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Biochemical Properties of Bioplastics Made from Wheat Gliadins Cross-Linked with Cinnamaldehyde

2011; American Chemical Society; Volume: 59; Issue: 24 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1021/jf203055s

1520-5118

Mari Pau Balaguer, Joaquín Gómez‐Estaca, Rafael Gavara, Pilar Hernández‐Muñoz,

Electrospun Nanofibers in Biomedical Applications

The aim of this work has been to study the modification of gliadin films with cinnamaldehyde as a potential cross-linker agent. The molecular weight profile and cross-linking density showed that cinnamaldehyde increased reticulation in the resulting films. The participation of free amino groups of the protein in the newly created entanglements could be a possible mechanism of connection between the polypeptidic chains. The combination of a Schiff base and a Michael addition is a feasible approach to understanding this mechanism. The protein solubility in different media pointed to lower participation by both noncovalent and disulfide bonds in stabilizing the structure of the cross-linked films. The new covalent bonds formed by the cinnamaldehyde treatment hampered water absorption and weight loss, leading to more water-resistant matrices which had not disintegrated after 5 months. The properties of this novel bioplastic could be modified to suit the intended application by using cinnamaldehyde, a naturally occurring compound.