Keratin As A Protein Biopolymer

This book provides information about the sources, structure, and properties of keratin as well as its applications. The extraction from different biomass sources (e.g. feathers, hairs, nails, horn, hoof, and claws) as well as the characterization methods of these extracted materials are explained. The development of bioproducts from keratins is challenging and limited since they are neither soluble in polar solvents nor in non-polar solvents. Therefore, the utilization of different microorganisms for the degradation of keratin is also discussed. The main aim of this book is to highlight the unique features of keratin and to update readers with the possible prospects to develop various value-added products from keratins. The book is highly interesting to researchers working in industry and academia on bioproducts, tissue engineering, biocomposites, biofilm, and biofibers.

Protein-Based Biopolymers: From Source to Biomedical Applications provides an overview on the development and application of protein biopolymers in biomedicine. Protein polymers have garnered increasing focus in the development of biomedical materials, devices and therapeutics due to their intrinsic bioactivity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. This book comprehensively reviews the latest advances on the synthesis, characterization, properties and applications of protein-based biopolymers. Each chapter is dedicated to a single protein class, covering a broad range of proteins including silk, collagen, keratin, fibrin, and more. In addition, the book explores the biomedical potential of these polymers, from tissue engineering, to drug delivery and wound healing. This book offers a valuable resource for academics and researchers in the fields of materials science, biomedical engineering and R&D groups working in pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. Covers a range of protein-based biopolymers, including elastin, collagen, keratin, soy and more Guides the reader through the fabrication, characterization and properties of protein biopolymers Explores the biomedical potential of protein biopolymers, covering applications such as cancer therapy, tissue engineering and drug delivery

Demand for products made from renewable, sustainable and eco-friendly raw materials is increasing, and will further increase substantially in the future. Awareness of the adverse impacts of synthetic products on the environment, increasingly stringent governmental regulations on the use and disposable of non-biodegradable products, and affordability of consumers are some of the drivers for 'bioproducts'. One of the most economical and practical approaches to develop bioproducts is to use abundant low-cost agricultural byproducts and coproducts. Residues left after harvesting food crops, byproducts generated during production of biofuels, and conversion of animals and plants into food are some of the readily available raw materials suitable for development of bioproducts.Keratins are unique biopolymers that have distinct structure, properties and applications. Keratins are the major constituents in hairs, feathers, claws, hooves and other parts in humans and animals. Unlike many body parts, keratins are dispensable and are removed periodically. Examples include hairs and nails. Although keratins have unique functionality and structure, there are limited industrial uses of keratin. Keratin is being used commercially in cosmetics and some medicines. However, substantial amounts of keratinaceous materials are being disposed as waste in landfills.This book presents the structure and properties of keratin and their possible applications. Information in this book will be useful to researchers in academia and industry working on bioproducts and also on tissue engineering and drug delivery. Brief information on the products developed has also been included. Researchers, students, agriculturists, and farmers will be able to understand the potential of developing various keratin-based bioproducts.

Biopolymer Science for Proteins and Peptides introduces all aspects of natural polymers based on structural proteins and peptides, presenting synthesis, structure, properties, proteins, materials design, and applications. The book begins by presenting the core concepts of polypeptide and protein materials, before discussing synthesis and structure in detail. The next part of the book describes physical properties, biological properties, and issues surrounding stability. Subsequent chapters offer in-depth coverage of both natural and structural protein sources, including collagen, silk, elastin, resilin, keratin, foot protein, and reflectin, and the materials that can be designed from them, such as films, fibers, textiles, microparticles, sponges and scaffolds, nanomaterials, blends, and composites. These materials are also analyzed against the available synthetic polymers. Finally, the text explores current applications and potential future developments. This is an essential resource for researchers and advanced students across a range of disciplines, including biopolymers, structural proteins, polymer science, materials science, biomaterials, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, and pharmaceutical science. In an industry setting, this is of great interest to scientists and R&D professionals working in industries with an interest in bio-based polymers for advanced applications. Explains how biopolymers from structural proteins and peptides can be developed into materials, such as films, fibers, textiles, microparticles, sponges and scaffolds, nanomaterials, blends, and polymer composites Provides the reader a solid understanding of the structure, synthesis, and properties Guides the reader from sources, including collagen, silk, elastin, resilin, keratin, and reflectin, to material design and cutting-edge applications

The book introduces readers to the unique aspects of keratin and opportunities to develop various bioproducts and biomaterials from keratins. It discusses the structure, properties and specific applications of keratins extracted from different sources. Applications include keratins as absorbents, reinforcements or matrices for composites, hydrogels and fibres.

This book emphasizes various challenges and opportunities in biopolymers and identifying their potential applications in various fields including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and electronics. It offers an overview of the environmental-related issues, regulatory and legislative issues, green extraction technologies, and sustainability challenges. It will be interesting and valuable for researchers working in the related field.

Biopolymers are becoming an increasingly important area of research as traditional chemical feedstocks run low and concerns about environmental impacts increase. One area of particular interest is their use for more sustainable development of metal nanoparticles. Biopolymer-based Metal Nanoparticle Chemistry for Sustainability Applications, Volume 1 reviews key polymers found in nature, their characterization and modification, and processes for using them in the development of metal nanoparticles. Beginning with an introduction to both green chemistry and biopolymers in Part 1, the book goes on to outline the classification of biopolymers in Part 2, with specific details on polysaccharides, proteins and polypeptides, lignin, and polylactic acid. Properties of biopolymers, including biodegradability and toxicity, are the focus of Part 3, before Part 4 goes on to discuss synthesis and characterization. Reviews novel sources of polymers with high potential as green media for synthesizing nanostructures Provides technological details on the synthesis of natural polymer-based metal nanoparticles Highlights the use of natural polymer supports and the impact of their properties on stability, morphology and scale of nanostructures

Peptides and Proteins as Biomaterials for Tissue Regeneration and Repair highlights the various important considerations that go into biomaterial development, both in terms of fundamentals and applications. After covering a general introduction to protein and cell interactions with biomaterials, the book discusses proteins in biomaterials that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM). The properties, fabrication and application of peptide biomaterials and protein-based biomaterials are discussed in addition to in vivo and in vitro studies. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, scientists and advanced students interested in biomaterials science, chemistry, molecular biology and nanotechnology. Presents an all-inclusive and authoritative coverage of the important role which protein and peptides play as biomaterials for tissue regeneration Explores protein and peptides from the fundamentals, to processing and applications Written by an international group of leading biomaterials researchers