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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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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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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COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
·
2026
·
IF 5.4
Shuheng Wei,Hongmin Gao,Xiaonan Huang,Dengjia Liu,Jun Zhou,Shaohua Huang,Junlong Huang,Shouwei Yin
Zein-SF-phospholipid hybrid vesicles with core–shell structure was formed. • Hybrid vesicles enabled co-delivery of natural hydrophobic/hydrophilic actives. • Hybrid vesicles significantly enhanced light and storage stability of bioactives. • Hybrid vesicles markedly enhanced transdermal delivery of actives. • Hybrid vesicles exhibited synergistic whitening in zebrafish with low toxicity. Combined use of hydrophilic and hydrophobic bioactives offers synergistic therapeutic and functional benefits; however, their distinct solubility characteristics hinder efficient co-encapsulation and synchronized delivery, highlighting the need for advanced co-delivery systems. Herein, a zein–silk fibroin–phospholipid hybrid vesicle (Z–SF–PC) was constructed for the concurrent co-encapsulation and efficient co-delivery of hydrophilic and hydrophobic bioactive compounds. In this compartmentalized system, hydrophobic zein was integrated into the phospholipid bilayer, while hydrophilic SF structured the aqueous core, creating spatially segregated domains favorable for dual loading. Using vitamin C (VC) and resveratrol (Res) as model bioactives, the effects of the zein-to-SF ratio on vesicle morphology, stability, and encapsulation performance were systematically investigated. At an optimal zein-to-SF ratio of 1:1, the hybrid vesicles exhibited densely packed molecular architecture, high colloidal stability, and superior encapsulation efficiencies (> 80% for both model compounds). The Z–SF–PC system also significantly improved the photostability of the encapsulated actives and demonstrated enhanced antioxidant and anti-melanogenic activities. In vitro transdermal studies revealed that the hybrid vesicles markedly enhanced skin permeation of VC and Res by 4.51-fold and 2.41-fold, respectively, compared to their free forms. In zebrafish models, the co-loaded vesicles exhibited potent whitening effects at bioactive doses lower than arbutin, while showing excellent biocompatibility (LC 50 = 1075.58 mg L −1 ). These findings underscore the central role of zein and silk fibroin as functional biological macromolecules in constructing a robust, multifunctional co-delivery hybrid vesicle for advanced dermatological and cosmetic applications. Download: Download high-res image (221KB) Download: Download full-size image
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Foods
·
2026
·Vol. 15
·期 17
·3156
·
IF 6
Shumin Wang,Xiaolin Liang,Hanyu Chai,Shaohua Lin,Yankun Fu,Xiaofei Liu,Hongyu Li,Pengjie Wang
Electrospun zein nanofibers are promising bio-based materials, but producing uniform ultrafine fibers with desirable performance remains challenging. This study examined the effects of process variables and three surfactants on zein fiber formation, diameter, and material properties. Zein solutions (30–40%, w / v ) were prepared in glacial acetic acid, and 2% ( w / w , based on zein) triethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (TEBAC), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), or span-80 was incorporated into the 30% zein solution. Zein concentration and feed rate yielded fiber diameters of 208.22–1001.90 nm. Surfactants reduced surface tension and increased conductivity, promoting jet stretching and generating uniform fibers with diameters near 100 nm. SDS produced the smallest fibers (98.92 ± 15.20 nm). TEBAC increased tensile strength from 11.08 to 63.26 MPa and improved dimensional retention in water, whereas SDS and span-80 increased elongation at break but reduced strength and stiffness. All surfactants increased wettability and altered intermolecular interactions and secondary structure of zein, although they reduced thermal stability. Overall, surfactants acted as both electrospinning aids and structure-directing modifiers, with TEBAC providing the best balance of fineness, strength, and aqueous stability. These ultrafine, robust, and water-stable nanofibers are promising as functional coating layers for high-moisture food packaging and as carriers for antioxidants or antimicrobial agents.
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ACS Applied Polymer Materials
·
2026
·
IF 5.2
Sihan Liao,Jingwen Zhang,Di Liu,Bo Xu,Ping Wang,Ying Zhang,Li Cui
In the textile industry, replacing traditional chemical finishing agents with green and durable processes to develop multifunctional textiles has become an important direction for industry transformation and upgrading. This shift relies primarily on biotechnology, new materials, and clean production processes, aiming to reduce environmental pollution, lower energy consumption, and endow textiles with superior performance. In this study, chitosan (CS) was utilized to modify zein through laccase-mediated glycosylation, thereby the functionalizing cotton fabric with durable hydrophobicity and antibacterial activity. Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) confirmed the successful grafting of CS onto zein. The structural characteristics of glycosylated zein were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (1H NMR), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. The functionalized cotton fabric exhibited significant hydrophobicity, achieving a water contact angle (WCA) value of 138.54 ± 2.58°, which remained stable at 111.47 ± 2.45° even after four soaping cycles, demonstrating excellent durability. Further characterization via FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nanomechanical analysis revealed that glycosylated zein formed a dense, rough surface layer on the cotton fabric, contributing to its enhanced hydrophobic properties. Additionally, the functionalized fabric displayed remarkable antibacterial activity with inhibition rates of 98.29% against Escherichia coli and 99.98% against Staphylococcus aureus. Importantly, the treated fabric maintained favorable mechanical properties, air permeability, and water vapor permeability, ensuring its practical applicability. Thereby, this study provided an efficient and eco-friendly strategy for the development of multifunctional cotton textiles.
