The effects of plasticizers, pH, and electrolytes on film formation and physical stability of aqueous film coating dispersions (pseudolatexes) of zein were evaluated. The influence of plasticizer on film formation mechanism and minimum film-formation temperature (MFT) were monitored by means of hot stage microscopy (HSM). Furthermore, the effects of pH and electrolytes on the short-term physical stability of pseudolatexes were investigated by measuring relative absorbance, zeta potential, and particle size of the dispersions. With aqueous coating dispersions of zein, stages of film formation were identified. The dispersions plasticized with 20% (w/w) PEG 400 or glycerol formed mechanically strong and flexible films with the lowest glass transition temperature (T-g). Physical stability of the aqueous zein dispersions was dependent on both pH and electrolyte content. At a pH ranging from 3 to 4, the aqueous dispersions of zein were stable for at least 2 months exhibiting the highest values for zeta potential, the smallest particle size, and a low volume of aggregates. The stable dispersion could be obtained containing a lower concentration of electrolytes (e.g., 10(-5) M). The physical stability of aqueous zein dispersions can be determined by the combined measurements of relative absorbance, zeta potential, and particle size. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Inc.