Zein and zein -based nano-materials for food and nutrition applications: A review

(i) the average size of zein nanoparticles reported to be 50-200 nm; (ii) the functions of zein nanomaterials were multiples: a carrier of delivery (food, beverage, and nutrient) systems; a shell or a core of encapsulated systems; or a food ingredient; (iii) zein-based nano-materials have been used for encapsulation of food and nutrient components including lipids; essential oils; fat soluble vitamins; food colorants; flavors; and natural anti-oxidants; (iv) the bioavailability of food and nutrient components such as folic acid, vitamin D3, curcumin, beta-carotene, and resveratrol was improved by employing the zein-nanoparticles in comparison with the bulk counterparts; and (v) bioactive substances with potential applications for food and nutrition sectors were stabilized by zein/zein-based nano-materials.