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COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
·
2026
·
IF 5.4
Xiaomin Luo,Weihua Shen,Yonghang Liang,Shanshan Wang,Zhiyun Du
Oxyresveratrol (OXY), a plant-derived polyphenol, exhibits promising bioactivities but encounters practical constraints owing to its poor water solubility and instability. To address these challenges, OXY-loaded nanocomplexes were fabricated via the antisolvent precipitation method using zein, sodium caseinate (SC), and sodium alginate (SA) as a delivery matrix. The optimized OXY-zein/SC/SA complexes possessed a median size centered at 220 nm, a surface potential of −32 mV, an encapsulation efficiency of 83.86 %, and a loading capacity of 9.45 %. Morphological observation (using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy) confirmed the formation of a spherical core-shell structure. Evidence for the strategic construction of the complex framework was provided by a convergence of Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy data. Thermogravimetric and Derivative Thermogravimetry profiles showed higher decomposition temperatures, confirming enhanced stability from the structural design. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that stable binding between OXY-zein and SC was primarily driven by hydrogen bonding and surface complementarity, while SA modulated the microenvironment through structural rearrangement and steric shielding. Kinetic modeling indicated that the incorporation of SC and SA shifted the release behavior from Fickian diffusion to a complex mechanism governed by matrix erosion and structural relaxation. The stable nanocomplexes outperformed native OXY in radical scavenging capacity while also maintaining excellent biocompatibility with Caco-2 cells and high tolerance to fluctuations in salinity and pH. These findings elucidate the formation mechanisms of the OXY-zein/SC/SA system, establishing a theoretical framework for the delivery of hydrophobic polyphenols in functional foods and nutraceuticals.
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JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
·
2022
·
IF 5.062
Yan Wang,Chen Zhang,Meng Xiao,Kumar Ganesan,Fei Gao,Qingqing Liu,Zhen Ye,Yue Sui,Feng Zhang,Kunhua Wei,Yaobin Wu,Jianmin Wu,Bing Du,Cong Xu,Yan Li,Peng Li,Jinming Zhang,Jianping Chen
Treatment of aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is still challenging. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a water-insoluble bioactive compound possessing high anti-TNBC capacity with less toxicity. The present study aimed to develop a safe and effective oral drug delivery system to improve the oral efficacy of ISL for TNBC therapeutics. ISL-loaded zein phosphatidylcholine hybrid nanoparticles ( [email protected] NPs) were constructed by a one-step solvent evaporation method. Optimization and characterization of [email protected] NPs were performed. Cellular uptake in vitro and biodistribution of ZLH NPs in vivo were investigated. The pharmacokinetics of [email protected] NPs in terms of ISL content in the plasma, organs, and tumor tissues were validated, and the anti-TNBC efficacy was evaluated. Encapsulation efficiency (96.75 ± 1.41%) and drug loading efficiency (6.56 ± 0.83%) were found in [email protected] NPs. [email protected] NPs were able to enhance the absorption of ISL in the tumor sites. Moreover, the upregulation of p27 and downregulation of EGFR and CDK4 were observed in [email protected] NPs treated tumors. Collectively, oral intake of [email protected] NPs would be translated into a potential clinical therapy strategy against TNBC.
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JOURNAL OF CEREAL SCIENCE
·
2022
·
IF 4.075
Liping Ye,Wenquan Huang,Yuehua Deng,Zhiqiang Li,Yanbin Jiang,Qiuling Xie
Curcumin (Cur) has been widely studied for its chemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic effects against various types of human cancers, but the clinical application of curcumin is limited due to multiple delivery challenges, including poor water solubility, poor membrane permeability and easy degradation under alkaline conditions. Zein is an excellent carrier for pharmaceutical preparations because of its non-toxicity and biodegradability, but the plant protein source and hydrophobicity limit the application of zein in biomedical applications. The aim of this study is to overcome the limitations of Cur and zein in clinical therapy. To improve the hydrophilicity of zein and obtain a highly stable drug delivery system (DDS), zein was modified with carboxylated pluronic to prepare pluronic-zein (ZSP). The results indicated that the ZSP prepared not only has good hydrophilic and dispersibility properties, where the surface contact angle of the ZSP prepared is reduced by 33.1%–62.8%, but also its stability is not affected by pH and salinity compared with zein particles. After loading Cur into ZSP particles, Cur-ZSP DDS with good dispersibility and drug loading was prepared. Cur-ZSP DDS exhibited sustained release in the simulated in vitro environment. Cell experiments showed that ZSP presented as non-toxic. After loading with Cur, the cytotoxicity of Cur-ZSP DDS was significantly higher than that of raw Cur. The results provide new insight into the construction of zein-based oral drug delivery systems.
