Film-Forming Properties of Proteinaceous Fibrous Material Produced from Soybean Fermented by Bacillus natto

The effectiveness of a proteinaceous fibrous material formed during commercial fermentation of soy protein (PFSP) and cysteine addition were evaluated in order to improve on the properties of soy protein-based films. Nine types of films were prepared at pH 7, 9, and 11, with heat treatments at $70^{\circ}C\;and\;90^{\circ}C$ for 30 min, by casting 5% (w/w) PFSP aqueous solution, containing 2.25% (w/w) glycerol, on to polystyrene plates. The tensile strength (TS) of films ranged from 3.88 to 6.87 MPa. The highest puncture strength (PS) was observed with pH 7.0 films prepared from PFSP solution heated at $70^{\circ}C$ (P<0.05). Alkaline pH and temperature caused a decrease in both the TS and PS of the films. The thickness of films ranged from $58\;to\;74{\mu}m$. Water vapor permeabilities of the films decreased with increasing pH and temperature. To produce films from PFSP, pH value of 7.0 to 9.0 and heat treatment of $70^{\circ}C\;to\;90^{\circ}C$ were needed. A soluble nature of PFSP films in water might be useful for preparation of hot water-soluble pouches. Cysteine addition could be necessary to produce films with increased TS and enhanced barrier properties. The combination treatment that provided the best combination of barrier and mechanical properties was the PFSP film prepared at pH 7.0 with addition of 1% cysteine. The films were good oxygen barriers.