JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
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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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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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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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JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
·
2024
·Vol. 89
·期 10
·6707-6719
·
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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JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
·
2024
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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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Scientific Reports
·
2025
·Vol. 15
·期 1
·42585
·
IF 3.9
Wang Xiumei,Zheng Xiaoyan,Chu Leqian,Zhao Xiaoxu,Pang Jie
Conventional non-degradable petroleum-based packaging films cause serious food safety and white environment pollution problems. Thus, a series of novel konjac glucomannan (KGM)/zein (KZ) films with different chain lengths and concentrations of fatty acids were prepared using a solution casting method in this paper. Effects of stearic acid and lauric acid on the rheological properties of the film-forming solutions, structure, mechanical properties and water barrier abilities of KZ film were systematically studied. The apparent viscosities analysis indicated that all the film-forming solutions were typical non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluids and KGM/Zein/fatty acid (KZ-FA) film solutions exhibited higher apparent viscosities than KZ film solution at the test FA concentration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed that hydrogen bonds were the main intermolecular interactions among KGM, Zein and fatty acids. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction results demonstrated that the incorporation of fatty acids enhanced the thermal stabilities and crystallinities of KZ film. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscope results revealed that the surface morphologies and roughness of KZ film were significantly affected after adding FAs. The rougher and more irregular surfaces were observed in the KZ films with stearic acid. Moreover, KZ film with 0.4% stearic acid exhibited higher surface hydrophobicity, mechanical, water resistance and water vapor barrier properties than other KGM-based films. These results suggested that KZ films with appropriate types and concentrations of fatty acids are promising food packaging films for the required properties.
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
·
2020
·
IF 4.845
Liqiong Zha,Jiajia Qian,Beilei Wang,Huanhuan Liu,Caiyun Zhang,Qiannian Dong,Weidong Chen,Lufeng Hong
As one of the active pharmaceutical ingredients in Gamboge, Gambogenic acid (GNA) has shown diverse anti-tumor activities. To reduce the vascular irritation of GNA and improve its water solubility, tumor targeting, and bioavailability, GNA loaded Zein nanoparticles ( [email protected] NPs) was further coated by polydopamine (PDA) to develop [email protected] NPs by anti-solvent precipitation and surface modification. The results showed that particle size and Zeta potential of [email protected] NPs were about 310 nm and −40.8 mV with core–shell morphology confirmed by TEM. [email protected] NPs increased the water solubility of GNA by more than 700 times and showed pH-sensitive release behavior in PBS with pH 6.86. In vitro cytotoxicity tests showed that [email protected] NPs had higher inhibitory activity on HepG2 cells than free GNA, and their IC 50 were 1.59 μg/mL and 9.89 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the hemolysis and vascular irritation assay showed that [email protected] NPs had good cytocompatibility and reduced the irritation of GNA to blood vessels. Moreover, the in vivo pharmacokinetic experiments exhibited that the C max and AUC 0-t of [email protected] NPs were significantly improved approximately by 2.09-fold and 3.48-fold over that of GNA, respectively. In conclusion, [email protected] NPs solve many defects of GNA and provide a tumor-targeting drug delivery for GNA.
