Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials
·
2026
·
IF 21.8
Xie Fang,Liang Wenwen,Liu Xin,Wang Yuehui,He Zhijun,Cai Jie
Despite the promising potential of emulsions as oral delivery vehicles, challenges such as insufficient interfacial stability, poor encapsulation efficiency, and limited mucosal adhesion still hinder their effectiveness in delivering lipophilic bioactives. In this study, we developed a high internal phase Pickering emulsion (HIPPE) system stabilized by zein–tannic acid–β-glucan (ZTB) ternary complex particles to enhance the oral delivery of β-carotene. The incorporation of β-glucan markedly improved the droplet size uniformity, interfacial protein adsorption, and storage and digestion stability of HIPPEs. The optimized ZTB − 0.6 -stabilized HIPPEs achieved a high encapsulation efficiency of ~ 88.77%, β-carotene retention of ~85.57% after 28 days of storage at 4 °C, and bioaccessibility of ~ 24.10% during in vitro digestion. Rheological tests confirmed desirable shear-thinning and thixotropic properties, suitable for 3D food printing. Furthermore, in vivo evaluations using a DSS-induced murine colitis model revealed that β-carotene-loaded ZTB-HIPPEs exerted multifaceted therapeutic effects: they effectively mitigated colonic inflammatory responses, bolstered the endogenous antioxidant capacity, and contributed to the restoration of intestinal barrier integrity. These findings highlight the potential of ZTB-stabilized HIPPEs as a multifunctional platform for targeted nutrient delivery and intestinal health improvement. Graphical
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
Food Packaging and Shelf Life
·
2026
·
IF 10.8
Hao Dong,Yan Su,Yue Zhang,Liping Tong,Shifeng Hou
Traditional homogeneous films are often unable to simultaneously maintain a high-humidity microenvironment and buffer relative humidity (RH) fluctuations during fresh-produce storage. Herein, a zein-based asymmetric active packaging film was developed by integrating a ligand-regulated Zein@Metal Azolate Framework 47 (Zein@MAF47) humidity-buffering layer with a dense Zein/humic acid (Zein/HA) barrier layer. MAF47 was grown in situ on electrospun zein fibers through a layer-by-layer assembly strategy, and the 2-methylimidazole/3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole (Hmim/Hmtz) ligand ratio was tuned to regulate water adsorption–desorption behavior. Among the investigated samples, Zein@MAF47 with an Hmim/Hmtz ratio of 3:1 exhibited high-humidity-responsive S-shaped sorption behavior, a water uptake of 0.42 g/g at 90% RH, and stable cycling performance. Meanwhile, the Zein/HA layer formed a compact hydrocolloid network through electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding, resulting in a low water vapor permeability of (1.89 ± 0.06) × 10 −11 g·m/(m 2 ·s·Pa). The resulting Zein@MAF47 −Zein/HA bilayer film showed directional water vapor transport and rapidly stabilized the RH at (80 −82)% in a model humidity-regulation system. In preservation experiments, this packaging maintained the internal RH above 97%, thereby reducing the weight loss of Agaricus bisporus to 8.96% under refrigerated conditions and 4.10% at room temperature. These results indicate that coupling a humidity-responsive porous layer with a compact moisture-barrier layer is a promising strategy for developing active packaging films for humidity-stabilized fresh-produce preservation.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
Food Chemistry-X
·
2026
·
IF 9.2
Bingcan Liu,Siling Zhang,Honghui Geng,Can Hu,An Zhou,Zeyu Wu
Fabrication of indicator array based on varying proportions of curcumin and alizarin. • Composite films exhibited a lower water solubility compared with pure PVA films. • The detection limit of indicator array for volatile amine gases was down to 1 ppm. • Color alterations of the array strongly correlated with pork spoilage indexes. In this work, a synergistic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/zein electrospun nanofiber array was fabricated using curcumin and alizarin as dual responsive pigments for visual pork freshness monitoring. The water solubility of the PVA/zein composite reduced from 100.00% to 31.74%–35.42% ( P < 0.05), exhibiting remarkably enhanced water resistance. The dual-pigment array displayed continuous color transitions from pH 4.0 to 11.0 and detected ammonia and dimethylamine at 1 ppm, whereas alizarin-only films needed 5 ppm. The total color difference ( ΔE ) of the array showed strong linear correlations with thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS, r = 0.98), pH ( r = 0.95), and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N, r = 0.98) in pork during refrigerated storage. Notably, the array enabled visual grading of pork freshness (fresh/sub-fresh/spoiled) and exhibited excellent color stability under ambient and refrigerated conditions. This study presents an eco-friendly and scalable intelligent packaging platform with great potential for real-time, on-site food freshness assessment. In this study, a colorimetric array based on polyvinyl alcohol-zein composite substrates and varying ratios of curcumin and alizarin as responsive materials was fabricated via electrospinning for monitoring pork freshness during refrigeration. Download: Download high-res image (172KB) Download: Download full-size image
