Fabrication of zein protein films from corn kernels: Effects of different silicone crosslinking agents on chemical properties
Category
Sciences and Technology
Department
Chemistry
Student Status
Undergraduate
Research Advisor
Dr. Mazeyar Parvinzadeh Gashti
Document Type
Event
Location
Student Center Ballroom
Start Date
10-4-2025 2:00 PM
End Date
10-4-2025 4:00 PM
Description
Zein is a biocompatible and biodegradable protein extracted from corn kernels, known for its versatile properties and potential applications in food packaging, drug delivery, and biomedical scaffolds. Zein can react with silicone crosslinking agents, which can modify its various properties, including chemical characteristics and antimicrobial activity
In this study, we fabricated zein films incorporating different concentrations of amine-functional silicones, followed by curing in an oven at 150 C for 2 minutes. The chemical properties of the zein films were evaluated using FTIR spectroscopy.
The chemical evaluation revealed several characteristic peaks of zein:
The peak associated with N-H stretching vibration, indicative of the amide bond present in zein's polypeptide chains, was observed around ~3300-3400 cm-1.
The amide I peak, due to C=O stretching, was observed at ~1640-1650 cm-1.
The amide II peak, corresponding to a combination of N-H bending and C-N stretching vibrations, appeared around ~1550 cm-1.
The amide III peak, associated with C-N stretching and N-H bending, was detected at ~1230-1300 cm-1, reflecting the protein's secondary structure.
The C-H stretching peak (from alkyl groups) appeared around ~2850-2920 cm-1, corresponding to the C-H bonds in the amino acid side chains.
The O-H stretching peak was observed in the range of~3200-3550 cm-1.
Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of the zein films was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. We also assessed the cytotoxicity of the films, yielding interesting results.
Fabrication of zein protein films from corn kernels: Effects of different silicone crosslinking agents on chemical properties
Student Center Ballroom
Zein is a biocompatible and biodegradable protein extracted from corn kernels, known for its versatile properties and potential applications in food packaging, drug delivery, and biomedical scaffolds. Zein can react with silicone crosslinking agents, which can modify its various properties, including chemical characteristics and antimicrobial activity
In this study, we fabricated zein films incorporating different concentrations of amine-functional silicones, followed by curing in an oven at 150 C for 2 minutes. The chemical properties of the zein films were evaluated using FTIR spectroscopy.
The chemical evaluation revealed several characteristic peaks of zein:
The peak associated with N-H stretching vibration, indicative of the amide bond present in zein's polypeptide chains, was observed around ~3300-3400 cm-1.
The amide I peak, due to C=O stretching, was observed at ~1640-1650 cm-1.
The amide II peak, corresponding to a combination of N-H bending and C-N stretching vibrations, appeared around ~1550 cm-1.
The amide III peak, associated with C-N stretching and N-H bending, was detected at ~1230-1300 cm-1, reflecting the protein's secondary structure.
The C-H stretching peak (from alkyl groups) appeared around ~2850-2920 cm-1, corresponding to the C-H bonds in the amino acid side chains.
The O-H stretching peak was observed in the range of~3200-3550 cm-1.
Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of the zein films was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. We also assessed the cytotoxicity of the films, yielding interesting results.