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Polymers
·
2021
·Vol. 13
·期 16
·2759
·
IF 4.329
Longwei Jiang,Yanlong Han,Xiangyi Meng,Yawen Xiao,Huajiang Zhang
In this study, following the green, environmentally friendly and sustainable development strategy, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were prepared through a solvent-free esterification reaction between microcrystalline cellulose and maleic anhydride, combined with subsequent ultrasonic treatment, and maleic-anhydride-modified CNC-reinforced zein/catechin/β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex nanoparticles nanocomposite films were prepared by a facile solution casting. The amount of CNCs in the film matrix was 0–8 wt%, and their effect on structural, physicochemical and functional properties of the resulting films were investigated. SEM images showed that the addition of CNCs made the microstructure of the film more smooth and uniform. The intermolecular hydrogen bonds between CNCs and film matrix were supported by FT-IR. XRD analysis also confirmed the appearance of a crystalline peak due to the existence of CNCs inside the films. The incorporation of CNCs significantly reduced water vapor permeability, water solubility and the swelling degree of the nanocomposite film, and also significantly increased tensile strength and elongation at break from 12.66 to 37.82 MPa and 4.5% to 5.2% (p< 0.05). Moreover, nanocomposite film packaging with CNCs can effectively inhibit the oxidation of soybean oil.Keywords:cellulose nanocrystals;zein;antioxidant activity;biodegradable films;food oxidation
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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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Materials Today Advances
·
2026
·
IF 8
Kai Cheng,Chao Zhang,Shancan Wang,Shuyan Chen,Xiaoxiao Liao,Sili Zou,Rong Wang,Lefeng Qu
Hemorrhage control remains a critical challenge in clinical and emergency medicine. In this work, we developed a multifunctional hemostatic sponge (GPZ sponge) composed of a gelatin–polyvinyl alcohol matrix reinforced with zein nanoparticles (ZNPs). The incorporation of ZNPs endowed the sponge with stable fixation on moist tissue surfaces while allowing ethanol-triggered facile removal. Upon hydration, the sponge transformed into a dense hydrogel capable of withstanding burst pressures exceeding 140 mmHg and achieving rapid, thrombin-independent hemostasis through enhanced platelet aggregation. Moreover, the intrinsic antioxidant activity of ZNPs conferred efficient reactive oxygen species scavenging. In rat liver bleeding models, the GPZ sponge resulted in minimal blood loss (∼0.11 g), which was dramatically lower than that observed with the commercial gelatin sponge (∼1.19 g), highlighting its outstanding hemostatic efficacy. Furthermore, it achieved effective hemostasis in rat cardiac puncture, rabbit femoral artery, and heparinized porcine carotid artery injury models, demonstrating robust performance under severe and high-pressure bleeding conditions. In full-thickness skin wounds treated with GPZ sponge, the closure ratio reached 97.2% at day 14, significantly higher than 80.9% in the commercial gelatin sponge group. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the GPZ sponge is an easily fabricated and highly efficient hemostatic material with strong translational potential for next-generation clinical and emergency wound care.
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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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Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Yu Jingwen,Ba Wenxiu,Tang Xinru,Mueed Abdul,Zhang Bing,Deng Zeyuan,Li Hongyan
Lycopene predominantly exists as an all-E isomer, but its Z-isomers are more abundant in the human body and have greater bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity than the all-E-isomer. This study aimed to develop an efficient isomerization method for Z-lycopene production and to fabricate Pickering emulsions loaded with high Z-lycopene content (PEZL) to enhance its stability and bioaccessibility, ultimately evaluating its potential effect against benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in a mouse model. First, different methods to induce Z-isomerization of (all-E)-lycopene were investigated. Second, PEZL was fabricated and characterized for encapsulation efficiency, stability (under thermal, ionic, pH, and storage stress), in vitro digestion profile and bioaccessibility. Finally, its efficacy was assessed in a BPH mouse model by measuring the prostatic index (PI) and serum levels of acid phosphatase (ACP), testosterone (T), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This study developed an efficient production method for Z-lycopene by microwave heating at 560 W for 5 min with supplementation of garlic and onion at a 1:1 ratio. The total Z-lycopene content increased to approximately 71%, and the isomerization efficiency was higher than that with other isomerization methods. The PEZL prepared by zein-chitosan at the ratio of 1:1 demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency and robust stability. PEZL provided a 1.76-fold increase in the relative bioaccessibility compared to lycopene dissolved in perilla seed oil during simulated digestion in vitro. In the BPH model, PEZL administration significantly reduced the PI and serum levels of ACP, T, and DHT compared to the model group. The PEZL significantly improved the stability and bioaccessibility of Z-lycopene and shows promising preventive effects against BPH in vivo, providing a solid foundation for developing Z-lycopene-based functional foods or nutraceuticals for prostate health.
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