Animal keratin: Multifunctional biomaterial from slaughter by-products-extraction, functionality and applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Biochemistry
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Animal keratin, a slaughter by-product, possesses diverse bioactive properties including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and skin-repair effects.
• Keratin-derived bioactive peptides show potential for enhancing physiological functions and health.
• Research interest in keratin's bioactivities is growing across food, medicine, and cosmetic industries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an in-depth analysis of animal keratin's nutritional functions.
• To review extraction and processing techniques for animal keratin.
• To discuss the current status of product development, potential applications, and future research directions for animal keratin.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on animal keratin.
• Analysis of nutritional functions and bioactive properties.
• Evaluation of extraction, processing, and product development methodologies.

Main Results:

• Animal keratin exhibits significant biocompatibility and application potential as a biomaterial.
• Bioactive peptides from keratin can improve health through various mechanisms.
• Challenges persist in functional development, extraction, processing, and commercialization of keratin products.

Conclusions:

• Animal keratin is a valuable biomaterial with diverse health-promoting properties.
• Further research and development are needed to overcome challenges in keratin's functional development and commercialization.
• Keratin holds promise for expanded applications in the food, medical, and cosmetic sectors.