The current study focuses on utilization of the natural biocompatible polymer zein to formulate simvastatin (SMV) nanoparticles coated with caseinate, to improve solubility and hence bioavailability, and in addition, to modify SMV-release characteristics. This formulation can be utilized for oral or possible depot parenteral applications. Fifteen formulations were prepared by liquid-liquid phas...

BACKGROUND This work focuses on the development of atorvastatin utilizing zein, a natural, safe, and biocompatible polymer, as a nanosized formulation in order to overcome the poor oral bioavailability (12%) of the drug. METHODS Twelve experimental runs of atorvastatin-zein nanosphere formula were formulated by a liquid-liquid phase separation method according to custom fractional factorial d...

Zein, a protein extracted from maize, can be employed to easily produce nanoscale particles suitable for use as carrier systems. This review investigates the main methods for obtaining zein nanoparticles, as well as the problems and options available in the development of stable colloidal suspensions. Considerable gaps were identified in the literature concerning this topic, with studies being ...

Zein synthesis accompanied an increase in large polyribosomes of maize (Zea mays) endosperm cells. The two classes of polyribosomes (free and membrane-bound) had dissimilar size class distributions. Membrane-bound polyribosomes were predominantly large size classes, which were not found in free polyribosomes. The ratio of large membrane-bound polysomes to total membrane-bound polysomes was high...

Endothelial cells are covered by a surface layer of membrane-associated proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, glycoproteins, glycolipids, and associated plasma proteins. This layer may limit transendothelial solute transport. We determined dimension and transport properties of this endothelial surface layer (ESL) in isolated arteries. Rat mesenteric small arteries (diameter approximately 150 micro...

Novel rutin-loaded zein-sodium caseinate nanoparticles (ZP) with antioxidant activity in aqueous medium were investigated. The results showed that the sodium caseinate concentrations, dosages of rutin and ethanol volume fractions significantly affected the zein nanoparticles' characteristics. Concerning the antioxidant properties, the highest values of rutin loaded ZP obtained using 2, 2-diphen...

Salmonella typhimurium chi 4064, an attenuated delta cya delta crp mutant of S. typhimurium SR-11, was shown to be avirulent in swine. S. typhimurium chi 4064 was used as a carrier for plasmid pBA31-R7, which codes for the expression of a 31-kDa protein from Brucella abortus (BCSP31). Given orally, S. typhimurium chi 4064(pBA31-R7) colonized the intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes of 5- to 6-w...

The fates of hydrophobic zein proteins, which encapsulate corn starch to create vitreous endosperm, have not been investigated in high-moisture corn (HMC). To assess influences of ensiling time and inoculation on zein proteins in HMC, quadruplicate samples of 2 random corn hybrids (A and B), containing 25.7 and 29.3% moisture, were ground, inoculated with (I) or without 600,000 cfu/g of Lactoba...

Chronic stimulation of the nervous system or acute administration of kainic acid results in a persistent increase in AP-1-like DNA-binding activity in the brain. However, the composition and function of these AP-1 complexes remain controversial. By comparing wild-type and fosB-null mice treated with kainic acid, we establish that the complexes comprise JunD in association with an approximately ...

Zein, the predominant protein in corn, may be used as an alternative to various commercial plastics. Plastics produced from zein tend to be brittle, so plasticizers such as triethylene glycol (TEG) and water were used in this study to alleviate brittleness. When zein is blended with water and subjected to heat and shear in a torque rheometer, zein readily generates aggregates that produce a rap...