Structural and Morphological Characterisation of Succinic Acid-Crosslinked Sesame Seed Protein Isolate Bioplastic Films

Jaji Saheed Olatunde; Lateef AbdulMujeeb; Yusuf Shukurat Opeyemi; Damazio Olanrewaju; Oluwole Folorunsho; Adedokun Aderinsola Omotayo; Jaji-Ibrahim Hawaw Kikelomo

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

Structural and Morphological Characterisation of Succinic Acid-Crosslinked Sesame Seed Protein Isolate Bioplastic Films

Jaji Saheed Olatunde^*

, Lateef AbdulMujeeb, Yusuf Shukurat Opeyemi, Damazio Olanrewaju, Oluwole Folorunsho, Adedokun Aderinsola Omotayo, Jaji-Ibrahim Hawaw Kikelomo

Published in International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology (Volume 11, Issue 3)

Received: 21 September 2026 Accepted: 8 October 2026 Published: 28 October 2026

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

The development of protein-based bioplastics from renewable resources is an important strategy for reducing dependence on petroleum-derived plastics. This study investigated the structural and morphological characteristics of sesame seed protein isolate (SSPI) films modified with succinic acid (SA). SSPI was obtained from defatted sesame protein concentrate by alkaline solubilisation followed by isoelectric precipitation. Film formulations contained 0, 4 and 5% SA on a protein basis, with 30% glycerol reported as plasticiser, and were compression-moulded at 130°C under 3 MPa for 10 min. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to evaluate formulation-dependent changes. The 4% SA film exhibited reported FTIR bands at 840, 922, 1032, 1151, 1235, 1541, 1601, 2930, 3257 and 3668 cm⁻¹, whereas the 5% SA film showed bands at 923, 1030, 1234, 1401, 1541, 1624, 2925 and 3264 cm⁻¹. SEM observations indicated that the native film was comparatively rough and porous, while the 4% and 5% SA films displayed progressively more compact and homogeneous morphologies. XRD analysis showed substantially narrower reflections for the 5% SA film than for the 4% film, indicating greater diffraction coherence under the reported measurement conditions. The combined FTIR, SEM and XRD findings demonstrate that succinic-acid treatment altered the molecular environment, morphology and diffraction behaviour of the SSPI matrix. The results support the potential of succinic-acid modification as a route for tailoring sesame-protein-based bioplastic structure, while further mechanical, barrier, thermal, water-sensitivity and biodegradation measurements are required to establish application performance.

Published in	International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology (Volume 11, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12
Page(s)	125-133
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Sesame Seed Protein Isolate, Succinic Acid, Bioplastic Film, Protein-Based Packaging, FTIR, SEM, X-ray Diffraction, Cross-linking

