Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure pertain to compositions and methods for preparing silk films for use in food packaging. Exemplary compositions of the present disclosure comprise silk films and packaging coatings as a replacement for traditional food packaging, such as single-use plastic packaging, and/or to extend the shelf-life of foods. The natural bio-based silk coatings of the present disclosure may be odorless, low cost, edible, compostable, come from a renewable source, removable from the packaging for recycling, and are biodegradable. In some embodiments, the silk films and packaging coatings may prolong the shelf-life, enhance or maintain the quality and safety, and/or provide indication of and regulate the freshness of food products.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to products and methods for improving the performance of cereal manufactured with silk solutions and powders containing silk fibroin obtained from silk inputs. The coatings, or otherwise incorporated silk fibroin, can be used to improve the shelf life of cereals, reduce the glycemic index of cereals, and to improve the performance of those cereals in areas valued by consumers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for improving the manufacturing of silk solutions and powders containing silk fibroin obtained from silkworm cocoons. The methods include use of a reactor vessel to degum, rinse, and dissolve the silk fibroin protein from silk inputs to obtain a food grade silk powder. The reactor vessel may include a combination of inputs and outputs for introducing and removing different components used or generated during the process. The systems may include any combination of heat exchangers, holding tanks, filtration modules, and post-treatment equipment as necessary to obtain the silk powder. The solutions and powders can be used to improve the post-harvest preservation of perishables and to improve the performance of packaging, including biodegradable packaging.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for improving the manufacturing of silk solutions and powders containing silk fibroin obtained from silkworm cocoons. The solutions and powders can be used to improve the post-harvest preservation of perishables and to improve the performance of packaging, including biodegradable packaging.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for improving storage and/or transportation of food, flowers, plants, or the like by coating of the same with silk proteins or other substances including silk fibroin, chitin, acetylated monoglycerides, shellac, starch, high fructose corn syrup, mayauba wax, maydelilla wax, beeswax, vegetable oil, paraffin oil, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, cellulose, pectin, alginate, chitosan, gum Arabic, soy protein, zein, casein, and/or whey.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure pertain to compositions and methods for preparing silk films for use in food packaging. Exemplary compositions of the present disclosure comprise silk films and packaging coatings as a replacement for traditional food packaging, such as single-use plastic packaging, and/or to extend the shelf-life of foods. The natural bio-based silk coatings of the present disclosure may be odorless, low cost, edible, compostable, come from a renewable source, removable from the packaging for recycling, and are biodegradable. In some embodiments, the silk films and packaging coatings may prolong the shelf-life, enhance or maintain the quality and safety, and/or provide indication of and regulate the freshness of food products.