Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Keywords

3D food printing, Chlorella vulgaris, Soy protein isolate, Edible film, Mechanical properties, Sustainability

Abstract

This study investigated the optimization and fabrication of soy protein isolate (SPI)-green microalga (MA) 3D-printed films. For optimizing 3D printing, the effects of MA concentration, nozzle size (0.52-0.81 mm), and speed (10-20 mm/s) were examined. The printed films were then dried, and color, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, structure, and antioxidant activity were analyzed. All the formulations showed shear-thinning behavior and rapid recovery. The concentration of 3 % MA, nozzle size of 0.72 mm, and printing speed of 20 mm/s were selected as the optimized conditions for the best 3D printability. Compared with the control, their elongation at break decreased by more than 16 %, while puncture strength increased by over 12 %, and tensile strength rose by more than 40 %. Water vapor permeability decreased by more than 40 % with the addition of MA. The microstructure images and secondary structure confirmed the formation of a less porous and stronger gel network with an increase in MA concentration from 0 to 5 % (w/w). The antioxidant properties of SPI films also increased two-fold with the addition of MA. These findings highlight that the 3D-printed edible films with antioxidant properties could be used as an eco-friendly and nutritious alternative to petroleum-based films in food packaging.

Comments

Web of Science

Elsevier

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