Industrial applications of keratins – A review

Abstract

Keratin, a fibrous protein forming main structural constituent of feather, hair, wool, horn, hoof etc., is abundantly available as a by-product from poultry, slaughterhouse, tanning and fur processing industry. Keratins though find applications in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and fertilizer industry, considerable amount of these products is wasted repeatedly. Keratins are difficult to degradation and their disposal leads to environmental problems. Research is being done globally to utilize these wastes. Keratin hydrolysates find potential application in leather tanning industry.