Valorization of natural waste material

Keratin, a fibrous structural protein abundantly found in animal by-products such as wool and feathers, holds significant promise for sustainable and high-value applications due to its unique physicochemical properties. This thesis explores the extraction, characterization, and potential applications of keratin obtained from wool and feathers, with an emphasis on environmentally sustainable methods. Traditional and innovative extraction techniques including alkaline hydrolysis, enzymatic digestion, and the use of ionic liquids were analyzed for their efficiency, scalability, and environmental impact. The structural differences between wool-derived α-keratin and feather-derived β-keratin were examined, highlighting their respective mechanical, thermal, and biochemical properties. Wool keratin, with its high cysteine content and flexible α-helical structure, demonstrates suitability for biomedical, cosmetic, and textile applications. In contrast, feather keratin’s rigid β-sheet configuration contributes to its high mechanical strength and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for bioplastics and composite materials. Advanced analytical methods such as FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TGA were employed to characterize the regenerated keratin. Furthermore, the thesis discusses the role of keratin in biomedical applications, particularly in wound healing, and tissue engineering, underscoring its potential as a bio functional material. The findings advocate for the valorization of keratinous waste through green extraction technologies, contributing to circular economy models and reducing environmental burdens associated with industrial waste.