Synthesis and characterization of keratin hydrolisate-carrageenan biofilm

Abstract

Bioplastics became important as oil-based plastic accumulated around the world and polluted the environment. keratin is existed in chicken feathers around 90%. Keratin is an important biomaterial and the most inexpensive abundant biomaterial. Previous study showed that solid-state fermentation of keratinase by bacillus sp. MD24 using chicken feathers a sole carbon and nitrogen source produced soluble keratin hydrolysate. The keratin hydrolysate can be transformed into keratin biofilm which ultimately might be used to make bioplastic. However keratin biofilm has poor mechanical properties. Blending keratin with other biomaterial such as carrageenan might improve keratin biofilm properties. This research aimed to make keratin-carrageenan polyblend and characterize the properties of the polyblend. Keratin hydrolysate was collected from keratinase solid-state fermentation liquid by-product. After dyalisis, soluble keratin was mixed with carrageenan solution at various mass ratio. Prior to mix with carrageenan, Particle size analyzer (PSA) is used to examined the size of soluble keratin. The polybend film was then analyzed using FTIR, SEM, and DMA. SEM photograph showed morphology of film surface which smooth and homogen. FTIR spectra showed the presence of both carrageenan-keratin in the film. DMA shows better mechanical properties of polyblend film.