Abstract
This work constitutes a basic study about the first exploration on the preparation of biohybrids based on the corn protein zein and layered metal hydroxides, such as layered double hydroxides (LDH) and layered single hydroxides (LSHs). For this purpose, MgAl layered double hydroxide and the Co2(OH)3 layered single hydroxide were selected as hosts, and various synthetic approaches were explored to achieve the formation of the zein-layered hydroxide biohybrids, profiting from the presence of negatively charged groups in zein in basic medium. Zein-based layered hydroxide biohybrids were characterized by diverse physicochemical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), solid state 13C cross-polarization magical angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (CP-MAS NMR), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), etc., which suggest that the different synthesis procedures employed and the anion located in the interlayer region of the inorganic host material seem to have a strong influence on the final features of the biohybrids, resulting in mixed, single intercalated, or highly exfoliated intercalated phases. Thus, the resulting biohybrids based on zein and layered hydroxides could have interest in applications in biomedicine, biosensing, materials for electronic devices, catalysis, and photocatalysis.
Highlights
The interest in the development of bionanocomposite materials based on the interaction of inorganic nanoparticulated solids and biopolymers is a topic of great relevance in the development of bioplastics as well as in other areas of application [1]
Given that alkaline media treatments ensure the presence of negative charges in the zein structure, NaOH solution of pH 11 was selected for the solubilization of zein, as this medium is favorable for the synthesis of many layered double hydroxides (LDH) [40]
Shows a molecular mass distribution very similar to that of zein treated in NaOH without US, this latter approach with no applied US was chosen in the synthesis of zein-LDH biohybrids
Summary
The interest in the development of bionanocomposite materials based on the interaction of inorganic nanoparticulated solids and biopolymers is a topic of great relevance in the development of bioplastics as well as in other areas of application [1]. The majority of publications reporting biohybrids based on peptides and proteins such as gelatin [7,8], soy protein [9,10], or hemoglobin [11] are assembled to smectite clays, with preference on the montmorillonite aluminosilicate, following cation exchange mechanisms.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
