Chemical Properties
Yellow powder
Definition
Zein is a protein derived from Zea mays, Gramineae. It belongs to the prolamine class and contains seventeen amino acids.
Production Methods
Zein is extracted from corn gluten meal with dilute propan-2-ol.
General Description
Zein is a prolamine and an alcohol soluble protein present in maize endosperm cells. Zein is a 20kDa structural protein and is encoded by the gene mapped on the short arm of maize chromosome 7. This protein lacks essential amino acids, such as lysine and tryptophan. Therefore, it has a poor nutritional value.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Zein is used as a tablet binder in wet-granulation processes or as a
tablet-coating agent mainly as a replacement for shellac. It is used
primarily as an enteric-coating agent or in extended-release oral
tablet formulations and other delivery systems. Zein is also used
in food applications as a coating agent.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Zein is used in the manufacture of fiber, adhesive, coating, ceramic, ink, cosmetic, textile, chewing gum and biodegradable plastics. This protein is a biodegradable and sustainable agropolymer. Thus, it is a great potential replacement for traditional oil-based plastics.
Safety
Zein is used in oral pharmaceutical formulations and food
products, and is generally regarded as an essentially nontoxic and
nonirritant material at the levels employed as an excipient.
However, it may be harmful if ingested in large quantities.
Solubility in organics
Aqueous alcohols, DMF, glycols, 90% ethanol
storage
Zein should be stored in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place. It
has not been reported to polymerize.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with oxidizing agents.
Regulatory Status
GRAS listed. Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database
(oral tablets). Included in nonparenteral medicines licensed in the
UK. Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal
Ingredients.