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
Biomolecules
·
2025
·Vol. 15
·期 6
·891
·
IF 4.8
Hui Xiang,Runtian Wu,Man Xiao,Jianhui An,Longchen Shang,Yexing Tao,Lingli Deng
This study investigated gelatin/zein nanofibers loaded with dihydromyricetin (0–20%, relative to protein weight), before and after the Maillard reaction (60 °C with 50% relative humidity for 6 h). Scanning electron microscopy and diameter distribution analysis indicated that dihydromyricetin incorporation increased the fiber diameter from 692 ± 133 to 922 ± 121 nm, while the nanofibers maintained a uniform morphology following the Maillard reaction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that dihydromyricetin formed hydrogen bonds with protein molecules. X-ray diffraction results indicate that dihydromyricetin was uniformly dispersed within the gelatin/zein nanofibers. The addition of dihydromyricetin improved the thermal stability of the nanofibers. Furthermore, after the Maillard reaction, the nanofibers with dihydromyricetin demonstrated enhanced water resistance. Mechanical testing revealed that nanofibers containing 20% dihydromyricetin after the Maillard reaction exhibited a considerably higher elastic modulus of approximately 90 MPa. In addition, nanofibers containing dihydromyricetin exhibited notable antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties againstEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureus. In summary, gelatin/zein nanofibers containing high concentrations of dihydromyricetin exhibited favorable physical and functional properties, supporting their suitability as effective delivery systems for dihydromyricetin in active packaging applications.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
·
2025
·
IF 6.6
Xiaopian Yan,Jiannan Yan,Jinying Zhu,Fangxiao Xing,Qianqian Gu,Jiale Gao,Chengbin Zhao,Jingsheng Liu
The aim of this study is to regulate the digestion degree of zein and the antioxidant activity of digests through post-ripening of corn. The effect of post-ripening of corns (Jidan 66 and Liangyu 99) on structural properties and antioxidant activities of zein during in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion was investigated. The results showed that zein had the highest digestion level after appropriate post-ripening of corn, such as storage at 25 °C for 28 days, which reduced molecular weights of zein digests and increased the content of peptides with molecular weight less than 1000 Da. The post-ripening resulted in more unfolded and looser structure of zein digests, lowering particle size and enhancing surface charge. The high digestion level, low molecular weight, flexible structure and smaller particle size of protein facilitated the enhancement of radical scavenging capacities of zein digests after the corn post-ripening. Therefore, post-ripening of corn can be used to control the digestion degree of zein and the structure of digests, thereby enhancing their antioxidant activities, which was beneficial to improve digestion and functional activities of zein-based foods.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
·
2021
·
IF 10.588
Defang Teng,Yuanqiang Xu,Tienan Zhao,Xiaomin Zhang,Ying Li,Yongchun Zeng
Developing multi-functional media for effectively removing different contaminants coexisted in wastewater system is highly desired. Herein, zein, a natural protein possessing abundant functional groups in molecule, is chosen to be fabricated into micro/nanofibrous membranes as adsorbents and separation media. Zein fibers with novel groove ribbon structures, which possess better structural characteristics, are designed for obtaining good adsorption performance. The adsorption performances of zein fiber membranes are evaluated. The results show that zein fiber membranes have the adsorption capacities up to 94 g/g for motor oil, 168 mg/g for Congo red, and 189 mg/g for Pb 2+ ion for 1000 mg/L initial solution concentration, showing considerable competitiveness as compared with the reported adsorbents. The zein membrane with groove ribbon fiber morphology exhibits optimal adsorption capability and can be attractive multi-functional separation media.
