Review of extraction methods of Keratin from fibers and its applications as medical textiles

Improvement and development of extraction, purification and modification of keratin proteins which are extracted from hair, wool, feathers, hooves, horns and nails has led to increase in this protein utilization for biomaterial constructions. Having had properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradation,existence of RGD and LDV amino acid sequences ,which are critical elements in cell attachment, and self- assembling to different forms including fibers, films, gels and sponges, keratin has used for many variable medical applications: drug delivery, tissue engineering and wound healing. This article takes keratin’s structure, its extraction methods, keratin- based biomaterials that have been made till today and some of keratin’s medical applications into consideration. Finally at the end of the article we have pointed some of keratin’s merits in comparison with some proteins namely gelatin, cellulose, aliginate, collagen and chitosan, breifly. Based on keratin’s properties, it can be projected that this protein will find its state among biomaterials.