Characterizing Wool Keratin

The study characterized keratin extracted from wool, highlighting its reactivity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Wool, containing up to 90% keratin, was treated in alkaline solutions, extracting 68% to 82% keratin within 2 to 5 hours at 65°C. The extracted keratin was water-soluble and included proteins from fractured cuticle and cortical cells. Oxidation with peroxycarboximidic acid in alkaline hydrogen peroxide yielded keratin with distinct microcrystalline structures. Various analyses, including SEM and FTIR, confirmed the morphology and peptide functionality. The study suggested that wool keratin's reactivity could model keratin from other low-value sources like cattle hair.