The properties of hydrolyzed feather keratin (HFK) were compared to those of hydrolyzed wool keratin (HWK) with the aim of developing better ways to utilize feather keratin waste. Amino acid analysis showed that HFK contained more hydrophobic amino acids did than HWK. Although gel permeation chromatography indicated that HFK and HWK had more low-molecular weight peptides than their intact sources, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that both hydrolyzed keratins retained their original secondary structure. The physical properties of HFK were evaluated by treating HFK to human hair fibers. HFK treatment enhanced significantly the surface hydrophobicity and strength of fibers, and HFK was more permeable into hair fibers. These results suggest that HFK is suitable for industrial applications to improve fibers. In addition, HFK may be suitable for raw material of products requiring both flexibility and hydrophobicity, such as films and biodegradable plastics.
The self-assembling behavior for the oligopeptides obtained from the dissolution of feather keratins via the alkaline hydrolysis process was investigated. The entities generated from the aqueous solution of oligopeptides showed a dendrite-like and non-birefringent structure. To enhance the molecular orientation for the oligopeptides in the assembling process, the electrospinning was applied. The as-spun fibers showed birefringent structure. However, no crystal diffraction was recognized in the selected-area electron diffraction analysis. To modify the crystallizing property of the oligopeptides, the superheated water treatment was conducted and the cystine and/or cysteine residues were completely destroyed. Then the entities from the aqueous solution of the treated oligopeptides became crystalline. However the crystal growth stopped up to its diameter of~40 µm.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.