References

[1]	Abdullah, M., Cai, J., Hafeez, M. A., Wang, Q., Farooq, S., Huang, Q., Tian, W., & Xiao, J. (2022). Biopolymer-based functional films for packaging applications: A review. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, 1000116. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.1000116
[2]	Zhang, R., Liu, R., Han, J., Ren, L., & Jiang, L. (2024). Protein-based packaging films in food: Developments, applications, and challenges. Gels, 10(7), 418. https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10070418
[3]	Chen, H., Wang, J., Cheng, Y., Wang, C., Liu, H., Bian, H., Pan, Y., Sun, J., & Han, W. (2019). Application of protein-based films and coatings for food packaging: A review. Polymers, 11(12), 2039. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11122039
[4]	Gabriele, F., Donnadio, A., Casciola, M., Germani, R., & Spreti, N. (2021). Ionic and covalent crosslinking in chitosan-succinic acid membranes: Effect on physicochemical properties. Carbohydrate Polymers, 251, 117106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.117106
[5]	Hammann, F., & Schmid, M. (2014). Determination and quantification of molecular interactions in protein films: A review. Materials, 7(12), 7975-7996. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7127975
[6]	Hadidi, M., Jafarzadeh, S., Forough, M., Garavand, F., Alizadeh, S., Salehabadi, A., Khaneghah, A. M., & Jafari, S. M. (2022). Plant protein-based food packaging films; recent advances in fabrication, characterization, and applications. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 120, 154-173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2022.01.013
[7]	Idowu, A. O., Alashi, A. M., Nwachukwu, I. D., Fagbemi, T. N., & Aluko, R. E. (2021). Functional properties of sesame (Sesamum indicum Linn) seed protein fractions. Food Production, Processing and Nutrition, 3, Article 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43014-020-00047-5
[8]	Jain R, Kosta S, Tiwari A. (2010). Polyhydroxyalkanoates: a way to sustainable development of bioplastics. Chronicles of Young Scientists, 1(3): 10-15.
[9]	Martucci, J. F., Ruseckaite, R. A. (2009). Tensile properties, barrier properties, and biodegradation in soil of compression Molded gelatin-dialdehyde starch films. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 112(4): 2166 – 2178.
[10]	Onsaard, E., Pomsamud, P., & Audtum, P. (2010). Functional properties of sesame protein concentrates from sesame meal. Asian Journal of Food and Agro-Industry, 3(4), 420-431.
[11]	Reddy, N., Jiang, Q., & Yang, Y. (2012). Preparation and properties of peanut protein films crosslinked with citric acid. Industrial Crops and Products, 39, 26-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2012.02.004
[12]	Sharma, L., Sharma, H. K., & Saini, C. S. (2018). Edible films developed from carboxylic acid cross-linked sesame protein isolate: Barrier, mechanical, thermal, crystalline and morphological properties. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 55(2), 532-539. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-017-2962-4
[13]	Wihodo, M., & Moraru, C. I. (2013). Physical and chemical methods used to enhance the structure and mechanical properties of protein films: A review. Journal of Food Engineering, 114(3), 292-302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2012.08.021
[14]	Zink, J., Wyrobnik, T., Prinz, T., & Schmid, M. (2016). Physical, chemical and biochemical modifications of protein-based films and coatings: An extensive review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 17(9), 1376. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17091376

