LIU Guijin, WANG Hongdi, JIANG Yanbin. Research progress of Zein as carrier for drug delivery systems[J]. CIESC Journal, 2013, (10): 3493-3504.DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0438-1157.2013.10.002.
one of the natural and edible biomacromolecules in plant
is renewable
nontoxic
biocompatible and biodegradable.Zein is capable of self-assembly into microspheres or nanoparticles because of its amphipathicity
and is an attractive drug carrier and has a promising prospect for drug delivery systems(DDS).Recently
the study of using Zein as carrier for drug delivery systems has become popular.The properties and advantages of Zein used as DDS carriers were introduced at first in this paper.Then
methods for the preparation of Zein-DDS and the characteristics of Zein-DDS were reviewed in detail.Moreover
the researches on the modification of Zein for carrier were also presented.In summary
Zein has a strong hydrophobicity and a good resistance to the digestive processes of stomach. Therefore
Zein-DDS can improve the stability of drugs
control and prolong drug release
and enhance drug targeting effectively.The future orientations could focus on broadening research fields
improving preparation methods and developing modification of Zein.