CAS 9010-66-6 Zein Powder Maize Protein for Edible Biodegradable Film-Forming Hydrophobic Coatings

CAS 9010-66-6 Zein Powder Maize Protein For Confectionery And Tablet Coatings

1. Description

Zein is a major storage protein found in corn (maize). It is classified as a prolamin, which is a group of plant proteins soluble in alcohol solutions. Commercially, it is a by-product of corn processing (e.g., corn wet-milling for starch, syrup, and ethanol production), extracted from corn gluten meal.

Zein is prized for its unique ability to form glossy, tough, and grease-resistant films. It is edible, biodegradable, and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Unlike pullulan, it is not water-soluble but dissolves in aqueous alcohol solutions, which is a key characteristic for its applications.

2. Specification 

3. Key Features & Properties

Zein's functionality stems from its unique molecular structure and properties:

• Excellent Film-Former: Forms hard, glossy, and scuff-resistant coatings that provide an excellent barrier to oxygen and lipids (fats/oils).
• Hydrophobic Nature: Naturally water-resistant, making it ideal for moisture-barrier applications.
• Edible & Biodegradable: A natural protein, making it suitable for food and pharmaceutical coatings and a popular choice for sustainable material research.
• Good Adhesion: Adheres well to a variety of surfaces, including pills, nuts, and candies.
• Thermoplasticity: Can be processed with heat and pressure, making it a candidate for biodegradable plastics and fibers.
• Low Water Vapor Barrier: While good against liquid water, zein films are relatively poor barriers to water vapor, which can limit some applications.
• Brittleness: Pure zein films can be brittle; plasticizers (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol) are often added to increase flexibility.

4. Applications

Zein's applications are diverse, leveraging its film-forming and hydrophobic properties:

Food Industry:

• Coating for Confectionery: Provides a glossy, protective coating on nuts, candies, and chewing gum to prevent sticking and moisture loss.
• Fruit & Vegetable Coatings: Used as an edible wax to reduce moisture loss and extend shelf life (e.g., on apples, citrus, cucumbers).
• Pharmaceutical Nutraceutical Tablets: Creates a smooth, enteric (delayed-release) or sustained-release coating on pills and tablets.
• Microencapsulation: Encapsulates flavors, vitamins, and probiotics to protect them from degradation.
• Food Packaging: Research into zein-based films and coatings for paper and cardboard to provide grease resistance.

Pharmaceutical Industry:

• Tablet Coating: As an alternative to synthetic polymers for controlled drug delivery systems.
• Tissue Engineering: Investigated as a scaffold material due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability.

Industrial & Other Applications:

• Adhesives: Used in label, stamp, and envelope adhesives.
• Inks: In flexographic printing inks.
• Fiber Production: Can be spun into fibers for textiles.
• Cosmetics: Used in nail polish, hair spray, and other formulations where a hard film is desired.
• Sustainable Materials: Research into zein for producing biodegradable plastics, nanofibers, and microplastics.