Corn Zein Nanocarriers for Agrochemical Delivery and Smart Packaging

Abstract Zein, a prolamin protein derived from corn, has emerged as a multifunctional and scalable nanocarrier for addressing critical sustainability challenges in agriculture and packaging. This review critically synthesizes and evaluates recent advances in zein‐based nanocarriers for targeted delivery of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, micronutrients, and in smart packaging systems. Drawing from biomedical nanomedicine, it highlights innovations in stimuli‐responsive release of bioactives, hybridization of zein with natural polymers, and plant translocation. Zein, with a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status, biodegradability, and ability to form stable nanoparticles, positions it as a low‐toxicity alternative to conventional synthetic agrochemical carriers and petroleum‐based plastics. Applications in postharvest preservation, humidity‐triggered release, and biosensor‐enabled packaging further elucidates its multifunctionality. Despite strong lab‐scale performance, major challenges remain in field‐scale agrochemical delivery, gaps in its environmental fate, and regulatory approval. This critical review outlines strategies for overcoming these barriers. Overall, zein nanotechnology, framed within the broader goals of climate‐resilient, resource‐efficient, and circular agriculture, offers a roadmap for leveraging zein nanotechnology to reduce environmental burden while improving agricultural productivity. In addition, the challenges that this review paper addresses strongly promote several United Nations Sustainability Development Goals, including UN SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action), and SDG 15 (life on land).