The Utilisation of Gelatin Biopolymer in Textile Wet Processing

Abstract

G elatin is a natural polymer that is biocompatible and biodegradable. It is derived from collagen. Beneficiation of gelatin can lead to their conversion into high-value biomaterials, provided that cost-effective, long-term technology for converting this biopolymer into usable bioproducts exists or is developed. In this review, sources of gelatin, extraction of gelatin, the chemical composition of gelatin, as well as its application in the textile industry were reviewed. Gelatin is non-toxic, low cost, and high availability, so it can be used as a bio-material in textile treatment to improve the dyeability of textiles, and the pretreatment process such as the bleaching process. Gelatin also can be used as a finishing agent because of its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-fungal activities.