International Journal of Biological Macromolecules最新文献

{"title":"Dynamic myogenic progression of broiler satellite cells during growth and the regulatory role of bone morphogenetic protein 6.","authors":"Jianliang Liu, Ying Liu, Xuan Sun, Xiuze Zhang, Tong Xing, Lin Zhang, Feng Gao, Liang Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154869","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154869","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Satellite cells (SCs) contribute to skeletal muscle hypertrophy and meat yields in broilers. An efficient myogenic process of SCs requires timely-regulated transitions of their cellular states from quiescence to activation and then to differentiation. However, our understanding of these dynamic cellular state transitions during broiler growth and underlying regulatory mechanisms remain limited. We conducted a comprehensive characterization of SCs in Ross 308 broilers from 1 to 42 days post-hatch, using an integrated approach combining in vivo and in vitro analyses with single-nucleus RNA sequencing. The results showed that the ratio of MYOD1⁺ differentiating SCs decreased with age along with the reduced expression of myogenic regulatory genes, suggesting a decline in myogenic capacity. Consistently, snRNA-seq analysis revealed that the proportion of quiescent SCs increased, while the fractions of proliferating and differentiating SCs decreased during growth. Furthermore, bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6), secreted specifically by the quiescent SCs, acts as a key regulator that maintains SC quiescence and inhibits their activation, accounting for the reduced myogenic differentiation capacity of SCs in the breast muscle of broilers at day 42. In vitro cell culture studies validated that knockdown of BMP6 expression in isolated primary SCs promoted proliferation, differentiation, and myotube formation, while overexpression of BMP6 achieved the opposite effects. Therefore, BMP6 was identified as a key regulatory target for maintaining SC quiescence and inhibiting their activation. These findings further advance our understanding into SCs state transitions during growth and provide a foundation for developing strategies to enhance muscle growth in broilers.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"154869"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149190607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design of regenerable brewer's spent grain biochar-embedded xanthan gum/alginate double-network hybrid gel and biosorptive decolorization.","authors":"Tamer Akar, Hilalnaz Kocoglu, Sibel Tunali Akar","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154882","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154882","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Access to safe and clean water has become a global challenge due to the growing pollution caused by toxic and non-biodegradable synthetic dyes. Treatment systems based on the use of affordable, readily produced, and effective materials are of critical importance. An eco-friendly treatment approach was developed by integrating brewer's spent grain biochar (BSGBio), xanthan gum (XG), and alginate (Alg) into a novel biocomposite sorbent (BSGBio@XG-Alg) for the efficient removal of Basic Blue 12 (BB12) from aqueous solutions and real wastewater. The biosorption performance of BSGBio@XG-Alg was investigated under both batch and dynamic flow systems. The effects of critical parameters, including solution pH, biosorbent amount, contact time, initial dye concentration, and flow rate, were investigated. Under optimized batch and column conditions, the suggested biocomposite achieved decolorization efficiency of nearly 100%. The maximum biosorption capacity was determined to be 310.73 mg g^-1. Kinetic and equilibrium studies indicated that the biosorption process was well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. The properties of the biosorbent were investigated using FTIR, SEM, and EDX analyses. The results confirmed effective interactions between BB12 molecules and the biocomposite. The regeneration tests demonstrated that BSGBio@XG-Alg exhibited high stability and reusability during repeated usage cycles. BSGBio@XG-Alg achieved a treatment efficiency of 94.38% when tested on a wastewater sample. Because of its remarkable biosorption effectiveness, stability, reusability, and environmental friendliness, BSGBio@XG-Alg is a highly promising option for treating dye-contaminated waters.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"154882"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149190654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Brominated MIL-101/alginate composite hydrogels for efficient PFAS removal: Role of hydrophobic interactions and performance under continuous-flow conditions.","authors":"Su Jin Lee, Byungjun Cha, Minji Kim, Yeonji Yea, Yeomin Yoon, Chang Min Park","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154879","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154879","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), are persistent contaminants that demand effective removal technologies. To overcome the practical limitations of powdered metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), including difficult recovery and limited compatibility with continuous-flow treatment, robust brominated MIL-101/alginate composite hydrogels (Br-MIL/Alg-4) were successfully fabricated for the adsorption of PFOS and PFHxS from water. Structural characterization confirmed the integration of Br-MIL-101 in the alginate matrix, while preserving the essential structural features of the MOF. Under the standard low-concentration batch condition (C₀ = 1.0 mg/L), Br-MIL/Alg-4 exhibited experimentally determined adsorption capacities of 1.22 mg/g for PFOS and 0.95 mg/g for PFHxS, representing over a sevenfold enhancement relative to pristine alginate hydrogels (0.17 and 0.13 mg/g, respectively). Batch experiments demonstrated stable removal efficiencies and exceptional selectivity across various pH ranges, temperature and coexisting background anions. The results suggest that the enhanced uptake may reflect contributions from Br-associated and other non-electrostatic interactions, including possible hydrophobic interactions within the Br-functionalized framework. Continuous-flow column tests and multi-cycle methanol regeneration further demonstrated the reusability and continuous-flow compatibility of Br-MIL/Alg-4 under the tested conditions. These findings highlight the potential of Br-MIL/Alg-4 for treating PFAS-contaminated water and provide a basis for designing functionalized MOF-based composite adsorbents.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"154879"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149190539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A candidate Arg-287/Arg-288-centered electrostatic interface between SNIP1 and p65 in osteoarthritis: proteomic identification and computational structure-function analysis.","authors":"Baichuan Mu, Chuanhang Zhou, Yang Liu, Zhe Fan, Yiran Li, Ruiqi Wang, Wenlong Yan, Xicheng Duan, Wei Guo, Zongsheng Yin, Yinzhong Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154876","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154876","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The physical interfaces governing macromolecular protein-protein interactions dictate critical gene transcription programs, yet the structural basis of regulatory complexes inhibiting NF-κB remains partially resolved. Here, we characterize the macromolecular interaction between Smad nuclear interacting protein 1 (SNIP1) and the transcriptionally active p65 subunit of NF-κB, a regulatory axis whose pathological downregulation was identified via comparative proteomics of human osteoarthritic cartilage. GSE114007 and descriptive single-cell analyses of GSE152805 showed lower SNIP1 expression in diseased cartilage; GSE169077 showed the same direction without statistical significance. Co-immunoprecipitation confirmed the endogenous physical association of SNIP1 and p65 in human chondrocytes. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations mapped a candidate SNIP1-p65 interface with a negative MM/GBSA endpoint estimate (ΔGbind = -209.6 kJ/mol, 95% CI -381.4 to -37.8 kJ/mol across three trajectory means). The computational models position SNIP1 Arg-287 and Arg-288 within a cationic interface that is sterically incompatible with the DNA-bound conformation of p65. Computational substitution analysis further identified Arg-288 as a candidate hotspot residue, with charge-reversal substitutions predicted to destabilize the complex; this residue-level prediction awaits experimental site-directed mutagenesis. An assumption-based ODE model illustrates the sensitivity of downstream outputs to imposed SNIP1-dependent inhibition without establishing clinical kinetics or residue-specific causality. Overall, the combined data define a testable structural model for SNIP1-mediated regulation of p65 while avoiding causal attribution to Arg-288 before experimental validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"154876"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149190565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Water-responsive recyclable hydrogel enabled by chain-dispersion regulation of cationic guar gum for flexible multifunctional sensor.","authors":"Chenguang Wang, Qing Xin, Chenhao Wang, Jun Lin, Shangqing Liang, Guoqing Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154883","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154883","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Development of hydrogel strain sensors that simultaneously possess high mechanical strength and excellent recyclability remain challenging due to the intrinsic conflict between them. Herein, we develop a multifunctional hydrogel by simultaneously regulating molecular chain dispersion and constructing a dual-network structure. The acidic environment arising from Fe³⁺ hydrolysis and partial acrylic acid (AA) ionization may enhance cationic guar gum (CGG) chain hydration, thereby reducing interchain entanglement and aggregation. Meanwhile, the Fe³⁺/sodium lignosulfonate (SL) redox pair participates in the in-situ polymerization of AA to generate a dense polyacrylic acid (PAA) network interlocked with the well dispersed CGG chains, substantially reinforcing the hydrogel. The Fe³⁺ associated acidic environment is expected to facilitate CGG re-dispersion during water-responsive recycles. The resulting hydrogel sensor exhibits strong adhesiveness and self-healing capability, as well as high sensitivity and stable signal output under various strain conditions. Even after three recycling cycles, the hydrogel retains over 83% of its mechanical and sensing performance, indicating good performance retention and recyclability.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"154883"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149190632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adsorptive removal of rhodamine B using sustainable gum acacia- activated carbon hydrogel composites from aqueous systems: Isotherm, and kinetic insights.","authors":"Pooja Kumari, Manish Kumar, Deepika Kaushal, Vinay Chauhan","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154878","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154878","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An activated carbon incorporated gum acacia-based hydrogel was synthesized via chemically induced free radical polymerization route using acrylic acid and itaconic acid as co-monomers to develop an effective adsorbent for removing dye (Rhodamine B) from aqueous solution. The composite hydrogel exhibited high swelling ability (≈2000% in basic medium), good gel content, and yield, indicating a stable three-dimensional polymeric network. The structural, physiochemical, morphological, and thermal characteristics were confirmed through FTIR, XRD, FESEM, AFM, XPS, and TGA analyses. Batch adsorption studies were carried out by varying pH (2-12), dye concentration (1-15 ppm), adsorbent dose (100-600 mg), and contact time (24 h). Maximum dye removal ~100% was achieved at 10 ppm dye concentration, 300 mg adsorbent dose, and at acidic pH. The results of the adsorption experiments fitted best to the Langmuir isotherm (R² = 0.977), which indicate monolayer adsorption on a surface with identical active sites, while the pseudo-second-order kinetic model described the rate process accurately (R² = 0.994), and maximum adsorption capacity 2.48 mg/g, suggesting chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. The negative ΔG° values (-9 to -15 kJ/mol) confirmed the spontaneous nature of adsorption, and negative ΔH° values (-73.08 kJ/mol) confirmed adsorption process is exothermic. The hydrogel maintained ~85% removal efficiency after five reuse cycles and showed negligible interference from salt concentrations under study. Thus a sustainable bio-based, affordable hydrogel composite was developed from renewable gum acacia base enabling selective and efficient removal of Rhodamine B from water.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"154878"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149190526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nanoparticle-incorporated bilayer tamarind seed polysaccharide/pullulan films with sustained mucoadhesion for oral ulcer therapy.","authors":"Suping Ji, Yingying Shao, Wenjuan Wang, Lele Li, Heng Li, Hongyi Ma, Qiang Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154877","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154877","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The low drug loading capacity of oral films critically restricts their therapeutic potential, posing a primary limitation to their broader applicability. To improve the loading and delivery efficiency of oral films, bilayer films were developed, consisting of a mucoadhesive pullulan layer loaded with resveratrol-bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (Res-BSA) and a hydrophobic backing layer based on tamarind seed polysaccharide. The content of Res-BSA in the bilayer film was enhanced by increasing Res-BSA concentration (0-50%) in the mucoadhesive layer or by augmenting the mucoadhesive layer content at a fixed Res-BSA concentration (20%). The effects of increased Res-BSA content on the mechanical properties of the bilayer film could be mitigated by the backing layer, thereby preserving its flexibility. Resveratrol was continuously released from the bilayer films containing Res-BSA for over 12 h, demonstrating good antibacterial activity. The bilayer film containing 20% Res-BSA (TSP/Pul-1:1-20%) was effective in promoting cell migration and could provide a protective barrier for the oral mucosa through its sustained mucoadhesion (lasting over 12 h in vivo). In the rat oral ulcer model, TSP/Pul-1:1-20% accelerated ulcer healing by promoting re-epithelialization, increasing collagen deposition, and reducing inflammation. Additionally, TSP/Pul-1:1-20% may modulate the oral microbiota, partially shifting its composition toward a normal-like state. These results demonstrated that the bilayer films containing Res-BSA could be a promising platform for local oral treatment or transmucosal drug delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"154877"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149190623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biogenic fabrication of bovine serum albumin nanoparticles using Sargassum aquifolium extract: Optimization, physicochemical characterization, and preliminary in vitro scratch-closure evaluation.","authors":"Noura El-Ahmady El-Naggar, Aly Samy Alashry, Amira Mohamed Kamal, Esraa Mustafa Selim, Esraa Taha ElSaeedy, Ehap Ashraf Awad, Omnia Ebrahim Elhoseiny, Nada Salah Ellithy","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154868","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154868","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Albumin nanostructures are attractive biomedical platforms because of their biocompatibility, low toxicity, biodegradability, and functional versatility. In this study, bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (BSA-NPs) were fabricated through a green route using a hot-water extract of Sargassum aquifolium as a source of biomolecules potentially involved in nanoparticles assembly. GC-FID analysis of the dried algal extract identified nine fatty acid methyl esters, predominantly methyl palmitate (42.33%), methyl oleate (17.94%), and methyl stearate (15.17%). FTIR spectra indicated spectral shifts associated with interactions between BSA and algal-derived biomolecules during nanoparticles formation. TEM showed predominantly spherical to quasi-spherical BSA-NPs ranging from 9 to 53 nm, with a mean diameter of 26.85 ± 9.89 nm. DLS yielded a Z-average of 228.5 nm, while the zeta potential was -34 mV, indicating a negatively charged surface and appreciable electrostatic stabilization under the measurement conditions. Numerical optimization identified pH 7, BSA concentration of 7500 μg/mL, and an incubation time of 48 h as the optimal conditions, with a predicted BSA-NPs yield of 3942.41 μg/mL. Experimental validation yielded 3952 μg/mL, demonstrating close agreement with the predicted value. Preliminary scratch-closure responses were evaluated in HFB4 cells after 24 h. At 75 μg/mL, closure was 84.95% with BSA-NPs, 78.02% with native BSA, and 69.14% for the corresponding untreated control. At 300 μg/mL, both BSA-NPs and native BSA produced 100% closure, compared with 64.45% in the corresponding control. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of Sargassum aquifolium-assisted green fabrication of BSA-NPs and provide preliminary evidence of their in vitro scratch-closure activity, that merits further biological investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"154868"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149190521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Starch-enabled electrospinning and aqueous activation for ultrahigh surface area, heteroatom-doped carbon nanofibers for high-performance supercapacitors.","authors":"Zongyao Zhu, Hongjie Wang, Fangtao Ruan, Hongmei Zuo, Quan Feng, Lingjian Zhang, Weiwei Li, He Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154884","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154884","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Starch-based carbon nanofibers hold great promise for sustainable supercapacitor electrodes due to the natural abundance and renewability of starch. However, transforming starch into carbon nanofibers remains challenging because of its poor thermal stability, which often leads to structural collapse during thermal treatment. Herein, we propose a ternary polymer strategy (starch/PAN/PMMA) to overcome this limitation, enabling successful electrospinning while preserving structural integrity. Notably, starch serves a dual function as a renewable carbon source and, more importantly, an enabler for a green aqueous activation process. The fibrous network takes up the aqueous KOH/thiourea solution mainly through capillary action, while the hydroxyl groups of starch provide additional water affinity at the molecular level. This allows uniform impregnation of the precursor fibers and achieves simultaneous chemical activation and in-situ N/S doping in a single step, without organic solvents or complex pre-drying. The resulting hierarchically porous carbon nanofibers exhibit an ultrahigh specific surface area of 1952.30 m²/g and deliver a specific capacitance of 517.5 F/g at 0.5 A/g, an energy density of 23.25 Wh/kg, and 97.58% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles at 5-10 A/g. This work unlocks the potential of starch for high-performance energy storage through a safer, more sustainable aqueous activation route.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"154884"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149190610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Zein-based hybrid nanocarriers for non-viral gene delivery: A review.","authors":"Dua Alsinglawi, Enass Serry Moursy, Bilgesu Kasurka, Zainab Al-Quraishi, Vanessa Gi San Ho, Christine Dufès","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154850","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.154850","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gene therapy and RNA-based therapeutics are increasingly limited by the challenge of delivering fragile, anionic nucleic acids to the correct intracellular compartment. Zein, the principal maize prolamin, has attracted interest as a biodegradable, self-assembling carrier that can protect cargo and be combined with polymeric, lipidic, targeted and biomimetic components. This review critically evaluates zein-based systems for plasmid DNA, siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides and related nucleic-acid cargos. Native zein is best regarded as a protective and sustained-release matrix rather than a stand-alone high-efficiency transfection vector. In contrast, hybrid systems can add nucleic-acid condensation, colloidal stabilization, targeting and intracellular-trafficking functions through components such as chitosan, polyethylenimine, dendritic poly(l-lysine), lipids and targeting ligands. Direct evidence of endosomal escape remains limited, with only one reviewed study providing imaging evidence consistent with improved lysosomal escape. Cargo-specific evidence is strongest for plasmid DNA, with functional proof-of-concept also reported for selected siRNA and antisense oligonucleotide systems, whereas robust mRNA translation and CRISPR genome editing have not yet been demonstrated with zein-based carriers. The translational rationale for zein lies not in superior intrinsic transfection efficiency, but in route-specific protection, sustained release, hydrophobic drug co-loading and use as a biodegradable scaffold within multifunctional hybrids. Zein-based gene delivery remains preclinical and requires stronger mechanistic, cargo-specific and route-specific validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"154850"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149178532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}