LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
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2017
·
IF 2.329
Huan Yang,Kun Feng,Peng Wen,Min-Hua Zong,Wen-Yong Lou,Hong Wu
A composite zein nanofibrous mat containing fish oil and ferulic acid was successfully fabricated by electrospinning. The process became more fluent and continuous by adding 30 g/L glycerol into the polymer solutions and using modified coaxial electrospinning. The average diameter of nanofibers was 440 nm. The loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of fish oil were 20% and 94%, respectively. FTIR data demonstrated that fish oil and ferulic acid were successfully embedded into the nanofibers and there were interactions among the molecules of zein, fish oil and ferulic acid. Addition of ferulic acid into the nanofibers significantly improved the oxidative stability of encapsulated fish oil; moreover, it did not change the release behavior of fish oil. The release of encapsulated fish oil was controlled by a combination of diffusion and macromolecular chain relaxation. This composite nanofibrous mat with favorable oxidation stability and release property is potential in application as nutrition additive.
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CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
·
2024
·
IF 4.7
Kumar Ganesan,Cong Xu,Chunguang Xie,Yue Sui,Chuan Zheng,Fei Gao,Jianping Chen
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and is known for its tendency to spread to the bones, causing significant health issues and mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether cryoprotective isoliquiritigenin-zein phosphatidylcholine nanoparticles (ISL@ZLH NPs) could inhibit BC-induced bone destruction and tumor metastasis in both in vitro and animal models. To evaluate the potential of ISL@ZLH NPs, we conducted various experiments. First, we assessed cell viability, colony formation, transwell migration, and wound healing assays to determine the impact of ISL@ZLH NPs on BC cell behavior. Western blotting, TRAP staining and ALP activity were performed to examine the effects of ISL@ZLH NPs on osteoclast formation induced by MDA-MB-231 cell-conditioned medium and RANKL treated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, we assessed the therapeutic impact of ISL@ZLH NPs on tumor-induced bone destruction using a mouse model of BC bone metastasis. Treatment with ISL@ZLH NPs effectively suppressed BC cell proliferation, colony formation, and motility, reducing their ability to metastasize. ISL@ZLH NPs significantly inhibited osteoclast formation and the expression of factors associated with bone destruction in BC cells. Additionally, ISL@ZLH NPs suppressed JAK-STAT signaling in RAW264.7 cells. In the BCBM mouse model, ISL@ZLH NPs led to a significant reduction in osteolytic bone lesions compared to the control group. Histological analysis and TRAP staining confirmed that ISL@ZLH NPs preserved the integrity of bone structure, preventing invasive metastasis by confining tumor growth to the bone marrow cavity. Furthermore, ISL@ZLH NPs effectively suppressed tumor-induced osteoclastogenesis, a key process in BC-related bone destruction. Our findings demonstrate that ISL@ZLH NPs have the potential to inhibit BC-induced bone destruction and tumor metastasis by targeting JAK-STAT signaling pathways and suppressing tumor-induced osteoclastogenesis. These results underscore the therapeutic promise of ISL@ZLH NPs in managing BC metastasis to the bones.
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COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
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2025
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IF 5.4
Mingfang Sun,Jun Wang,Jun Kang,Yaxin Zhao,Huafeng Tian,Yujuan Jin,Rakesh Kumar,Junfeng Wang
This study utilizes electrospinning to develop bio-based fibrous films composed of zein and polylactic acid (PLA), with chitosan added in varying concentrations. The resulting films exhibit remarkable filtration efficiency, capturing over 95 % of airborne pollutants, while maintaining a low pressure drop of less than 4 mbar. A key innovation in this work is the integration of chitosan. Chitosan, a naturally derived polysaccharide, significantly increases the conductivity and viscosity of the spinning solution, enhancing interactions among PLA, chitosan, and protein molecules. This leads to a robust network structure with improved hydrophobicity and a bimodal structure, both essential for maintaining high filtration efficiency without reducing breathability. The addition of chitosan effectively addresses the common issue of high pressure drop in PLA/zein composite films, improving the product's efficiency and practicality for air filtration applications. Furthermore, the inherent mechanical strength and ductility of chitosan contribute to the fibrous films' overall durability and functionality. These properties make chitosan-modified zein/PLA fibers highly suitable for air pollution control, especially in personal protective equipment. This research underscores the potential of chitosan-enhanced bio-based materials as sustainable and effective solutions for advanced air filtration technologies.
