Production, characterization, and application of zein-polyphenol complexes and conjugates: A comprehensive review.

The corn protein zein has several advantages, such as low production cost, excellent biodegradability, good biocompatibility, and low allergenicity. However, the application of zein in the food industry is limited by its high hydrophobicity. To increase the functionality of zein and meet the diverse requirements of food systems, researchers have explored several methods to form complexes or conjugates through noncovalent or covalent interactions, respectively, with polyphenols.