Zein-based nanoparticulate systems: a journey through fabrication, targeting strategies and biomedical applications

Zein, a plant-based protein obtained from the endosperm of corn (Zea mays L.) received colossal attention in recent years due to its promising features like being economical, mucoadhesive, gastro-resistant, biocompatible and aids to load hydrophilic and hydrophobic therapeutic agents. It can be employed for the fabrication of various drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles, micelles, hydrogels, nanofibers and films. These systems help to stabilize zein making it suitable for a wide range of applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Diverse techniques could be employed in the development of zein-based nanoparticulate systems such as antisolvent technique, electro-spraying, pH-driven, solvent emulsification, spray drying and flash nanoprecipitation. For the efficient targeted delivery of zein, a ligand-based strategy (folic acid, hyaluronic acid, peptide, transferrin) and stimuli-responsive approach (pH, temp. light etc.) could be employed. This review article mainly deals with the introduction of various types of zein-based systems followed by a comprehensive understanding of fabrication techniques. Further, we have extensively elaborated targeted strategies used for zein-based nanoparticulate systems in the management of various diseases. Paramountly, the article explored potential biomedical applications of zein-based systems in recent years. and emphasizes the current challenges related to zein-based nanoparticulate systems with a special focus on improvement in further research. We aim to foster an in depth understanding of zein-based systems in drug delivery and lay the foundation for its advancements in the field of the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector.