Physicochemical Properties of Zein-Based Films by Electrophoretic Deposition Using Indium Tin Oxide Electrodes: Vertical and Horizontal Electric Fields

In this study, biodegradable and biocompatible zein films were prepared by electrophoretic deposition using indium tin oxide electrodes with two different modes: vertical and horizontal electric fields. The effects of the different mode of the electric field in the presence of ethanol on mechanical, hydrophobicity, water resistance properties, microstructures, and thermal stability of zein films were investigated. The results indicated that the physiochemical properties (tensile strength, hydrophobicity, water vapor permeability, water absorption, and thermal stability) of zein films prepared from the vertical electric field were superior to those of zein film produced from the horizontal electric field and the control. The results of scanning electron microscope demonstrated the presence of the compact and homogenous structures of zein films manufactured in electric fields. In summary, the knowledge achieved from this study could facilitate to prepare the zein-based films using a readily and scale-up method.