Zein‐based composites in biomedical applications

• Published in: Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A Vol. 105; no. 6; pp. 1656 - 1665
• Main Authors: Demir, Merve, Ramos‐Rivera, Laura, Silva, Raquel, Nazhat, Showan N., Boccaccini, Aldo R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.06.2017
• Subjects: Aluminum Silicates - chemistry; Animals; Biocompatibility; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Biomedical materials; bone tissue engineering; Calcium Phosphates - chemistry; Composite materials; composites; Drug Delivery Systems - methods; Durapatite - chemistry; Glass - chemistry; Humans; Mechanical properties; Organically Modified Ceramics - chemistry; Polymers; scaffolds; Surgical implants; Tissue engineering; Tissue Engineering - methods; Zein; Zein - chemistry; composites; zein; scaffolds; bone tissue engineering
• ISSN: 1549-3296; 1552-4965
• DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36040

Considerable research efforts have been devoted to zein‐based biomaterials for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications over the past decade. The attention given to zein‐based polymers is primarily attributed to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, due to the relatively low mechanical properties of these polymers, numerous inorganic compounds (e.g., hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate, bioactive glasses, natural clays) have been considered in combination with zein to create composite materials in an attempt to enhance zein mechanical properties. Inorganic phases also positively impact on the hydrophilic properties of zein matrices inducing a suitable environment for cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation. This review covers available literature on zein and zein‐based composite materials, with focus on the combination of zein with commonly used inorganic fillers for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. An overview of the most recent advances in fabrication techniques for zein‐based composites is presented and key applications areas and future developments in the field are highlighted. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1656–1665, 2017.