ACS Nano
·
2025
·
IF 16
Xiquan Ding,Qian Du,Fei Gao,Long Chen,Tingyu Wang,Fangyuan Chen,Zhanghua Zeng,Yan Wang,Haixin Cui,Bo Cui
Root-knot nematodes are globally prevalent plant-parasitic pests, distinguished by their widespread distribution, extensive host range, and challenging control measures. Avermectin B2, one of the few effective nematicides available, faces limitations in efficacy and poses environmental concerns due to its eco-unfriendly composition and poor utilization in traditional emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulations. In this study, we developed core–shell structured Ave B2-BS@Zein@SC nanospheres, incorporating zein as the carrier, sodium caseinate as the stabilizer, and butyl stearate as the temperature “switch”. These nanospheres demonstrated multiresponsive characteristics to temperature, pH, and enzymatic conditions, facilitating rapid pesticide release under elevated temperatures, mildly acidic or alkaline conditions, and in the presence of protease. These controlled-release properties effectively responded to both environmental factors during nematode outbreaks and the intestinal conditions of the nematodes, enhancing pesticide targeting and utilization efficiency. The engineered nanospheres improved the mobility and stability of avermectin B2 in soil, enabling more comprehensive control of nematodes across broader and deeper soil layers. Additionally, the penetration capability of Ave B2-BS@Zein@SC into plant roots effectively eliminated nematodes that had already invaded the root system, thereby strengthening crop protection. Crucially, Ave B2-BS@Zein@SC demonstrated enhanced safety for nontarget organisms. This environmentally conscious, and multiresponsive pesticide nanodelivery system presents a promising strategy for sustainable subterranean pest management.
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PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
·
2025
·
IF 8.5
Hui Li,Shuangshuang Chen,Yumei Li,Zelin Sang,Zhenhua Chen,Xifan Mei,Xiuli Ren
In the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), overstimulation of inflammatory factors can trigger a coagulation cascade, increase the risk of intestinal micro-thrombosis and lead to microcirculation disorders. However, prevention of microcirculation pathways has not received enough attention. Heparin is commonly used in anticoagulant therapy, but oral delivery does not have an excellent anticoagulant effect. To improve the stability of heparin (HEP) in the gastrointestinal tract, zein/tea polyphenol nanospheres with a core-shell structure (EGNs@Z) were developed for oral administration of heparin (HEGNs@Z). The Zein shell has pH-responsive properties and is effective in preventing premature dissolution of heparin. At the same time, EGCG nanospheres (EGNs) play an anti-inflammatory role, jointly improve the vicious cycle between inflammation and microthrombosis. The results of SEM, TEM and FTIR showed that EGNs successfully encapsulated heparin and formed zein shells on the surface of microspheres with a thickness of 50-100 nm. In vitro simulated digestion experiments showed that zein shells prevented the breakdown of microspheres and heparin in a simulated gastric environment, whereas EGNs and HEP were slowly degraded and released in a simulated intestinal environment. Coagulation analysis showed that HEGNs@Z was effective in delaying clotting time. A mouse model of acute colitis has also shown that HEGNs@Z robust promotes colonic epithelial regeneration, inhibits malignant microcirculation, and reduces bleeding risk. These findings reveal that this orally bioavailable multifunctional material may provide a novel, effective and convenient treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.
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PubMed
高影响因子
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
·
2025
·
IF 13.2
Long Chen,Huahui Ren,Liang Li,Jihao Zuo,Jinting Cai,Ying Li,Huayao Chen,Li Hao,Hongjun Zhou,Zhanghua Zeng,Xinhua Zhou
The extensive use of conventional pesticide formulations poses potential environmental risks, highlighting an urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives. Pesticide microencapsulation has emerged as a promising approach to reduce application frequency and minimize environmental harm, owing to its high encapsulation efficiency and sustained-release capabilities. We developed an enzymatically degradable microcapsule using Pickering emulsion templates stabilized by sodium caseinate/zein composite protein nanoparticles (PNPs) with an average size of approximately 204 nm. Notably, the cross-linked PNP-based microcapsules exhibited a pesticide loading efficiency exceeding 74 %, high stability, and enabled accelerated release under enzyme-rich conditions. Field trials demonstrated that the degradable microcapsules provided time-dependent pest control, with efficacy improving from 67 % on day 2 to 83 % on day 15. In contrast, a commercial microemulsion showed rapidly declining effectiveness after the second day. These results underscore the ability of the microcapsules to extend the duration of pest management, despite slightly reduced initial activity. Furthermore, the encapsulation strategy markedly improved safety toward non-target organisms, exhibiting markedly lower adverse impacts on seed germination, zebrafish, and earthworms relative to commercial formulations. Importantly, the protein nanoparticle-based Pickering emulsion platform demonstrated broad applicability, enabling the successful encapsulation of various pesticide compounds.
研究领域:
农业化学
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纳米技术
·
环境科学
·
农药科学
·
胶体与界面科学
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高影响因子
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
·
2025
·
IF 13.2
Jihao Zuo,Ruopeng Lan,Jinting Cai,Long Chen,Dongyan Yang,Huayao Chen,Li Hao,Ximing Zhong,Xinhua Zhou,Hongjun Zhou
Soil salinization poses a global agricultural challenge with significant economic implications for salt-sensitive cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L. ) cultivation. To address this issue, we developed a proline-functionalized zein nano delivery system (BR@AM-Zein-Pro) through amide coupling of proline to aminated zein (AM-Zein), followed by brassinolide (BR) encapsulation to form self-assembled architectures. BR@AM-Zein-Pro exhibits sustained release for BR, thereby extending the phytohormone's duration efficacy. Furthermore, proline functionalization enhances BR@AM-Zein-Pro penetration through cucumber seed coats, thereby improving osmotic regulation capacity. Crucially, cucumber seeds treated with BR@AM-Zein-Pro exhibited a 90–116.67 % higher germination potential than untreated salt-stressed seeds. Following seven days of growth, cucumber seedlings from seeds treated with BR@AM-Zein-Pro exhibited significant increases in root and stem length of 39.91 % and 43.81 %, respectively, compared to untreated salt-stressed seedlings. At the mature plant stage, foliar application of BR@AM-Zein-Pro to salt-stressed plants significantly enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities by 98.64 % and 56.42 %, respectively, relative to the untreated control group. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased by 53.14 %, proline content reduced by 72.95 %, electrolyte leakage rate dropped by 22.48 %, and chlorophyll content increased by 50.33 %. Mechanistically, BR@AM-Zein-Pro enhances cucumber salt tolerance through synergistic coordination of osmotic adjustment, antioxidant defense activation, and photosynthetic efficiency maintenance. It is important that BR@AM-Zein-Pro significantly alleviated the phytotoxicity from high BR concentrations (>0.25 mg/mL) by maintaining optimal therapeutic levels, resolving the trade-off between efficacy and safety. This nano delivery system provides an innovative strategy for enhancing crop salt tolerance, offering transformative potential for agricultural sustainability and global food security.
研究领域:
植物科学
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农业纳米技术
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胁迫生理学
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作物改良
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农业生物技术
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DOI
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
·
2025
·
IF 8.5
Ying Liu,Min-hsiung Pan,Yi-shiou Chiou,Shudong Wei,Baomiao Ding
Zein, as an alcohol-soluble protein, in its native state is unsuitable for direct emulsion stabilization. In this study, zein was first subjected to alkali-heat treatment to enhance its hydrophilicity, obtaining alkali-heat-treated zein (AHZ). AHZ was then complexed with konjac glucomannan (KGM) to form AHZ-KGM complexes for stabilizing Pickering emulsions. Compared with AHZ alone, the AHZ-KGM complexes significantly improved emulsion stability, micromorphology, and microstructure. The emulsifying activity index (EAI) and emulsion stability index (ESI) of the emulsion increased to 50.251 m 2 /g and 48.893 min, respectively. Systematic analysis revealed that the complexes exhibited more fragmented and discrete micromorphologies, with KGM acting as a binder between AHZ particles. The surface and interfacial tensions of AHZ-KGM were significantly lower than those of AHZ. The complexes displayed smaller particle sizes (123.8 nm), more uniform distribution (0.239), and sufficient zeta potential (−25.3 mV). Moreover, the surface hydrophobicity and free sulfhydryl content of AHZ-KGM increased to 1473.1 (from 852.8) and 0.26 mmol/g (from 0.064 mmol/g), respectively, while the contact angle approached 90°, indicating enhanced amphiphilicity. Furthermore, spectral analysis revealed a decrease in α-helix content from 19.4 % (AHZ) to 17.3 % (AHZ-KGM), accompanied by an increase in β-sheet content from 18.6 % to 25.2 %. Hydrogen bonding played a key role in the interaction between the two monomers. These findings suggest that alkali-heat treatment combined with KGM complexation is a possible strategy for improving the emulsifying ability of zein, enabling its application in the stabilization of oil-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsions.
研究领域:
食品科学
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胶体与界面化学
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蛋白质工程
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功能食品
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纳米递送系统
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Applied Food Research
·
2025
·
IF 6.2
Wang-Wei Zhang,Rui-Xi Zhang,Xiu-Xiu Zhang,Zhi-Jing Ni,Kiran Thakur,Jian-Guo Zhang,Zhao-Jun Wei
This study successfully developed a ternary ZCP-PCPP nanocomposite using zein (ZN), chitosan (CS), and the polyphenols extracted from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (PCPP) to stabilize Pickering emulsions. The optimal ZN-CS was 2:1, which resulted in the ZCP-PCPP nanocomposite with the strongest encapsulation ability for PCPP, uniform particle size, and strong structural stability. Infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction confirmed that ZN, CS, and PCPP interacted mainly through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic forces. Stability analyses demonstrated that ZCP-PCPP markedly enhanced the physical stability and oxidative resistance of the emulsions. Furthermore, ZCP-PCPP nanoparticles at 3–5% (w/v) effectively protected β-carotene against thermal and ultraviolet degradation. These findings highlight that combining natural polymers with bioactive polyphenols provides an efficient strategy for producing stable Pickering emulsions with strong antioxidant protection potential.
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高影响因子
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
·
2021
·
IF 9.147
Jian-Feng Zhou,Guo-Dong Zheng,Wen-Jun Wang,Zhong-Ping Yin,Ji-Guang Chen,Jing-En Li,Qing-Feng Zhang
Two quercetin loading zein nanoparticles with shell of caseinate (SC-ZNP) and caseinate-chitosan double layer (CHC-ZNP) were fabricated by anti-solvent method. The formulas of the two nanoparticles were optimized and their physicochemical properties and bioavailability enhancement effect were compared in both in vitro and in vivo. The particle size, zeta potential , encapsulation efficiency and loading efficiency of SC-ZNP were 188 nm, −29.33 mV, 82.78% and 1.58%, while these values for CHC-ZNP were 551 nm, + 57.47 mV, 78.26% and 2.91%, respectively. Physicochemical characterization showed that quercetin lost its crystalline structure and existed in amorphous form in both nanoparticles. After freeze-drying, SC-ZNP showed better redispersibility and smaller size change than CHC-ZNP. Both nanoparticles significantly improved the solubility and passive diffusion velocity of quercetin. The coating of caseinate shell provided better colloidal stability (pH, salt and storage) than caseinate-chitosan double layers. Both SC-ZNP and CHC-ZNP exhibited mucoadhesive properties and significantly decreased the feces excretion of quercetin in rat. Because of smaller particle size, SC-ZNP penetrated into the mucous layer more easily. After oral administration, few free quercetin was found in rat plasma, while many metabolites were detected. Through semi-quantification of its most dominant metabolite, the bioavailability of quercetin in SC-ZNP and CHC-ZNP groups were 2.34 and 1.89 times enhanced.
研究领域:
纳米技术
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药学
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生物物理学
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药物递送系统
·
食品科学
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DOI
高影响因子
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
·
2019
·
IF 5.839
Xulin Huang,Ye Liu,Yan Zou,Xiao Liang,Yaqi Peng,David Julian McClements,Kun Hu
Zein-pectin core/shell nanoparticles loaded with resveratrol were fabricated using a combination of the antisolvent precipitation and electrostatic deposition methods. These nanoparticles were stable to aggregation from pH 2 to 7 and had good heat stability (80 °C for 1 h). The nanoparticles were exposed to a simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) containing stomach and small intestine phases, and their bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity were then measured. The bioaccessibility of the encapsulated resveratrol was higher than that of free resveratrol. Moreover, the in vitro antioxidant capacity of resveratrol was greatly enhanced when it was encapsulated inside the biopolymer nanoparticles, as shown by more potent ABTS + · radical scavenging and ferric ion reducing power. The gastrointestinal fluids collected after digestion of the encapsulated resveratrol also exhibited strong intracellular reactive oxygen species scavenging activity. Our results suggest that the biopolymer nanoparticles produced in this study may be an effective oral delivery system for resveratrol that could be used in functional foods or nutraceutical supplements.
研究领域:
食品科学
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生物医学工程
·
营养学
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DOI
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
·
2022
·Vol. 23
·期 16
·9386
·
IF 6.208
Yan Xu,Zhe Jia,Jiaxing Wang,Jipeng Sun,Ru Song
Astaxanthin loaded Pickering emulsion with zein/sodium alginate (SA) as a stabilizer (named as APEs) was developed, and its structure and stability were characterized. The encapsulation efficiency of astaxanthin (Asta) in APEs was up to 86.7 ± 3.8%, with a mean particle size of 4.763 μm. Freeze-dried APEs showed particles stacked together under scanning electronic microscope; whereas dispersed spherical nanoparticles were observed in APEs dilution under transmission electron microscope images. Confocal laser scanning microscope images indicated that zein particles loaded with Asta were aggregated with SA coating. X-ray diffraction patterns and Fourier transform infrared spectra results showed that intermolecular hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic effect were involved in APEs formation. APEs demonstrated non-Newtonian shear-thinning behavior and fit well to the Cross model. Compared to bare Asta extract, APEs maintained high Asta retention and antioxidant activity when heated from 50 to 10 °C. APEs showed different stability at pH (3.0–11.0) and Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cu2+and Fe2+conditions by visual, zeta potential and polydispersity index measurements. Additionally, the first order kinetics fit well to describe APEs degradation at pH 3.0 to 9.0, Na+, and K+conditions. Our results suggest the potential application of Asta-loaded Pickering emulsion in food systems as a fortified additive.Keywords:astaxanthin;Pickering emulsion;zein/sodium alginate complex;structure characterization;stability;degradation kinetics
研究领域:
食品科学
·
生物化学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization
·
2022
·Vol. 16
·期 5
·3618-3629
·
IF 3.006
Song Jialin,Jiang Lijun,Qi Mingming,Li Xiaoyu,Li Ruihong,Ma Chengye,Chen Shanfeng,Li Hongjun,Zhang Dongliang
An alkaline-trigged release of microparticle was prepared. The microparticle was prepared by extruding the mixture of corn starch, zein and procyanidins, and the characteristics of microparticle were detected. The 90% of procyanidins was released at the beginning in pH9 buffer solution and decreased following the chasing time. Even under the extreme alkaline condition (pH 11), approximately 50% of procyanidins was detected after 2 days chasing. The microparticle prepared by extruding the mixture of corn starch and procyanidins (SP) and microparticle prepared by extruding the mixture of corn starch, zein and procyanidins (SZP) showed high antioxidant ability, and the SP displayed five times more ABTS·+ scavenging ratio than SZP. Both of them maintained the constant procyanidins release ratio of 60% and 15% in digestive juice, respectively. The change of morphology, disintegration of crystal and breakage of chemical bonds specified the relationship between procyanidins release and damage of microparticle structure. Graphical abstract
研究领域:
食品科学
·
生物化学
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DOI
高影响因子
Frontiers in Nutrition
·
2026
·
IF 5.5
Zhiyi You,Chao Ai,Shiqi Wen,Yongmei Su,Junping Xu
This study used chitosan and zein as film-forming matrices and added perilla essential oil (PEsO) to prepare a new type of fresh-keeping film. The morphology, structure and properties of the composite film were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity and antioxidant tests. Compared with chitosan/zein film, films loaded with PEsO exhibited a significant increase in barrier capacity, thermal stability and antioxidant ability. SEM analysis showed that after the addition of PEsO, micropores and particles were formed on the film surface, which affected the mechanical properties of the film and decreased the tensile strength and elongation at break of the film. FTIR indicated that there are inter-molecular interactions between PEsO, chitosan, and zein. Thermo- gravimetric analysis showed that PEsO delayed the thermal decomposition of the film and improved its thermal stability. Overall, the addition of PEsO enabled to improve the optical properties, barrier properties, thermal stability and antioxidant properties of the chitosan/zein film, and the composite film could be a good candidate for food packaging material especially applied for high-fat and easily oxidized foods.
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PubMed
高影响因子
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 6.6
Fangshuo Zhou,Chen Wang,Ge Zhang,Xinyue Zhao,Kanghou Ma,Sunfa Wang,Huangxi Qiang,Ningning Wu,Yaohui Zhang
A biomimetic dual-additive strategy using zein and lysine synergistically reshapes the Li + solvation structure. • Lysine competitively enters the primary solvation sheath, displacing carbonate solvents. • A distinctive “clustered yet conductive” solvation architecture confines PF 6 - anions within dynamic aggregates. • This architecture simultaneously delivers a high Li + transference number and a dramatically reduced desolvation barrier. • The bio-additive-derived SEI enables dendrite-free Li plating and stable full-cell cycling. The high Li + desolvation barrier and uncontrolled ion-pair aggregation in conventional carbonate electrolytes severely limit the performance of lithium metal batteries. Inspired by biological ion channels, we propose a biomimetic dual-additive strategy employing zein (corn protein) and lysine to regulate the Li + solvation environment. Molecular dynamics simulations and spectroscopic analyses reveal that lysine competitively enters the primary solvation sheath, displacing carbonate solvents, while zein amide groups further modulate the solvation architecture. This restructuring forms a unique “clustered yet conductive” solvation architecture, in which lysine bridges confine PF 6 - anions within dynamic aggregates, significantly suppressing anion mobility and elevating the Li + transference number to 0.88. The architecture simultaneously lowers the interfacial desolvation barrier and facilitates the formation of a robust, dendrite-suppressing solid electrolyte interphase derived from the bio-additives. Consequently, the lithium metal anode delivers stable cycling for over 600 h, and the Li||LiFePO 4 (LFP) full cell retains approximately 87% capacity after 500 cycles at 0.5C. This work demonstrates a sustainable solvation-engineering paradigm based on abundant biomolecules, highlighting the concept of “clustered yet conductive” coordination for next-generation high-energy–density batteries. Download: Download high-res image (241KB) Download: Download full-size image
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危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）