研究领域:
环境科学
·
材料科学
·
废水处理
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
Frontiers in Nutrition
·
2026
·
IF 5.1
Fan-Xing Yong,Jia-Xin Deng,Zhuo Wang,Qiao-Li Zhao,Xiao-Fei Liu,Sai-Yi Zhong,Rui Li
Introduction Quercetin (Que), a physiologically versatile flavonoid, faces application limitations in food and pharmaceuticals due to poor aqueous solubility and stability. Method To address this, we developed quercetin-loaded zein-sodium caseinate-fucoidan (Que-ZE-SC-FD) ternary nanoparticles using a green, pH-driven approach. Results and discussion The Que-ZE-SC-FD nanoparticle exhibited a spherical morphology stabilized by hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, and hydrophobic interactions, with a mean diameter of 137.8 ± 11.6 nm, PDI of 0.38 ± 0.04, z-potential of 34.9 ± 0.6mV, and high quercetin loading efficiency (92.8% ± 1.1%). Crucially, SC and FD demonstrated synergistic stabilization effects. The Que-ZE-SC-FD nanoparticle exhibited a mean particle size of 150.8 ± 0.6 nm at a pH of 8.0, and solution remained clear and transparent with no observable sediment. Under a NaCl concentration of 3.0 mol/L, the particle size decreased to 127.8 ± 4.5 nm. Upon heating at 80°C for 2 h, the particle size further reduced to 121.3 ± 1.2 nm, with a PDI of 0.34 ± 0.02. After 28 days of storage, the particle size decreased to 125.1 ± 1.9 nm, while the PDI decreased slightly to 0.32 ± 0.01 and the zeta potential increased to 31.6 ± 1.5mV, collectively indicating excellent stability. Under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, the Que release from ZE-SC-FD nanoparticles was only 22.2 ± 0.5% in gastric fluid; however, a significantly higher release rate of 75.0 ± 0.5% was achieved in intestinal fluid. These results demonstrate that ZE-SC-FD nanoparticles serve as a robust nanocarrier system for encapsulating, protecting, and delivering quercetin.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
·
2026
·
IF 7.1
Chunyan Wang,Xinxin Ma,Zhuang-Li Kang,Sheng Geng,Shengjie Hu,Liping Guo,Hanjun Ma,Benguo Liu
Chilled pork exudate provides a nutrient-rich, high-humidity microenvironment that promotes microbial spoilage. To address this, an antibacterial gelatin/zein (GZ) composite film incorporated with thirteen-spices essential oil (TSEO) was developed by solution casting. The effects of GZ mass ratio and TSEO loading on film properties and preservation efficacy were investigated. The GZ 1:3 film with 1 mL/dL TSEO exhibited optimal performance, showing an elongation at break of 103.08 ± 2.26%, solubility of 52.94 ± 4.09%, volatile mass fraction of 18.21 ± 0.51%, and a TSEO retention rate of 80.39 ± 1.49% during 4 °C storage. Hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions between G and Z formed a dense matrix that effectively loaded TSEO, yielding strong antibacterial zones against E. coli and S. aureus (28 ± 1 mm/27 ± 2 mm). This film significantly slowed quality deterioration in chilled pork, maintaining acceptable color, pH, and total viable count for up to 9 days at 4 °C. In conclusion, the optimized 1 mL/dL TSEO loaded GZ 1:3 composite film exhibited enhanced structural stability and sustained antimicrobial activity, thereby extending the shelf life of chilled pork, which contributes to the development of environmentally friendly natural active packaging materials for meat preservation.
