of Agricultural Research, developed a protein-containing edible food packaging film using soybean as the main raw material. It can be eaten together with the packaged food, not only nutritious, but will not cause environmental pollution.

The process of manufacturing edible food packaging films containing soybeans as the main raw material is: first soaking the soybeans, grinding them after the tissue is softened, and separating proteins from the grinded soybeans and water-mixed slurry; Thus two protein powders are obtained: one is a soy extract containing more than 90% protein and the other is a soy concentrate containing approximately 70% protein. Then, these protein powders are mixed with various components such as wheat starch and edible oil, and an edible edible food packaging film containing proteins may be prepared by using an enzyme or other treatment agent.

It is said that in addition to being able to eat directly, the food packaging film can also maintain moisture and prevent oxygen from entering, prolonging the food preservation period.