Zein‐based composites in biomedical applications

Abstract

Considerable research efforts have been devoted to zein-based biomaterials for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications over the past decade. The attention given to zein-based polymers is primarily attributed to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, due to the relatively low mechanical properties of these polymers, numerous inorganic compounds (e.g., hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate, bioactive glasses, natural clays) have been considered in combination with zein to create composite materials in an attempt to enhance zein mechanical properties. Inorganic phases also positively impact on the hydrophilic properties of zein matrices inducing a suitable environment for cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation. This review covers available literature on zein and zein-based composite materials, with focus on the combination of zein with commonly used inorganic fillers for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. An overview of the most recent advances in fabrication techniques for zein-based composites is presented and key applications areas and future developments in the field are highlighted. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1656-1665, 2017.

In Situ Electrospinning Wound Healing Films Composed of Zein and Clove Essential Oil

“…Among the reported electrospun materials, zein, the major protein content in corn, had gained much attention for its superior biocompatibility similar to the extracellular matrix components. [ 20–24 ] However, zein does not have inherent antimicrobial properties which are important when used as wound dressings against the growth of microorganisms and prevent unwanted infection. Although, silver (Ag) nanoparticles have been blended into electrospun zein fibers to achieve antibacterial properties, [ 25 ] it is believed that use of natural medicinal extracts such as essential oils can further boost pharmaceutical applications and in vivo patient care due to their low toxicity and broad spectrum antimicrobial activities.…”

Bioactive and Antibacterial Coatings Based on Zein/Bioactive Glass Composites by Electrophoretic Deposition

“…Zein has been also combined with inorganic phases to form composites for several biomedical applications [21].…”

Biofabrication using maize protein: 3D printing using zein formulations

“…In the present study, we explore the use of zein, the most abundant constitutive protein in maize seeds, as a suitable material for developing 3D printing materials. Zein, as a byproduct of corn syrup or cornstarch production, is a widely abundant and cost-effective plant-derived biopolymer [19,20]. It is a prolamine, a protein rich in the amino acid proline, and occurs as aggregates linked by disulfide bonds [21,22].…”