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
·
2023
·
IF 5.9
Wenquan Huang,Zhiqiang Li,Weiqi Liu,Shiyuan Liu,Rujin Zhou,Yanbin Jiang
Zein is an excellent protein-based pharmaceutical excipient , which has been extensively studied as a carrier for drug delivery system (DDS). However, the poor target ability of zein has limited its efficient delivery and in vivo applications. In this study, the B16 cancer cell membrane coated α-zein biomimetic drug delivery system was prepared to enhance homotypic target ability. The solubility and self-assembly behavior of α-zein were studied using different solvents, the particle size uniformity, stability and toxicity were evaluated. Then B16 cancer cell membrane (CCM) modified α-zein based nanocarrier was prepared by using the co-extrusion method. The AFM analysis showed that Young’s modulus (530.53 ± 66.55 MPa) of CCM-α-zein was smaller than that of membrane-derived vesicles, but bigger than that of α-zein. After coating the CCM on the surface of α-zein, the surface adhesion force of CCM-α-zeinα-zein (56.4 ± 4.6 nN) was significantly reduced. The results of protein electrophoresis showed that CCM-α-zein could completely retain the proteins of α-zein and CCM after co-extrusion. The safety of the DDS prepared was proved by the hemolysis test and non-tumor cells experiment. Paclitaxel was selected as the model drug to prepare DDS nanoparticles , the results of the cell experiment showed that the migration area of B16 cells was reduced by 5.79%, which indicated the strong inhibition migration ability of DDS. The nuclear activity analysis showed that the nuclei of B16 cells were broken into fragments. Qualitative and quantitative studies suggested that the prepared CCM-α-zein possessed homologous targeting ability. Therefore, this work presents an effective strategy to enhance the targeting ability, which will extensive biomedical applications of zein.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF NANOPARTICLE RESEARCH
·
2023
·Vol. 25
·期 2
·1-12
·
IF 2.5
Zhang Yige,Song Honghong,Dai Zhifeng,Xiong Yubing
In this
study, nitrogen and sulfur-codoped porous carbon material (ZC) was prepared via carbonization of the complex of hydrophobic poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) and zein through electrostatic interaction. The structure and morphology of ZCs were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis showed that ZCs were mainly mesoporous, and the pore size was in a narrow dispersity. The surface area of ZC-10 could be as high as 764 m 2 g −1 , and the total pore volume was 0.41 cm 3 g −1 . Remarkably, the specific capacitance of the electrode prepared by ZC-10 was 338 F g −1 in 2.0 M KOH at a current density of 0.1 A g −1 and presented excellent cycle stability. After 5000 cycles, the specific capacitance still remained stable. Therefore, our finding suggested a facile strategy for the fabrication of porous carbon materials with high capacitance performance through PIL and biomacromolecule composites. Considering their easy preparation and biomass source, ZCs are of great potential in the future applications of electronic devices and systems.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
FOOD CHEMISTRY
·
2020
·
IF 6.306
Fuchao Zhan,Xiangxing Yan,Feng Sheng,Bin Li
This study demonstrates the development of biocompatible Ag nanoparticles/Tannic acid/Zein electrospun membranes with synergistic antibacterial, catalytic and antioxidant activity. The optimal spinning concentration of zein was 32 wt%. The prepared zein electrospun membranes were immersed into tannic acid (TA) solution to investigate the effects of TA concentrations, pH, temperature and time on the loading amount of TA. Then, the TA/Zein electrospun membranes were immersed into a silver nitrate solution to reduce the AgNPs in situ. The morphology of the electrospun membranes was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UV–visible spectrophotometer, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to carry out the loading amount of TA and Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). Finally, the antioxidant, antibacterial and catalytic activity of TA/Zein and AgNPs/TA/Zein electrospun membranes were studied. It was found that the AgNPs/TA/Zein electrospun membranes with different TA concentrations have certain antibacterial, antioxidation and catalytic ability, which may be of interest for the development of active packaging that could extend the shelf life of perishable foods.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
FOOD CHEMISTRY
·
2022
·
IF 9.231
Jianglong Kong,Xiaohan Ge,Yuting Sun,Meiru Mao,Hongrui Yu,Runxuan Chu,Yi Wang
Intelligent packaging not only protects food from environmental hazards but intuitively monitors the changes of food quality and safety. A novel intelligent packaging film with pH sensitivity and antibacterial and antioxidant effects was developed based on the highly cross-linked zein. The composite film with 0.05 g/g crosslinking agent had the best mechanical properties. The tensile strength (TS) and elongation-at-break (EBA) were 2.42 and 1.53 times of that of zein film, respectively. Moreover, the intelligent packaging showed longstanding antimicrobial and antioxidant effects because of the addition of the tea tree essential oil (TTEO)-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). The blueberry anthocyanin as colorimetric indicator was added in the packaging film to monitor the safety of meat products using a mobile phone. The color of the composite film as the packaging of the pork products changed from colorless to brown after 9-day storage to show the spoilage of the pork. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first-time report of 1) the application of TTEO-loaded MSNs for food packing, 2) the addition of TTEO as the antimicrobial agent for zein film, and 3) using the applications of mobile phone to measure the RBG value of the zein-based film. This study offers an example of the highly promising biodegradable intelligent packaging with multi-functions for the enhancement of food safety.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）