Lawton FIGURE 4 Textile fibers from zein. (From Ref. 78.) fiber was said to add draping qualities to rayon, warmth to in the literature [86,87]. A reexamination of the use of zein nylon, and softness to wool [82,83]. In the most productive and wheat gluten in molded plastic items is also taking year, 1954, about 4 million pounds of zein were sold for the place [88,89]. Adhesives and glues are being tested that in-manufacture of Vicara [78]. Zein was used for many years clude wheat gluten as an ingredient [90,91]. Many patents as backing in photographic films. Zein has also been used as have recently been granted for new uses of wheat gluten, a replacement for shellac. During World War II when shel-which include use in the following: frost-resistant con-lac was in short supply, nearly 2 million pounds of zein crete, detergents, cosmetics, cat litter, ceramics, and dry-were sold for that purpose [78]. Zein was used in large cell batteries [74]. Many opportunities now exist for ex-quantities as a paper coating to provide grease and scuff-re-panded uses of cereal proteins in nonfood applications. sistance [84]. Zein has also found uses as a binder for cork, Some applications have been shown to work in the past. replacement of casein in the manufacture of buttons, re-The economics of using cereal proteins have to be im-placement of shellac for phonograph records, and as a non-proved and the advantages of using cereal proteins must be staining adhesive [79]. Today, zein's major uses include in more fully disclosed before the opportunities of using ce-edible coatings on candies, nuts, and confections, and as a real proteins can be truly realized. coating for pharmaceutical tablets [85]. Environmental concerns over the utilization of non-biodegradable materials and manufacturing processes of