Renewable Resources in Films and Coatings Technologies: Part II: Protein and Protein-Based Edible Films and Coatings

Dear Colleagues,

Proteins are versatile natural macromolecules with excellent film-forming, emulsifying and barrier properties, making them valuable candidates for edible film and coating applications. Derived from renewable sources, protein-based materials are attracting growing attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic polymers in food, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries.

Proteins can be obtained from both animal and plant sources. Animal-derived proteins include gelatin, casein, whey protein, collagen and egg albumen, while plant-based proteins such as soy, wheat gluten, zein (from corn), pea protein, rice protein and sunflower protein have gained importance due to their abundance, biodegradability and favorable functional properties. Additionally, microbial and insect-derived proteins are emerging as novel sources for biopolymer development.

These proteins can be processed into biodegradable, edible, renewable and functional films or coatings either alone or in combination with plasticizers, polysaccharides, lipids, or bioactive compounds. Such hybrid systems can be tailored to achieve desired mechanical strength, water vapor and gas barrier performance, as well as controlled release of active ingredients.

Protein-based coatings and films are widely explored for their applications in food preservation, pharmaceutical formulations and controlled-release systems. In food applications, they can act as semipermeable barriers to moisture, oxygen and solute migration, thus improving product stability, extending shelf life and maintaining sensory and nutritional quality. In pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, protein coatings enable encapsulation, taste masking and targeted delivery of active substances.

The coating methods used—such as dipping, spraying, electrostatic deposition and casting—are selected according to the physicochemical properties of the coating material, the substrate to be coated and the functional requirements of the final product.

The ongoing challenge and opportunity in this field lie in improving the mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of protein-based coatings through formulation optimization, blending and crosslinking approaches, while maintaining edibility and biodegradability.

The aim of this Special Issue, Renewable Resources in Films and Coatings Technologies: Part II: Protein and Protein-Based Edible Films and Coatings, is to present recent advancements in this rapidly evolving area through original research and review papers.

We cordially invite you to submit your manuscripts for consideration. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Protein-based edible films and coatings from animal, plant, microbial and novel sources;
• Functionalization and modification of proteins for improved film and coating performance;
• Composite and multilayer films combining proteins with other biopolymers or lipids;
• Coating and encapsulation of active substances (e.g., flavors, nutrients, antimicrobials, pharmaceuticals) using protein matrices;
• Film formation mechanisms and structure–property relationships;
• Technological advances in coating processes (spray coating, dipping, electrospinning, etc.);
• Applications of protein coatings for food preservation, packaging, drug delivery and biomedical uses;
• Environmental and sustainability assessments of protein-based coating systems.

Thank you for your guidance and support.

Dr. Monica Trif
Dr. Claudia Terezia Socol
Dr. Florin Leontin Criste
Dr. Mecit H. Oztop
Dr. Alexandru Rusu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• protein-based edible films and coatings
• protein functionalization and modification
• sustainable biopolymers
• coating and encapsulation technologies
• protein-based film formation mechanisms
• green packaging materials