Incorporation of Plasticizers and Co-proteins in Zein Electrospun Fibers

As a means to alter the physical properties of electrospun zein fibers, plasticizers (glycerol, lactic acid, and oleic acid) or co-proteins (casein, whey protein, rice protein) were mixed with zein using the solvents acetic acid or aqueous ethanol with or without sodium hydroxide. Incorporating plasticizers or co-proteins had a negligible impact on solution viscosity, solution surface tension, and fiber formation, although electron microscopy of fiber mats showed an increase in bead formation with added co-proteins. Gel electrophoresis identified casein and whey protein in spun mats. Infrared spectra demonstrated the inclusion of plasticizers in fiber mats. Glycerol, lactic acid, and oleic acid reduced the glass transition temperature of bulk fibers. Nanoindentation tests of individual fibers found reduced Young’s moduli with added lactic or oleic acids but increased moduli with added casein. Thus, electrospinning zein with food-grade plasticizers or proteins physically modifies fibers, yet incorporating significant protein quantities remains a challenge.