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FOOD CHEMISTRY
·
2022
·
IF 9.231
Hujun Xie,Fangfang Ni,Jian Gao,Chengzhi Liu,Jieyu Shi,Gerui Ren,Shiyi Tian,Qunfang Lei,Wenjun Fang
Peppermint oil emulsions were prepared by using zein-lecithin-EGCG (Z-L/E) complex nanoparticles as emulsifiers. The preparation conditions of emulsions were optimized via measuring the particle size, surface tension and stability of emulsions, and peppermint oil of 3% (particle size = 375 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) = 0.45), the zein:lecithin ratio of 4:1 ( w/w ) (particle size = 396 nm), and the zein:EGCG ratio of 10:1 ( w/w ) (surface tension = 47.32 N/m) was the optimal condition. The rapid stability analysis showed that the instability mechanism of emulsions was ascribed to creaming and stratification, and the stability mechanism of emulsions was explored, indicating that the complex nanoparticles adsorbed on the surface of oil droplets to give Pickering emulsions. Electronic tongue experiments showed that the Z-E/L 4:1 stabilized emulsion was distinguished from the other three samples due to its good stability. The electronic nose experiment could distinguish the emulsions with different droplet sizes.
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高影响因子
Food Packaging and Shelf Life
·
2021
·
IF 6.429
Chaoyi Shen,Yang Cao,Jingshan Rao,Yucheng Zou,Hui Zhang,Di Wu,Kunsong Chen
In this study, solution blow spinning (SBS) was used to rapidly develop gelatin/zein/polyurethane (PU) complex nanofibers for application in food antimicrobial packaging. The mean diameters of the gelatin/zein side were between 569.1 nm and 681.7 nm. The thermal stability of the nanofibers was improved caused by the formed hydrogen bonds between natamycin and the proteins. The water contact angle was increased with natamycin mixed in, suggesting that the hydrophobicity of the fibers improved. The addition of PU improved the elongation at break of the nanofibers from 13.58 % to 531.38 %. Moreover, the nanofibers showed a continuous release of natamycin for 240 h, and possessed good antimicrobial activity against Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternate . In addition, the use of SBS technology to fabricate nanofibers obtained a rapid feed rate of 3 mL/h, indicating that SBS is a promising technology to rapidly develop nanofibers for food packaging.
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PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
·
2021
·Vol. 77
·期 7
·3300-3312
·
IF 4.845
Long Chen,Yuanxiong Lin,Hongjun Zhou,Li Hao,Huayao Chen,Xinhua Zhou
BACKGROUND A large amount of pesticides that are not deposited on desired locations due to drift and rolling, endangering the ecological environment and human health. Therefore, it is urgent to develop environmentally friendly and foliar affinity formulations. The design and construction of pesticide nano-delivery system is considered to be an effective way to solve this problem. RESULTS In this research, polyamine-modified zein (AM-zein) was synthesized by incorporating ethylenediamine-terminated polyethyleneimine into zein to improve its stability as a nanocarrier, enhance electrostatic force between the carrier and pesticides and plant foliage. Avermectin (AVM)-loaded nanoparticles, containing a high positive charge, were prepared by the anti-solvent method using AM-zein as carrier. The nanoparticles can be stored for 30 days without any significant change in the particle size and stably dispersed at pH 5–9. Compared to the commercial emulsifiable concentrate (EC), nanoparticles dispersions exhibited better leaf affinity, and the retention of dispersion increased from 7.82 to 13.86 mg/cm 2 . Interestingly, we have discovered for the first time that the ultraviolet (UV) barrier effect of zein increases while prolonging the UV exposure time; 30.47% of the encapsulated AVM remained intact after exposure to UV for 60 min, compared to only 17.13% for the EC. Insecticidal activity of AVM nanoparticles did not improve compared to EC, but they demonstrated significantly lower toxicity against zebrafish. CONCLUSION This research opens up a new idea for improving the stability of zein nanoparticles, providing a novel path to deliver pesticides efficiently and eco-friendly. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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