Characteristics of regenerated keratin and keratin-based film

Aim. Determination of the characteristics of regenerated keratin obtained from human hair, development of keratin-based films, and studing their surface morphology and adsorption capacity. Methods. Keratins were extracted by sulfitolysis. The structure of regenerated kera­ tin was studied by IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and electrophoresis. Keratin-based films were made by casting. Their biocompatibility was analyzed in the adsorption test by incubation in human serum. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the surface morphology of the films. Results. The regenerated keratin is represented mainly by proteins of intermedi­ ate filaments and is characterized by better thermal properties than the native one. The keratin-based films had a pronounced relief structure. The adsorption test shows the ability of the films to adsorb albumin from human serum on their surface. Conclusions. The mild extraction of keratins by sulfitolysis ensures the preservation of their native properties and the ability of keratin-based films to form bonds with blood proteins.