Fibrous Keratin-Containing Composite
Research and development
Authors:
- Wrześniewska-Tosik Krystyna
Institute of Biopolymers and Chemical Fibres, Łódź, Poland - Kucharska Magdalena (j/w)
- Wawro Dariusz (j/w)
 Full text | Abstract: Increasing demand for dressing and hygiene care products boosts innovation and investigations into novelty materials. One example of a promising modern bio-composite is fibrids in the form of chitosan – keratin and alginate – keratin sponges. Chitosan, alginates and keratin, which are themselves distinguished by valuable properties, may, when combined into a composite material, reveal interesting useful features. As a result of the conducted research, novelty materials were prepared that have not yet been announced in adequate literature: chitosan – keratin and alginate – keratin bio-composites in sponge form. The sponges were made by employing freeze drying, which enables the preparation of a highly porous internal structure. The keratin additive contributed to the enhancement of sorption properties of the preparations obtained. The new materials do not exert any cytotoxicity or irritating and allergisation action, which is a precondition in hygiene and medical uses. The advantage of utilising a burdensome, cheap by-product – chicken feathers – for the preparation of materials with high added value is unquestioned..7-7.4% |
Tags: keratin, chitosan, alginate, sponge.