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Zein-based drug delivery carriers for biomedical applications: An updated overview
Puja Nayak1, Shikha Pandey1, Zahid Husain1
1Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, 495009, India.
None:
Zein, a natural maize protein, is gaining attention as an advanced biomaterial for applications in pharmaceuticals and tissue engineering due to its unique ability to bind synthetic molecules, genetic materials, phytopharmaceuticals, biomacromolecules, and other compounds. Recent decades have witnessed the novel biomedical applications of zein as a suitable material for controlled and targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, and the fabrication of distinguished nanocargos. In this review, we have discussed various key areas, including the basic introduction to zein as a biopolymer, such as extraction methods and its characterization, along with an update on the development of drug delivery carriers, including fibers, composites, films, and micro/nanoparticles. The blending of zein with other polymers and inorganic fillers has also been discussed. Furthermore, the biomedical applications of zein in controlled drug delivery, protein and peptide delivery, vaccine delivery, DNA/gene delivery, tissue engineering, and theranostics are presented, discussing recent examples. The summary of some recent patents related to the zein-based delivery system is also highlighted in this review.
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