Abstract
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to synthesize keratin nanoparticles from dove feathers.
 Methods: Crude keratin was extracted by chemical method. The protein content was estimated by Lowry’s method and it was found to be 0.18 mg/ml. The keratin nanoparticles were obtained using glutaraldehyde as cross-linking agent.
 Results: A single peak maximum at 270 nm corresponds to the surface plasmon resonance of keratin nanoparticles was observed in the ultraviolet-visible spectrum. The size of keratin nanoparticles was 78 nm. The crystalline size of keratin nanoparticles was 79.6 nm and it was obtained by X-ray diffraction. The antibacterial activity of crude keratin and keratin nanoparticles was determined which revealed that keratin nanoparticles showed higher zone of inhibition than crude keratin protein against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. Keratin nanoparticles showed higher antioxidant activity than crude keratin.
 Conclusion: Biological synthesis of nanoparticles has many advantages such as ecofriendly and low cost and can be synthesized in large scale. The keratin nanoparticles can be applied in wound dressing, biosorbent, and cosmetics.
Highlights
IntroductionIt is the key structural material making up feathers, hair, horns, claws, hooves, and the outer layer of human skin [1]
Extraction of crude keratin protein Dried feathers were dissolved in 5% of sodium hydroxide solution kept in shaker (Remi) at 70 rpm for 4 h of incubation
Synthesis of keratin nanoparticles Crude keratin powder 100 mg was diluted by 2 ml of deionized water and was mixed with 8 ml of absolute alcohol
Summary
It is the key structural material making up feathers, hair, horns, claws, hooves, and the outer layer of human skin [1]. Keratin proteins have several functions such as cytoarchitecture, proliferation and growth, apoptosis, and organelle transport [3,4]. It protects epithelial cells from damage of stress [5]. It is revealed that the quantity of keratins in the form of hairs, feathers, horns, and hoofs is wasted every year [7]. Keratin fibers extracted from chicken feathers are ecofriendly, non-abrasive, biodegradable, insoluble in organic solvents and having good mechanical properties, hydrophobic behavior, low density, and cheap [8]
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