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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Synthesis of Keratin-based Nanofiber for Biomedical Engineering
Published on: February 7, 2016
Smart release of antimicrobial ZnO nanoplates from a pH-responsive keratin hydrogel
María E Villanueva1, María L Cuestas2, Claudio J Pérez3
1Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Química Analítica y Fisicoquímica, (UBA), Junín 956, C1113AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco, Fac. de Farmacia y Bioquímica, (IQUIMEFA-UBA-CONICET), Argentina.
Abstract:
A smart antibacterial biomaterial based on a keratin hydrogel with pH-dependent behavior and Zinc Oxide nanoplates as biocide agent has been developed. The pH of a chronic wound is basic due to bacterial metabolism. Originally shrank at acid pH, keratin hydrogels swell upon contact with a bacterial contaminated media leading to the release of the nanoparticles. The material has been thoroughly characterized by infrared spectroscopy, Raman, scanning electron microscope, swelling behavior, Differential scanning calorimetry, Small-angle X-ray scattering, rheology, antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity. The results show that 5% of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles concentration is the optimum for wound dressing applications.
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