Influence of Preparation Conditions on the Properties of Keratin-Based Polymer Hydrogel

Abstract

In this study, a novel keratin-based polymer hydrogel (K-PmaH) was successfully prepared by graft-copolymerization of methacrylic acid onto keratin, cross-linked with N,N’-methylene-bis-acrylamide, then blended with agar. The influence of reaction temperature, dosage of reductant, initiator, and monomers on graft-copolymerization and that of heating methods on blending process was investigated. The results demonstrated that the dosage of DTT has prominent effects on the graft-copolymerization, and microwave radiation has significant effects on hydrogel properties. The swelling properties and in vitro degradation characteristic of K-PmaH also have been investigated, respectively. Determination results indicate that the K-PmaH has moderate swelling capacity in water and swelling–shrinkage behavior in saline solution. Moreover, K-PmaH reveals an excellent degradable characteristic in pepsin solution and trypsin solution. Consequently, the hydrogel K-PmaH is expected to be applied to the wounds and burns covering materials or bandages.