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Olatunde, J. S., AbdulMujeeb, L., Opeyemi, Y. S., Olanrewaju, D., Folorunsho, O., et al. (2026). Structural and Morphological Characterisation of Succinic Acid-Crosslinked Sesame Seed Protein Isolate Bioplastic Films. International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology, 11(3), 125-133. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Olatunde, J. S.; AbdulMujeeb, L.; Opeyemi, Y. S.; Olanrewaju, D.; Folorunsho, O., et al. Structural and Morphological Characterisation of Succinic Acid-Crosslinked Sesame Seed Protein Isolate Bioplastic Films. Int. J. Food Sci. Biotechnol. 2026, 11(3), 125-133. doi: 10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Olatunde JS, AbdulMujeeb L, Opeyemi YS, Olanrewaju D, Folorunsho O, et al. Structural and Morphological Characterisation of Succinic Acid-Crosslinked Sesame Seed Protein Isolate Bioplastic Films. Int J Food Sci Biotechnol. 2026;11(3):125-133. doi: 10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12,
  author = {Jaji Saheed Olatunde and Lateef AbdulMujeeb and Yusuf Shukurat Opeyemi and Damazio Olanrewaju and Oluwole Folorunsho and Adedokun Aderinsola Omotayo and Jaji-Ibrahim Hawaw Kikelomo},
  title = {Structural and Morphological Characterisation of Succinic Acid-Crosslinked Sesame Seed Protein Isolate Bioplastic Films},
  journal = {International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology},
  volume = {11},
  number = {3},
  pages = {125-133},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijfsb.20261103.12},
  abstract = {The development of protein-based bioplastics from renewable resources is an important strategy for reducing dependence on petroleum-derived plastics. This study investigated the structural and morphological characteristics of sesame seed protein isolate (SSPI) films modified with succinic acid (SA). SSPI was obtained from defatted sesame protein concentrate by alkaline solubilisation followed by isoelectric precipitation. Film formulations contained 0, 4 and 5% SA on a protein basis, with 30% glycerol reported as plasticiser, and were compression-moulded at 130°C under 3 MPa for 10 min. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to evaluate formulation-dependent changes. The 4% SA film exhibited reported FTIR bands at 840, 922, 1032, 1151, 1235, 1541, 1601, 2930, 3257 and 3668 cm⁻1, whereas the 5% SA film showed bands at 923, 1030, 1234, 1401, 1541, 1624, 2925 and 3264 cm⁻1. SEM observations indicated that the native film was comparatively rough and porous, while the 4% and 5% SA films displayed progressively more compact and homogeneous morphologies. XRD analysis showed substantially narrower reflections for the 5% SA film than for the 4% film, indicating greater diffraction coherence under the reported measurement conditions. The combined FTIR, SEM and XRD findings demonstrate that succinic-acid treatment altered the molecular environment, morphology and diffraction behaviour of the SSPI matrix. The results support the potential of succinic-acid modification as a route for tailoring sesame-protein-based bioplastic structure, while further mechanical, barrier, thermal, water-sensitivity and biodegradation measurements are required to establish application performance.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Structural and Morphological Characterisation of Succinic Acid-Crosslinked Sesame Seed Protein Isolate Bioplastic Films
AU  - Jaji Saheed Olatunde
AU  - Lateef AbdulMujeeb
AU  - Yusuf Shukurat Opeyemi
AU  - Damazio Olanrewaju
AU  - Oluwole Folorunsho
AU  - Adedokun Aderinsola Omotayo
AU  - Jaji-Ibrahim Hawaw Kikelomo
Y1  - 2026/10/28
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12
T2  - International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology
JF  - International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology
JO  - International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology
SP  - 125
EP  - 133
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-9643
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12
AB  - The development of protein-based bioplastics from renewable resources is an important strategy for reducing dependence on petroleum-derived plastics. This study investigated the structural and morphological characteristics of sesame seed protein isolate (SSPI) films modified with succinic acid (SA). SSPI was obtained from defatted sesame protein concentrate by alkaline solubilisation followed by isoelectric precipitation. Film formulations contained 0, 4 and 5% SA on a protein basis, with 30% glycerol reported as plasticiser, and were compression-moulded at 130°C under 3 MPa for 10 min. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to evaluate formulation-dependent changes. The 4% SA film exhibited reported FTIR bands at 840, 922, 1032, 1151, 1235, 1541, 1601, 2930, 3257 and 3668 cm⁻1, whereas the 5% SA film showed bands at 923, 1030, 1234, 1401, 1541, 1624, 2925 and 3264 cm⁻1. SEM observations indicated that the native film was comparatively rough and porous, while the 4% and 5% SA films displayed progressively more compact and homogeneous morphologies. XRD analysis showed substantially narrower reflections for the 5% SA film than for the 4% film, indicating greater diffraction coherence under the reported measurement conditions. The combined FTIR, SEM and XRD findings demonstrate that succinic-acid treatment altered the molecular environment, morphology and diffraction behaviour of the SSPI matrix. The results support the potential of succinic-acid modification as a route for tailoring sesame-protein-based bioplastic structure, while further mechanical, barrier, thermal, water-sensitivity and biodegradation measurements are required to establish application performance.
VL  - 11
IS  - 3
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Jaji Saheed Olatunde

Chemical Sciences Department, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-9287-1345
Lateef AbdulMujeeb

Chemical Sciences Department, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Nigeria
Yusuf Shukurat Opeyemi

Chemical Sciences Department, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Nigeria
Damazio Olanrewaju

Chemical Sciences Department, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Nigeria
Oluwole Folorunsho

Chemical Sciences Department, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Nigeria
Adedokun Aderinsola Omotayo

Chemical Sciences Department, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Nigeria
Jaji-Ibrahim Hawaw Kikelomo

Department of Environmental Health Science,National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria

