Edible film from squid (Todarodes pacificus) mantle muscle

Mantle muscle meat of Japanese common squid (Todarodes pacificus) was used to produce edible films in this study. The solubility of squid mantle muscle proteins increased upon addition of NaCl and organic salts (Na-citrate, Na-benzoate, Na-acetate and Na-tartrate). At concentrations below 2%, among organic salts, Na-citrate appeared to have the highest ability to dissolve proteins. Film-forming solutions were prepared by dissolving squid mantle meat in 0.5% or 1% salt solutions at neutral pH. Physical properties and SDS–PAGE of the films were determined. The film-forming solution prepared with 0.5% Na-citrate gave the transparent film with the highest tensile strength and least degradation of myosin heavy chain. Organic salt type at the same concentration had no significant effects (p ⩾ 0.05) on water vapour permeability (WVP) of the films. The films showed excellent UV barrier properties. In addition, organic salts gave no significant effects (p ⩾ 0.05) on light barrier properties and transparency of the films except for NaCl and Na-tartrate which were crystallised during the drying process. These results suggested that Na-citrate is the most useful for producing the edible films from squid mantle muscle among the organic salts examined in this study.