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Analysis of institutional authors

Baquero-Aznar, VictorAuthorGonzalez-Buesa, JaimeAuthor

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September 25, 2025
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Novel Egg White Protein–Chitin Nanocrystal Biocomposite Films with Enhanced Functional Properties

Publicated to:Polymers. 17 (18): 2538- - 2025-09-19 17(18), DOI: 10.3390/polym17182538

Authors: Baquero-Aznar, V., Calvo, V., González-Domínguez, J., Maser, W., Benito, A., Salvador, M., & González-Buesa, J.

Affiliations

Departamento de Ciencia Vegetal, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón—IA2, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Av. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain, Grupo de Investigación en Alimentos de Origen Vegetal, Instituto Agr - Author
Grupo de Investigación en Alimentos de Origen Vegetal, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón—IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain - Author
Instituto de Carboquímica (ICB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Miguel Luesma Castán 4, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain - Author
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Abstract

This study aims to develop egg white protein (EWP) biocomposite films reinforced with chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs, 1–5 wt.%) by compression molding to overcome the mechanical and barrier limitations of protein-based films for sustainable packaging. ChNC incorporation may modulate film microstructure, crystallinity, and thermal stability, thereby enhancing functional performance. Films were prepared by adding ChNCs either as aqueous suspensions or lyophilized powder, and their structural, thermal, mechanical, optical, and barrier properties were systematically evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed a more homogeneous dispersion of ChNCs when added as suspensions, while powder addition promoted partial aggregation. X-ray diffraction revealed increased crystallinity with ChNC reinforcement. Mechanical tests showed that films with 2 wt.% ChNCs in suspension exhibited the highest tensile strength, whereas those with 5 wt.% in powder form became stiffer but less extensible. Oxygen permeability was not significantly affected, while water vapor permeability decreased by up to 14.5% at 2 wt.% ChNCs incorporated as powder. Transparency and color remained largely unchanged by ChNC addition, except for a slight increase in yellowness. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the incorporation method and concentration of ChNCs play a crucial role in tailoring the physicochemical performance of EWP films. The results provide new insights into the design of EWP-based nanocomposites and support their potential as bio-derived materials for advanced food packaging applications.

Keywords

Clara de huevoEnvasado de alimentosPelículasPermeabilidadProductos biodegradablesProteínasQuitina

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal Polymers due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency WoS (JCR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2025, it was in position 19/94, thus managing to position itself as a Q1 (Primer Cuartil), in the category Polymer Science.

Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2025-10-24:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 1 (PlumX).

With a more dissemination-oriented intent and targeting more general audiences, we can observe other more global scores such as:

    It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

    • The work has been submitted to a journal whose editorial policy allows open Open Access publication.

    Leadership analysis of institutional authors

    There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: First Author (Baquero Aznar, Victor) and Last Author (González Buesa, Jaime).