Electrospraying of water in oil emulsions for thin film coating

Electrospraying of water-in-oil emulsions was investigated to produce thin edible barriers. A reproducible model surface was used, namely cellulose membranes of which permeability is well-established. PGPR-based emulsions were stable during electrospraying and produced a fine stable jet spray; emulsions prepared with lecithin and span80 produced unstable jets and only sporadic sprays. The droplet size decreased to 50 ± 10 µm by the addition of water droplets till 3% but remained constant at higher water volume fractions. On the other hand, the addition of protein and salt influenced the droplet size and radius values up to 200 µm were found. The addition of whey protein isolate (10% w/w) resulted in films with water vapour barrier properties that were at least 70% better than lipid only, therewith showing that addition of protein enhances the integrity of the films.