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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Plant Polymer Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #298173
Title: Production of gliadin-poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles for hydrophilic coating

Author
item Kim, Sanghoon
item KIM, YEON - National Institute Of Standards & Technology (NIST)

Submitted to: Journal of Nanoparticle Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/12/2014
Publication Date: 2/1/2014
Citation: Kim, S., Kim, Y.S. 2014. Production of gliadin-poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles for hydrophilic coating. Journal of Nanoparticle Research. 16(2):2277. doi: 10.1007/s11051-014-2277-6.

Interpretive Summary: In our recent research, we have presented a new method for the production of nanoparticles that is composed of a protein (obtained from animal blood cell) and a biodegradable synthetic polymer. Nanoparticles are small particles the size of which is in the nanometer (1,000,000 nanometers = 1 millimeter) scale. The produced nanoparticles can coat non-wetting objects and make their surface easily wet. This product can be commercialized in the form of window-cleaning products. In order to lower the production cost, the previously-employed animal protein was replaced with a plant protein (a wheat protein, gliadin) and an optimum reaction condition for the new reactants was developed. This research has provided detailed information on the development of surface-coating solutions. Scientists in industry and academia developing surface-modifying products would benefit.

Technical Abstract: Cyanoacrylate nanoparticles have been usually prepared by anionic polymerization initiated by hydroxyl ions derived from dissociation of water. In the current research, amine groups on the surface of gliadin aggregates were utilized as initiator for the polymerization of ethyl cyanoacrylate (ECA). Gliadin, a protein found in the endosperms of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), is not soluble in water but dissolves in aqueous ethanol in the form of aggregates. As a result of the reaction with ECA monomers, gliadin molecules are chemically bound to poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) (PECA) chains. The nanoparticles thus produced are made up of block copolymers that are consisted of hydrophilic moiety (gliadin) and hydrophobic moiety (PECA). The suspension containing these nanoparticles showed an excellent coating capability on the surface of hydrophobic materials such as glass or plastics. A simple spray coating changed the wetting property of the material instantly and dramatically. Since both protein and poly(alkyl cyanoacrylate) are degradable polymers, the developed nanoparticles are degradable.