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JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
·
2024
·Vol. 89
·期 10
·6707-6719
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IF 3.2
Qilei Wang,Zhenzhen Feng,Chan Shi,Xingang Lyu,DaiDi Fan
Sulforaphane-loaded nanoparticles (NP-SF) were prepared in this study to improve their biological effects. Based on propylene glycol alginate and zein as wall materials and anthocyanin and CaCl 2 as crosslinking agents, the NPs were encapsulated by the crosslinking method and freeze-dried. With the increasing contents of anthocyanin and Ca 2+ , the encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of NP-SF were both increased. In vitro simulated digestion experiments showed controlled release of SF from the NPs. The pharmacokinetics confirmed that NP-SF exerted a slower release effect in rats, with improved SF bioavailability and protective effects on liver injury induced by N -diethylnitrosamine in mice. NP-SF reduced serum indicators of liver injury, increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and GSH levels, and reduced malondialdehyde levels in the liver. In addition, SF activated the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and upregulated the expression of the Nrf2 downstream genes NQO1 and heme oxidase 1. High doses of NP-SF, in particular, had a higher therapeutic effect. In conclusion, encapsulation enhanced the biological activity of SF and promoted physiological function.
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
·
2025
·
IF 8.5
Sufang Chen,Weiwei Cheng,Wenrui Liu,Erna Li,Feng Xiao,Jialiang He,Lili Liu,Suna Han,Baocheng Xu
In this study, zein-peanut isolate protein (PPI) composite nanoparticles were fabricated by pH-driven self-assembly method and their potential applications in Pickering emulsion stabilization and resveratrol encapsulation were systematically explored. The results showed that the particle size, zeta potential, and dispersibility were significantly affected by the Zein:PPI mass ratio. Among them, the composite particles with a mass ratio of Zein:PPI of 1:2 showed the best performance, with an average particle size of approximately 389 nm, a low PDI value (0.32) and a high surface charge (−42 mV), indicating superior colloidal stability. Scanning electron microscopy results showed a porous lamellar structure, and contact angle analysis indicated that the surface wettability of the composite particles increased with increasing PPI ratio. Spectroscopic analyses (UV–vis, fluorescence, circular dichroism and FTIR) revealed significant changes in the protein secondary structure, with a decrease in α-helix and an increase in β-folding, reflecting stronger protein-protein interactions. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations further verified the formation of a stable composite structure between zein and PPI mainly through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. The Pickering emulsions stabilized by the composite particles were of the oil-in-water type and exhibited remarkable thermal and long-term storage stability. Meanwhile, they showed good colloidal stability under conditions of a wide pH range and high salt concentration. Rheological tests showed that the emulsions exhibited shear-thinning behavior and predominantly elastic gel properties, reflecting the dense interfacial structure. Furthermore, the composite particles significantly improved the encapsulation efficiency of resveratrol (86.5 %) and enhanced its antioxidant capacity. As a resveratrol-loaded emulsion system, the Pickering emulsion stabilized by Zein-PPI reduced the release rate of free fatty acid (FFA) in in vitro digestion to less than 6 %, and increased the bioaccessibility to more than 40 %. Moreover, the Pickering emulsion stabilized by Zein-PPI was superior to the emulsion stabilized by Zein and PPI in terms of sustained release, anti-ultraviolet stability and simulated gastrointestinal digestion. In summary, zein–PPI composite nanoparticles present a promising platform for the development of stable, lipid-soluble bioactive delivery systems in functional food applications.
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FOOD CHEMISTRY
·
2025
·
IF 9.8
Yiyan Guo,Mingze Xu,Jiapeng Chen,Jingfeng Che,Wenqing Zhu,Yuxin Zheng,Wanting Huang,Wenjun Dai,Hong Chen,Limin Zhai,Li Zhang,Yan-Qing Guan
In this study, we employed FDA-approved food-grade zein to address the issue of poor water solubility of Naringin (Nar) through self-assembly into pH-responsive oral zein nanoparticles with active intestinal absorption. Subsequently, a detailed analysis of the nanoparticles was conducted using a series of characterization tools, as well as in vivo and in vitro experiments. The research results show that the diameter of the nanoparticles is about 116 nm, which is in line with the theory of oral drugs. The loading efficiency of nanoparticles reached 88.25 %, and the release of Naringin in simulated intestinal fluid environment was as high as 94.75 %, indicating that nanoparticles have certain intestinal permeability and significantly improve the oral bioavailability of Naringin. This eco-friendly synthesis process yields food-grade nanoparticles that have the potential to be used as food additives or pharmaceuticals, and may even pave the way for treatments targeting type 2 diabetes and hepatic steatosis.
