Chitosan scaffolds containing chicken feather keratin nanoparticles for bone tissue engineering

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Chicken feathers represent a significant waste stream in the poultry industry, primarily composed of keratin.
• Keratin possesses desirable properties for biomedical applications, but its direct use can be challenging.
• Developing advanced biomaterials from waste products is crucial for sustainability and innovation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize keratin nanoparticles (nKer) from chicken feathers.
• To develop and characterize chitosan-keratin nanoparticle composite scaffolds (CS/nKer).
• To evaluate the potential of CS/nKer scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• Keratin extraction from chicken feathers and subsequent synthesis of keratin nanoparticles (nKer).
• Fabrication of chitosan-keratin nanoparticle composite scaffolds (CS/nKer).
• Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD).
• Assessment of biodegradation, protein adsorption, and cytocompatibility with human osteoblastic cells.

Main Results:

• CS/nKer scaffolds exhibited a porous architecture suitable for cell infiltration and tissue ingrowth.
• Keratin nanoparticles integrated with the chitosan matrix without altering its semi-crystalline structure.
• Significant increases in biodegradation and protein adsorption were observed with the addition of nKer.
• The CS/nKer scaffolds demonstrated non-cytotoxic effects on human osteoblastic cells.

Conclusions:

• CS/nKer composite scaffolds show enhanced properties for bone tissue engineering.
• The biomimetic substrate derived from chicken feather keratin and chitosan holds potential for regenerative medicine.
• This study highlights the effective valorization of poultry waste into advanced biomaterials.