Zein-Based Nanomaterials for Food and Agriculture Applications: A Review

Biopolymers are widely used in agriculture practices and food industries, because they are environmentally safe, biodegradable, and biocompatible. Among biopolymers, zein possesses a unique hydrophobic character. Key findings and major conclusions derived from this review chapter are presented as follows: (1) zein can be as a carrier of agriculture and food active agents; (2) zein with amphiphilic properties is a suitable candidate to encapsulate bioactive compounds such as plant extracts and essential oils; (3) zein exhibits free radical scavenging activity; (4) zein protects lipids and foodstuffs from oxidative deterioration by acting as oxygen barriers; (5) nanoparticles of zein can be used as nanocarriers to enhance the efficiency of bioactive compounds; (6) electro-spun nanocomposites with two natural polymers (zein and gelatin) and polyvinyl alcohol have been fabricated to achieve combined properties and enhance the shelf life of food via protecting them against quality losses (freshness, taste, brittleness, and color). The composite film with a 5% gelatin ratio was also selected to investigate the shelf life of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and kimchi. Shelf life of sweet potatoes and potatoes was found, a period of 50 days, and shelf life of the kimchi was a period of 30 days.