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JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
·
2024
·
IF 2.7
Na Ma,Ke Li,Bo Xu,Huafeng Tian,Songbai Ma,Jinlong Li,Yuge Ouyang,Qian Liu,Dagang Liu,Rakesh Kumar
To solve the problem of the presence of heavy metals in water causing water pollution, the biodegradable film based on zein/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with the incorporation of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) was fabricated through an electrospinning technique. The copper ion was taken as the representative of heavy metal ions in this study. The result showed that the incorporated nHAP nanoparticles were dispersed within the zein/PVA matrix, and strong hydrogen bonding interactions were formed between the filler and matrix, improving the hydrophobicity of the nanofibrous films and maintaining thermal stability. The adsorption mechanism was analyzed by fitting the adsorption process with pseudo-first-order model and pseudo-second-order model. Based on the ion exchange effect, electrostatic interaction, and complexation, the adsorption capacities of nanofibrous films for Cu(II) were significantly increased after adding nHAP. When the nHAP content was 20 wt.%, the Cu(II) adsorption capacity reached up to 23.86 mg/g, and the adsorption efficiency was 13.94% higher than that of neat zein/PVA nanofibers. This work suggests the potential of the electrospun zein/PVA/nHAP nanofibrous films as desirable eco-friendly materials in metal removal applications.
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
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2024
·
IF 7.7
Jin Chen,Zhuangwei Zhang,Huihui Li,Mengchu Sun,Hongjin Tang
The low water solubility and inadequate bioavailability of curcumin significantly hinder its broad biological applications in the realms of food and medicine. There is limited information currently available regarding the particle characteristics and functional capabilities of zein-lysozyme-based nanomaterials . Thereby, the primary goal of the current work is to effectively develop innovative zein-lysozyme- κ -carrageenan complex nanocomposites (ZLKC) as a reliable carrier for curcumin encapsulation. As a result, ZLKC nanoparticles showed a smooth spherical nanostructure with improved encapsulation efficiency. Fourier-transform infrared, fluorescence spectroscopy, dissociation assay, and circular dichroism analysis revealed that hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding were pivotal in the construction and durability of these composites. X-ray diffraction examination affirmed the lack of crystallinity in curcumin encapsulated within nanoparticles . The incorporation of κ -carrageenan significantly improved the physicochemical stability of ZLKC nanoparticles in diverse environmental settings. Additionally, ZLKC nanocomposites demonstrated enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, as well as sustained release characteristics. Therefore, these findings demonstrate the potential application of ZLKC nanocomposites as delivery materials for encapsulating bioactive substances.
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JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
·
2024
·
IF 3.8
Qing Shen,Cong Tang,Xiaomeng Xu,Guangxiu Liu,Shijun Shao,Wenxiu Yao,Shuqing Dong
Based on the adhesion of polyethyleneimine (PEI), a novel PEI/zein co-modified core-shell stationary phase (PEI/Zein@SiO 2 ) was prepared by doping zein to form a composite modification layer. The stationary phase achieved effective separation of nucleosides, bases and antibiotics in hydrophilic interaction mode on account of the hydrophilic groups of composite coating. With the hydrophobicity of zein, the flavones could be separated in reversed-phase mode. In short, the separation and analysis of hydrophilic/hydrophobic compounds were accomplished excellently by the PEI/Zein@SiO 2 column with mixed double mode. The prepared chromatographic stationary phase not only avoided the dissolution of zein, but also covered the strong adsorption of some analytes caused by silica hydroxyl groups on the surface of silica spheres. The morphological structure and specific surface area of the material were reflected by various characterization techniques. Hydrophilic/hydrophobic compounds were used as tested analytes to research separation performance and retention mechanisms of PEI/Zein@SiO 2 column. The stability and reproducibility of the PEI/Zein@SiO 2 stationary phase were satisfied. Therefore, the modification of zein could improve the separation selectivity of stationary phase effectively for complex samples, which had the potential to be one of the significant potential application materials in stationary phase packing.
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高影响因子
Discover Food
·
2025
·Vol. 5
·期 1
·428
·
IF 3.7
Gui Xinchen,Chen Yaozhong,Cao Shihai,Yu Yadong
To address the limitations of conventional packaging materials, this work synthesized the curcumin-loaded γ-cyclodextrin-metal-organic frameworks, Cur@CD-MOF, which was subsequently combined with the zein-chitosan (ZC) matrix to form the Cur@CD-MOF/ZC film. The structure, physiochemical property, curcumin release behavior, antibacterial/antioxidant activity and strawberry preservation performance of the Cur@CD-MOF/ZC film were investigated. Results confirmed that Cur@CD-MOF was successfully incorporated into the ZC matrix. The incorporation of Cur@CD-MOF made the Cur@CD-MOF/ZC films own smoother and denser microstructures, and have a lower water vapor permeability and light transmittance. The tensile strength of Cur@CD-MOF/ZC film (5.99 ± 0.55 MPa) was significantly higher than that of ZC film (3.37 ± 0.15 MPa). The release of curcumin from the Cur@CD-MOF/ZC film was delayed in humid environments, and interestingly, it became faster under acidic conditions compared to that under neutral conditions. Cur@CD-MOF significantly improved the antioxidant activity of Cur@CD-MOF/ZC film and its inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . Fruit preservation experiments showed that Cur@CD-MOF/ZC film effectively reduced the decay of strawberry. Moreover, Cur@CD-MOF/ZC film exhibited excellent preservation performances on other fruits and vegetables as well (winter jujube, broccoli, white mushroom, etc.), confirming their broad application potentials for the perishable produce preservation.
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LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
·
2026
·
IF 7.1
Mengna Zhang,Qinchao Zhu,Tingmei Chu,Wei Xia,Hualing Xie,Jianchang Jin,Gongshuai Song,Xichuang Guo,Jinyan Gong
Peimine (P) and curcumin (CM) possess significant bioactivities but suffer from poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and limited stability. To address these challenges, P-CM self-assembled microparticles (SMPs) were prepared via non-covalent interactions and systematically characterized. The results demonstrated that optimal self-assembly reaction conditions occurred at pH 9, 25 °C, and a P:CM molar ratio of 1:1, yielding uniform nanoparticles (284 nm, PDI = 0.202) with a zeta potential of −19.77 mV. P-CM SMPs exhibited superior antioxidant activities, with ABTS, DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP values of 62.69%, 34.18%, and 81.02%, respectively, as well as enhanced anti-inflammatory activity compared to their individual components. To further improve stability and control release, the P-CM SMPs were encapsulated in a hollow zein-chitosan (HZ-CH) composite, achieving high encapsulation efficiency (96.0%). HZ-CH-SMPs exhibited storage stability over time and sustained-release behavior under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. This study provides a theoretical basis for designing delivery strategies integrating molecular self-assembly and protein-polysaccharide encapsulation to overcome solubility and bioavailability limitations of bioactive compounds in functional foods.
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JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
·
2026
·
IF 6.7
Yinger Lan,Guanhong Jin,Xiaojuan Lei,Jichun Zhao,Lin Lei,Yalin Ran,Jian Ming
Abstract Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive hepatic lipid accumulation, and the existing pharmacological alternatives are constrained by considerable side effects and probable toxicity. Orientin (Ori), a natural flavonoid with hepatoprotective potential, is restricted by poor solubility and low bioavailability. Herein, a galactosylated zein nanoplatform (Ori@Gal-Zein) was engineered via the Maillard reaction, resulting in uniform spherical nanoparticles (163.3 ± 2.6 nm) with high loading capacity of Ori (7.89 ± 0.14%) and gastrointestinal stability. In a CDAHFD-induced NAFLD mouse model, Ori@Gal-Zein decreased hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol accumulation, attenuated lipid peroxidation, and restored antioxidant capacity, exhibiting comparable efficacy to silybin. Moreover, lipidomics revealed decreased triglyceride, diglyceride, and ceramide levels and restored the phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine ratio. Importantly, Ori@Gal-Zein remodeled gut microbiota by normalizing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, decreasing Pseudomonadota proliferation, and increasing Akkermansia abundance to alleviate NAFLD, providing a selection for carbohydrate-mediated protein nanoplatform.
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