Synthesis and characterization of wool keratin/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite

Taking the inspiration from the biomineral, the wool keratin was selected to modulate the assembly of nanosized hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals via a coprecipitation method. A series of keratin/HA nanocomposite with different ratios were synthesized by adjusting the concentrations of keratin solutions and calcium phosphate and their final components were detected by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that keratin in the composite decreased the crystallinity of HA. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to examine the chemical and surface structure of the composites. In vitro biocompatibility results revealed that cells showed better viability on keratin/HA composites which have a ratio of organics and inorganics similar to that of natural bones.