Controlled Release Properties of Zein–Fatty Acid Blend Films for Multiple Bioactive Compounds

Abstract

To develop edible films having controlled release properties for multiple bioactive compounds, hydrophobicity and morphology of zein films were modified by blending zein with oleic (C 18:1 )Δ 9 , linoleic (C 18:2 )Δ 9,12 , or lauric (C 12 ) acids in the presence of lecithin. The blend zein films showed 2−8.5-and 1.6−2.9-fold lower initial release rates for the model active compounds, lysozyme (LYS) and (+)-catechin (CAT), than the zein control films, respectively. The change of fatty acid chain length affected both CAT and LYS release rates while the change of fatty acid double bond number affected only the CAT release rate. The film morphologies suggested that the blend films owe their controlled release properties mainly to the microspheres formed within their matrix and encapsulation of active compounds. The blend films showed antilisterial activity and antioxidant activity up to 81 μmol Trolox/cm 2 . The controlled release of multiple bioactive compounds from a single film showed the possibility of combining application of active and bioactive packaging technologies and improving not only safety and quality but also health benefits of packed food.

Zein-based films and their usage for controlled delivery: Origin, classes and current landscape

“…Recently, the potential of zein as an active ingredient for direct compressed tablets and film-based delivery carriers has been investigated in detail [76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91]. Moreover, zein was considered a promising film coating material for novel biomedical applications such as medical devices [92][93][94], nanoparticles [95], quantum dot and nanofiber [96,97].…”

“…Numerous studies have revealed that zein film itself could function as a controlled release matrix for the delivery of active components, such as salicylic acid [80], acetyl salicylic acid [80], iodine [81], nisin [83,84], lysozyme [82,[84][85][86][87], EDTA [82,84], thymol [90,91], catechin [85,87,89], gallate ester [88] and gallic acid [89]. Although these zein films may have different usages, the controlled release profiles of active components are the focus of attention.…”

“…Similar to nisin, another antimicrobial protein, lysozyme, has been introduced into plasticized zein film. Multiple studies showed that release rates of lysozyme could be controlled by incorporating various additional ingredients into the films, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), chickpea albumin extract (CPAE) [82] and various waxes and fatty acids [85,87]. BSA led to a heterogeneous distribution of lysozyme and therefore promoted lysozyme release, whereas CPAE improved its dispersion in zein film and thus reduced its release rate in a CPAE concentration-dependent manner [82].…”

“…Proposed drug release process of zein-coated tablets and factors influencing drug release. [85,87]. In addition, the plasticizer catechin could exert a synergetic effect with the abovementioned waxes and oleic acid on lysozyme release through reducing film porosity [87].…”

Effect of zein additive on perfume evaporation

“…Most of these uses are based on the release of active substances that have been added to a zein film . These substances include salicylic acid or acetylsalicylic acid , lysozyme or catechin , nisin , phenolic compounds such as thymol, carvacrol or eugenol .…”