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Keratin nanofiber: sustainable innovation in the nonwoven textile sector to mitigate the generation of microplastic
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This review examines the use of chicken feather-derived beta-keratin electrospun into nanofibers as a biodegradable substitute for synthetic polymer nonwoven textiles, which are a major source of microplastic fiber shedding during washing and use. Replacing synthetic textile fibers with biodegradable keratin nanofibers could reduce microplastic fiber pollution at the source while simultaneously valorizing agricultural waste from the poultry industry.
This work briefly reviews the potential of chicken feathers, a waste material widely generated by the growing poultry industry, as a source of β-keratin. It highlights its use as a raw material in the electrospinning process. This innovative process allows the transformation of keratin into nanofibers to be applied in the textile industry as a nonwoven material, substituting synthetic polymers and consequently avoiding the generation of microplastics. These keratin nanofibers exhibit high surface area and optimized functional properties, significantly expanding the application of this material. Primarily intended for animal feed or compost production, chicken feathers are valuable for developing advanced materials. Keratin nanofibers, in particular, have shown great potential for applications in biomedicine, such as tissue engineering and cell regeneration, due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatility. The present study also analyzed different keratin extraction methods and adjuvant polymers’ role in improving nanofibers’ properties, highlighting the importance of sustainable and innovative processes to add value to agro-industrial waste. The bibliographic research covers the last 50 years, from 1974 to 2023, offering a comprehensive overview of the most recent approaches and trends in the field.
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