Abstract

A RESEARCH WORK ON: CHITOSAN FILM CONTAINING HUMAN HAIR DERIVED KERATIN FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Sourav Mandal*, Santanu Chakraborty and Subinoy Bhakat

ABSTRACT

The mechanical and physical properties of chitosan and chitosan containing keratin nanoparticles have been studied using FTIR analysis and physical evaluation tests. The comparative study between two bio membranes have been evaluated to know the optimum stability in their mechanical properties. Keratin is a protein based natural polymer that can increase the natural cell formation in our body. The aim of this work is to increase the membrane durability and decrease the fragility of chitosan film by incorporation of keratin nanoparticles. The natural keratin is extracted by using 350gm of human hair and the nanoparticle is prepared by using ultra sonication method. The extraction procedure is also very much optimum that can extract maximum 25-30% keratin precipitation depends upon quality of collected hair. In this study the combination of two natural polymers, 1.5% chitosan and 0.25% Keratin are used to developed a portable bio composite film without any additional drug molecules and compare themselves with their physical properties to get the optimum bio composite film. The novel bio composite film could perform synergistic functions benefiting from chitosan and keratin as they have own antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Based on those factors, this innovative membrane has high potency for serving as an optimum candidate for wound healing applications in tissue engineering sector.

Keywords: Keratin Film, Chitosan Film, Wound Healing, Tissue Engineering, Keratin Extraction.