Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Synthesis, Characterization, and Functionalization of Hybrid Au/CdS and Au/ZnS Core/Shell Nanoparticles
Published on: March 3, 2016
Gemini surfactant stabilized zein nanoparticles: Preparation, characterization, interaction mechanism, and
Junbo He1, Hong Tang2, Ruifeng Liao3
1Key Laboratory for Deep Processing of Major Grain and Oil, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science & Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China; Hubei Key Laboratory for Processing and Transformation of Agricultural Products, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China; Engineering Research Center of Lipid-based Fine Chemicals of Hubei Province, Wuhan 43023, China.
Abstract:
To enhance the physicochemical properties of zein nanoparticles, zein complexes with two Gemini surfactants (12-3-12 and 12-4-12) were prepared using the anti-solvent method and investigated the physicochemical properties, formation mechanism and antibacterial activity. Results indicated that the optimal mass ratio between zein and Gemini surfactants was at 1:1, and the incorporation of Gemini surfactants significantly improved the surface properties of zein, reducing its surface hydrophobicity and surface tension, thereby enhancing its dispersion in aqueous media. Fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking experiments further elucidated the interaction mechanisms between zein and Gemini surfactant, revealing a spontaneous binding process, mainly driven by hydrophobic and hydrogen interaction, and a strong binding affinity of 12-4-12 with zein. Additionally, the zein/Gemini surfactant complexes exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with the zein/12-4-12 complex showing particularly prominent inhibitory effects. Therefore, this research not only provides a theoretical foundation for the construction of Gemini surfactant stabilized zein nanoparticles but also points the way for the subsequent embedding of bacteriostatic agents to achieve synergistic antibacterial effects.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Surface Active Agents
Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
Antimicrobial Effectiveness
iChip
Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis

