Electrophoretic deposition of zein coatings

In this study, crack free, well-adhered and transparent zein coatings were obtained on 316L stainless steel substrates by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) employing varying deposition voltages and times. Obtained films were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and it was shown that the obtained coatings exhibit homogeneous and smooth surfaces. The deposition yield was investigated at various EPD conditions; the highest yield was found at 10 V and 10 min deposition time. The deposition mechanism was discussed by considering chemical reactions occurring during EPD. The EPD method developed here is attractive for the surface modification of metal implants by zein layers aiming at functionalizing surfaces for biomedical applications.