Keratin-chitosan films

A composite film was prepared by the addition of 10—30% chitosan into keratin (Khor and Lim, 2003). This film exhibited improved resistance to bacteria and supported fibroblast attachment and proliferation, suggesting a role in wound healing for keratin—chitosan films. Moreover, the preparation of a bilayered chitosan membrane proved its effectiveness for controlling of infection. Such a membrane uses a thin layer of chitosan as an antibacterial and moisture control barrier attached to a sponge layer that could absorb wound exudates. Additionally, the bilayered chitosan... 

Tanabe, T., Okitsu, N., Tachibana, A., and Yamauchi, K. 2002. Preparation and characterization of keratin-chitosan composite film. Biomaterials 23 817-825. 

When added to hair-care cosmetic preparations, chitosan interacts with keratin forming a uniform and elastic film which is more stable to high humidity than those usually formed with synthetic polymers. Moreover, it reduces the electrostatic charges, so that the hair does not stand on end, preserving the hair do. The hair treated with chitosan formulations has less tendency to adhere and is more easily brushed than with traditional fixers [204]. 

Flores-Hernandez et al. (2014) studied by DSC the chitosan-starch film and chitosan-starch/keratin composites showed in Fig. 15.15. They observed an endothermic peak that was approximately at 90-100°C, that was associated with loss of water,... 

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