plasticized prolamine compositions and methods of preparing same are provided . the compositions can be used for making chewing gum bases , especially as biodegradable chewing gum bases . the inventive plasticizers are selected from a group of n - acyl derivatives of amino acids . the compositions are also useful for making other edible products as well as eco - friendly packaging films , coatings , adhesives , and encapsulation vehicles for medicament delivery and the like .