The successful pilot-scale production and characterisation of two functional prototypes

The work builds on irradiation protocols and bioactivity studies developed during earlier project activities and demonstrates the feasibility of integrating egg-derived bioactive materials into advanced functional products. A total of 70 hydrogel wound dressings were fabricated and characterised using complementary physicochemical, mechanical and functional methods. The hydrogels demonstrated stable crosslinking, limited erosion, suitable handling and skin adhesiveness, while some formulations showed high swelling capacity and antioxidant activity exceeding 70% DPPH inhibition after seven days.

The second prototype was an active food-packaging film prepared by radiation-induced grafting of acrylic acid onto polyethylene and biodegradable polyethylene films, followed by incorporation of egg proteins. A total of 29 films were produced, with a grafting yield of approximately 80%. Ovalbumin and lysozyme were successfully incorporated onto the functionalised surfaces, and fluorescence and gravimetric analyses confirmed protein uptake and retention after washing. Scale-up experiments demonstrated the feasibility of applying the process to substantially larger film areas. Overall, the results confirm the successful pilot-scale fabrication of both prototype products and provide a technical basis for further optimisation, scale-up and evaluation of their potential applications.