(640d) Synthesis of Zein Nanoparticles and Their Interaction with Hydrocolloids

Zein, prolamines, is a category of alcohol-soluble corn proteins that have many potential applications. Zein is insoluble in aqueous solutions and is an ideal candidate for engineering delivery systems to be incorporated in food systems, exemplified by our antimicrobial delivery systems for a sustained release over one month. This paper describes a simple, scalable emulsification technique for synthesizing zein nanoparticles. We illustrate how particle sizes are affected by variables during synthesis. Further, we present rheological properties of model hydrocolloids solutions with added zein nanoparticles. Results from shear-rate ramps and temperature ramps show that addition of zein nanoparticles increases the viscosity, which is also highly pH-dependent. All solvents and ingredients used in this paper are generally-recognized-as-safe. Our work elucidates novel delivery systems suitable for food systems and how these systems affect physical properties of food products.