In this study, a sustainable packaging system was developed to provide food safety and security. Soy protein isolate (SPI) was enzymatically modified by transglutaminase under different conditions to ensure desirable and optimized enzyme crosslinking activity before film preparation. Physicochemical properties including viscosity and molecular weight distribution of the modified proteins and films were measured. Results confirmed the enzymatic treatment is an effective way to modify the SPI based biopolymeric film. Modified films with the enzyme had significant increases in tensile strength (TS), percent elongation (%E), initial contact angle, and a reduction in swelling and protein solubility properties compared to the control films. FTIR and XRD spectra revealed that the enzyme treatment modified the structure of SPI film matrix. The optimal film preparation conditions achieved in this part were protein denaturation temperature 80 °C, and enzyme incubation time 2hr. We attempted to enhance antioxidant activity of enzymatically modified SPI film with the addition of two types of lignin, alkali lignin (AL) and lignosulphonate (LSS), at different concentrations. Results indicated that AL carried higher radical scavenging ability than LSS. Films containing AL showed high absorption in the UV region, and this UV-blocking ability increased with increasing lignin concentration. Deconvoluted FTIR spectra and XRD results suggested that the addition of lignin caused some changes in secondary structure of the protein matrix. The addition of lignin improved TS and thermal stability of films, but reduced %E as a function of lignin concentration. Radical scavenging activity and UV-blocking ability alongside improvement in physicochemical properties of enzymatic modified SPI film with lignin motivated us to apply this bioplastic in two types of oil, soy oil and fish oil. Results revealed that applying enzymatically modified SPI film with AL and LSS in the inner layer of a soy oil packaging system, decreased oxidation rate to around 75%, and pentanal production to about 40% of control. UV-blocking ability of AL caused reduction in oxidation rate for more than 75% compared with the normal packaging system. The effectiveness of this active packaging system in soy oil was greater than fish oil. Thus, the developed biopolymeric materials may have application to food packaging. / Ph. D.

Approximately 75 percent (300 000 km) of the total Swedish road network and 20 percent(20 000 km) of the national road network consists of gravel roads. One of the most significantproblems associated with gravel roads is traffic-generated dust emission, which contributes tothe deterioration of the road surface and acts as a major source of particulate matter releasedinto the atmosphere, thereby involving public economics, road safety, human health, andenvironmental quality. In order to bind the fine granular material, which is prone to rise into theair, dust suppressants are applied on roads on a yearly basis. Methods for evaluating the efficiency of dust suppressants will facilitate in the selection of themost appropriate product and its optimal application rate. For example, methods forsupervision of residual dust suppressant concentration are valuable tools for estimatinglongevity and optimal application rates, and, consequently, effectiveness of different products. Application of the proper dust suppressant to a gravel road ensures road safety and ridingcomfort as well as creating a cleaner and healthier environment for residents in buildingsadjacent to the road. It also reduces the need and cost for vehicle repair, road maintenanceactivities, and aggregate supplementation. Both field-based and laboratory research were performed to evaluate the efficiency of varioussuppressants and the influence such factors as product concentration, leaching, and fine materialcontent have on the efficiency of different products. Within the field-based research, a newlydeveloped mobile methodology was used to measure dust emission on numerous test sectionstreated with various dust suppressants. In general, all dust suppressants tested, except apolysaccharide (sugar) and products, which form a brittle surface crust, i.e. lignosulphonate andbitumen emulsion, showed acceptable dust reduction. Test sections treated with a magnesium- or calcium chloride solution were the most effectivelydust suppressed. The application of solutions instead of a solid salts achieves a more uniformproduct distribution and, therefore, probably a more efficient performance. By applying acalcium- or magnesium chloride solution instead of traditionally used solids, the cost for annualdust control, as well as the environmental impact from the release of these chemicals in theenvironment, can be reduced by 50 percent. A significant problem when using dust suppressants is their tendency to leach during rainfalldue to their soluble properties. Residual chloride could be detected in the gravel wearing courseover a longer period of time than lignosulphonate and, therefore, showed more effective longtermperformance. Optimal percentages of fine material for minimal lignosulphonate andchloride leaching were found to be 15 percent by weight and 10-16 percent by weight,respectively. Ions of calcium chloride seemed to initiate flocculation of clay particles, therebypreventing them from leaching. Still, the fine material in gravel wearing courses has to be replenished regularly as indicated by studies of the longevity of fine material. Loss up to80 percent was found after two years. Toxicity tests show that dust suppressant application for dust control purposes, at traditionallyused application rates, does not constitute a threat to sensitive aquatic life. Tests on subsoilwater samples indicated elevated chloride levels, which possibly could cause corrosion to pipes,but not high enough to flavour drinking water. / QC20100616