Download PDF

Submit an Article

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Olatunde, J. S., AbdulMujeeb, L., Opeyemi, Y. S., Olanrewaju, D., Folorunsho, O., et al. (2026). Structural and Morphological Characterisation of Succinic Acid-Crosslinked Sesame Seed Protein Isolate Bioplastic Films. International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology, 11(3), 125-133. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Olatunde, J. S.; AbdulMujeeb, L.; Opeyemi, Y. S.; Olanrewaju, D.; Folorunsho, O., et al. Structural and Morphological Characterisation of Succinic Acid-Crosslinked Sesame Seed Protein Isolate Bioplastic Films. Int. J. Food Sci. Biotechnol. 2026, 11(3), 125-133. doi: 10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Olatunde JS, AbdulMujeeb L, Opeyemi YS, Olanrewaju D, Folorunsho O, et al. Structural and Morphological Characterisation of Succinic Acid-Crosslinked Sesame Seed Protein Isolate Bioplastic Films. Int J Food Sci Biotechnol. 2026;11(3):125-133. doi: 10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12,
  author = {Jaji Saheed Olatunde and Lateef AbdulMujeeb and Yusuf Shukurat Opeyemi and Damazio Olanrewaju and Oluwole Folorunsho and Adedokun Aderinsola Omotayo and Jaji-Ibrahim Hawaw Kikelomo},
  title = {Structural and Morphological Characterisation of Succinic Acid-Crosslinked Sesame Seed Protein Isolate Bioplastic Films},
  journal = {International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology},
  volume = {11},
  number = {3},
  pages = {125-133},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijfsb.20261103.12},
  abstract = {The development of protein-based bioplastics from renewable resources is an important strategy for reducing dependence on petroleum-derived plastics. This study investigated the structural and morphological characteristics of sesame seed protein isolate (SSPI) films modified with succinic acid (SA). SSPI was obtained from defatted sesame protein concentrate by alkaline solubilisation followed by isoelectric precipitation. Film formulations contained 0, 4 and 5% SA on a protein basis, with 30% glycerol reported as plasticiser, and were compression-moulded at 130°C under 3 MPa for 10 min. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to evaluate formulation-dependent changes. The 4% SA film exhibited reported FTIR bands at 840, 922, 1032, 1151, 1235, 1541, 1601, 2930, 3257 and 3668 cm⁻1, whereas the 5% SA film showed bands at 923, 1030, 1234, 1401, 1541, 1624, 2925 and 3264 cm⁻1. SEM observations indicated that the native film was comparatively rough and porous, while the 4% and 5% SA films displayed progressively more compact and homogeneous morphologies. XRD analysis showed substantially narrower reflections for the 5% SA film than for the 4% film, indicating greater diffraction coherence under the reported measurement conditions. The combined FTIR, SEM and XRD findings demonstrate that succinic-acid treatment altered the molecular environment, morphology and diffraction behaviour of the SSPI matrix. The results support the potential of succinic-acid modification as a route for tailoring sesame-protein-based bioplastic structure, while further mechanical, barrier, thermal, water-sensitivity and biodegradation measurements are required to establish application performance.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Structural and Morphological Characterisation of Succinic Acid-Crosslinked Sesame Seed Protein Isolate Bioplastic Films
AU  - Jaji Saheed Olatunde
AU  - Lateef AbdulMujeeb
AU  - Yusuf Shukurat Opeyemi
AU  - Damazio Olanrewaju
AU  - Oluwole Folorunsho
AU  - Adedokun Aderinsola Omotayo
AU  - Jaji-Ibrahim Hawaw Kikelomo
Y1  - 2026/10/28
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12
T2  - International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology
JF  - International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology
JO  - International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology
SP  - 125
EP  - 133
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-9643
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijfsb.20261103.12
AB  - The development of protein-based bioplastics from renewable resources is an important strategy for reducing dependence on petroleum-derived plastics. This study investigated the structural and morphological characteristics of sesame seed protein isolate (SSPI) films modified with succinic acid (SA). SSPI was obtained from defatted sesame protein concentrate by alkaline solubilisation followed by isoelectric precipitation. Film formulations contained 0, 4 and 5% SA on a protein basis, with 30% glycerol reported as plasticiser, and were compression-moulded at 130°C under 3 MPa for 10 min. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to evaluate formulation-dependent changes. The 4% SA film exhibited reported FTIR bands at 840, 922, 1032, 1151, 1235, 1541, 1601, 2930, 3257 and 3668 cm⁻1, whereas the 5% SA film showed bands at 923, 1030, 1234, 1401, 1541, 1624, 2925 and 3264 cm⁻1. SEM observations indicated that the native film was comparatively rough and porous, while the 4% and 5% SA films displayed progressively more compact and homogeneous morphologies. XRD analysis showed substantially narrower reflections for the 5% SA film than for the 4% film, indicating greater diffraction coherence under the reported measurement conditions. The combined FTIR, SEM and XRD findings demonstrate that succinic-acid treatment altered the molecular environment, morphology and diffraction behaviour of the SSPI matrix. The results support the potential of succinic-acid modification as a route for tailoring sesame-protein-based bioplastic structure, while further mechanical, barrier, thermal, water-sensitivity and biodegradation measurements are required to establish application performance.
VL  - 11
IS  - 3
ER  -

Copy | Download