Abstract
In this study, a method was developed for continuous electrospinning of ultrafine corn zein protein fibers with diameters ranging from 150 to 600 nm. Fiber-forming solutions with various zein concentrations (10% to 30%, w/w) and aqueous ethanol concentrations (60% to 90%, w/w) were electrospun at 15 and 20 kV. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that the morphology of zein fibers was affected by aqueous ethanol concentration, zein concentration, and the applied voltage. The optimal condition for forming bead-less fibers was found to be 20% protein, 70% alcohol, and 15 kV. The zein fibers resisted solubilization in water, although swelling and plasticization were apparent after the water treatment. The efficacy of zein fibers was tested for stabilization of a green tea polyphenol, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), by incorporating the EGCG in zein fiber-forming solutions. Freshly spun fibers were less effective at immobilizing the EGCG upon immersion in water (82% recovery) as compared to fibers that were aged at 0% relative humidity for at least 1 d (>98% recovery) before water immersion. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies demonstrated that hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and physical encapsulation are the major contributors to the stabilization of EGCG in zein fibers in water.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.