Keratin biomaterials review
A review of keratin-based biomaterials for biomedical applications.
As reported in: Rouse, Van Dyke (2010). A Review of Keratin-Based Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications. Materials. doi:10.3390/ma3020999
Keratin: uses in research
Also: feather keratin, wool keratin, hair protein
Keratin is the tough protein in feathers, wool, hair, hooves and horns. Billions of kilograms of feathers and wool waste are produced every year, which researchers convert into films, gels, scaffolds and fibres. Biomedical entries are descriptive only.
Readiness: lab lab studies · prototype demonstrated objects · commercial products or buildings in real use · review summaries of other studies.
biomedical
Feather keratin wound hydrogel
Prepared a feather keratin hydrogel and evaluated its wound-healing effect and biocompatibility.
Built / tested: hydrogels
As reported in: Wang, Hao, Luo et al. (2017). Feather keratin hydrogel for wound repair: Preparation, healing effect and biocompatibility evaluation. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. doi:10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.10.038
Abstract only
Keratin nanoparticles in bone scaffolds
Chitosan scaffolds containing chicken feather keratin nanoparticles for bone tissue engineering.
Built / tested: scaffolds
As reported in: Saravanan, Sameera, Moorthi et al. (2013). Chitosan scaffolds containing chicken feather keratin nanoparticles for bone tissue engineering. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.09.034
Abstract only
materials science
Dissolving wool in ionic liquids
Used ionic liquids as solvents to dissolve and blend wool keratin fibres.
Built / tested: keratin blends
As reported in: Xie, Li, Zhang (2005). Ionic liquids as novel solvents for the dissolution and blending of wool keratin fibers. Green Chemistry. doi:10.1039/b502547h
Abstract only
packaging
Bioplastic film from chicken feathers
Made and characterised a keratin bioplastic film from chicken feathers.
Built / tested: bioplastic films
As reported in: Ramakrishnan, Sharma, Gupta et al. (2018). Keratin based bioplastic film from chicken feathers and its characterization. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.01.037
Abstract only
waste valorization
Uses for keratin waste
A review of valorising keratin waste biomass and its potential applications.
As reported in: Chaitanya Reddy, Khilji, Gupta et al. (2021). Valorization of keratin waste biomass and its potential applications. Journal of Water Process Engineering. doi:10.1016/j.jwpe.2020.101707
Abstract only