Fabrication of a Novel Protein Sponge with Dual-Scale Porosity and Mixed Wettability Using a Clean and Versatile Microwave-Based Process.

ABSTRACT: An open-porous protein sponge with mixed wettability is presented made entirely from whey proteins and with promising applications in biomedicine, pharmaceutical, and food industry. The fabrication relies on an additive-free, clean and scalable process consisting of foaming followed by controlled microwave-convection drying. Volumetric heating throughout the matrix induced by microwaves causes fast expansion and elongation of the foam bubbles, retards crust formation and promotes early protein denaturation. These effects counteract collapse and shrinkage typically encountered in convection drying of foams. The interplay of high protein content, tailored gas incorporation and controlled drying result in a dried structure with dual-scale porosity composed of open macroscopic elongated foam b

SUBMITTER: Wemmer J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8124266 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature