Permeability of d-limonene in whey protein films

The effects of temperature, relative humidity (%RH) and permeant concentration on aroma permeability were investigated in edible whey protein isolate (WPI) films. An orthogonal regression was performed to ascertain significance of these factors. Temperature and %RH had exponential effects on d-limonene permeability, interacting synergistically to influence aroma transport in WPI polymer films. Permeability of d-limonene in WPI polymer films was not influenced by permeant concentration in the range 62 to 226 ppm (mol/mol). The predictive equation generated by regression analysis could be potentially useful for edible packaging design within the given temperature, %RH, and concentration ranges. The Arrhenius-type format also provided insight into the temperature-sensitivity of WPI films and confirmation of the influence of %RH on permeability activation energy