Keratin processing and applications

Wool-keratin is a natural polyelectrolyte which can be processed in different ways to obtain materials for: Filtration: keratin nanofibres are able to separate micro-sized particles. Scaffolds: keratin nanofibres enhance the tissue adhesion and the growth of cells. Packaging: the addition of citric acid in keratin films improves the elongation and flexibility of films made of this protein. Biosensors: the adsorption/dissociation of H2O into H+/OH- on keratin surface permit the protons transfer and the quantification of humidity in respiratory monitoring.