Zein film functionalized with gold nanoparticles and the factors affecting its mechanical properties.

ABSTRACT: In this article, we report a simple method to synthesize biodegradable zein films functionalized with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with significantly improved mechanical properties, as an environmentally benign substitute to biologically hazardous polymers. Zein-coated AuNPs were synthesized using the zein protein as a reducing agent and characterized with IR, UV, CD, ζ-potential, and TEM measurements. The zein protein interaction with the negatively charged surface of AuNPs provides excellent strength to the zein thin film. For the first time, FT-IR spectral studies suggested the strong interaction between AuNPs and zein protein, which was further supported by the higher binding constant (K _b) value. The films were characterized for mechanical properties with spectr

SUBMITTER: Puthiyaveetil Yoosaf MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9069883 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature