Ductile keratin films from deep eutectic solvent-fractionated feathers

Abstract

In the present study, cross-linked keratin films were prepared using deep eutectic solvent (DES) fractionated feathers as a raw material.

Affinity of Keratin Peptides for Cellulose and Lignin: A Fundamental Study toward Advanced Bio-Based Materials

“…Previously, the Mw of high- and low-Mw keratin fractions were analyzed with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) revealing that the DES-treated keratin consisted of many different-sized keratin fragments. 11 Similar observations of keratin molecular weight distributions have also been reported after N -methylmorpholine N -oxide (NMMO) treatment for feathers. 13 Although the low Mw fraction was initially water soluble in the presence of diluted DES components, the low-Mw keratin fraction was not completely soluble in pure water or in the used buffers after dialyzing and freeze-drying.…”

“…Previous studies show that when feathers are processed with DES, ionic liquid, or N -methylmorpholine N -oxide, the keratin loses its ordered structure. ,, Moreover, in these processes, keratin degrades into different sized fragments and even into small peptides and amino acids , leading to the loss of its mechanical properties. However, our previous work showed that together with a plasticizer, the low molecular weight keratin fraction was able to form a dense and uniform film network with decreased water vapor permeability . Hence, we speculate that together with lignocellulosic building blocks that provide the mechanical strength, the acquired keratin fraction having different amino acids with different chemical structures could provide properties lacking from these materials.…”

“…However, our previous work showed that together with a plasticizer, the low molecular weight keratin fraction was able to form a dense and uniform film network with decreased water vapor permeability. 11 Hence, we speculate that together with lignocellulosic building blocks that provide the mechanical strength, the acquired keratin fraction having different amino acids with different chemical structures could provide properties lacking from these materials. Keratin could make the lignocellulosic materials more suitable for example in medical, cosmetics, electronics, agriculture, textile, and composite industries.…”

“…Recently, it was found that a deep eutectic solvent (DES), an environmentally friendly and inexpensive solvent, was able to dissolve feather keratin . However, the DES-treated keratin did not meet the mechanical requirements to be used in film applications . Previous studies show that when feathers are processed with DES, ionic liquid, or N -methylmorpholine N -oxide, the keratin loses its ordered structure. ,, Moreover, in these processes, keratin degrades into different sized fragments and even into small peptides and amino acids , leading to the loss of its mechanical properties.…”

Protein-Based Hydrogels: Promising Materials for Tissue Engineering

“…In particular, keratin solution should be cross-linked by an active ingredient or via stimulating the development of disulfide bridges in order to create the hydrogel [190]. In this regard, cross-linkers include glutaraldehyde [191], transglutaminase [192], dialdehyde [193], ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether [194], glyoxal [195], and formaldehyde [196]. In addition, oxidized cellulose nanocrystal serves as both a reinforcing agent and a keratin cross-linker.…”