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Published on: June 30, 2018
Engineering zein films with controlled surface morphology and hydrophilicity
Ke Shi1, Jozef L Kokini, Qingrong Huang
1Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, USA.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|February 24, 2009
Summary
Researchers engineered zein films with controllable surface properties. UV/ozone treatment significantly enhanced zein film hydrophilicity, creating smoother surfaces for advanced material applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Biopolymer Engineering
Background:
- Zein, a protein from corn, has potential as a biopolymer.
- Controlling zein film surface properties is crucial for applications.
- Existing methods for modifying zein films have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for engineering zein films with controlled surface morphology and hydrophilicity.
- To investigate the effects of different casting solvents on zein film surface morphology.
- To evaluate the efficacy of UV/ozone treatment for modifying zein film hydrophilicity.
Main Methods:
- Zein films were cast from acetic acid and ethanol aqueous solutions.
- Surface morphology was analyzed using tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TP-AFM).
- Surface hydrophilicity was assessed via water contact angle measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Main Results:
- Zein films cast from acetic acid exhibited smoother surfaces compared to those from ethanol aqueous solutions.
- UV/ozone treatment reduced water contact angles from ~80° to <10° within 130 seconds.
- XPS analysis indicated UV/ozone treatment converted surface methyl groups to carbonyl groups, increasing hydrophilicity.
Conclusions:
- A novel method allows for controlled engineering of zein film surface morphology and hydrophilicity.
- UV/ozone treatment is an effective method for rapidly increasing zein film hydrophilicity.
- Modified zein films show promise as barrier materials and delivery vehicles for various applications.
