Background

Zein, a byproduct of corn with renewable resources, unique hydrophobic/hydrophilic character, film/fiber forming and antioxidant properties, is a promising biopolymer for food and nutrition applications. The advantages in properties and efficiencies of nano materials over bulk counterparts are the basis of their unique nature in novel technologies. These advantages also expand their possible applications.

Scope and approach

An effort has been made to review on applications of zein/zein-based nano-materials in various branches of food (except food packaging) and nutrition sectors. The effects of various parameters affecting preparations and properties of the nano-materials are also discussed. Nano-encapsulation of foods and nutrients is the major section of this study.

Key findings and conclusions

(i) the average size of zein nanoparticles reported to be 50–200 nm; (ii) the functions of zein nanomaterials were multiples: a carrier of delivery (food, beverage, and nutrient) systems; a shell or a core of encapsulated systems; or a food ingredient; (iii) zein-based nano-materials have been used for encapsulation of food and nutrient components including lipids; essential oils; fat soluble vitamins; food colorants; flavors; and natural anti-oxidants; (iv) the bioavailability of food and nutrient components such as folic acid, vitamin D₃, curcumin, beta-carotene, and resveratrol was improved by employing the zein-nanoparticles in comparison with the bulk counterparts; and (v) bioactive substances with potential applications for food and nutrition sectors were stabilized by zein/zein-based nano-materials.

中文翻译：

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玉米醇溶蛋白和玉米醇溶蛋白基纳米材料在食品和营养领域的应用

背景

玉米蛋白玉米蛋白具有可再生资源，独特的疏水/亲水特性，薄膜/纤维形成和抗氧化特性，是一种有前途的生物聚合物，可用于食品和营养应用。纳米材料在性能和效率上优于整体材料的优势是其在新技术中独特性质的基础。这些优点还扩展了其可能的应用。

范围和方法

已经做出努力来审查玉米醇溶蛋白/玉米醇溶蛋白基纳米材料在食品的各个分支（食品包装除外）和营养部门中的应用。还讨论了影响纳米材料制备和性能的各种参数的影响。食品和营养成分的纳米封装是这项研究的主要内容。

主要发现和结论

（i）玉米醇溶蛋白纳米颗粒的平均尺寸据报道为50-200 nm；（ii）玉米醇溶蛋白纳米材料的功能是多重的：传递载体（食品，饮料和营养物）系统；封装系统的外壳或核心；或食品成分；（iii）玉米醇溶蛋白基纳米材料已被用于封装食品和营养成分，包括脂质；精油；脂溶性维生素；食品着色剂；风味 和天然抗氧化剂；（iv）通过使用玉米醇溶蛋白纳米颗粒，与大量同类产品相比，提高了食物和营养成分（例如叶酸，维生素D ₃，姜黄素，β-胡萝卜素和白藜芦醇）的生物利用度；（v）玉米醇溶蛋白/玉米醇溶蛋白基纳米材料稳定了在食品和营养领域有潜在应用的生物活性物质。