Keratinous Materials as Novel Absorbent Systems for Toxic Pollutants

Arun Ghosh; Stewart R. Collie

doi:10.14429/dsj.64.7319

Arun Ghosh Food and Biobased Products Group, AgResearch, Canterbury 8140
Stewart R. Collie Food and Biobased Products Group, AgResearch, Canterbury 8140

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.64.7319

Keywords: Keratin, Absorbent, Filtration, Pollutant, Environment

Abstract

A range of hazardous organic and inorganic compounds, and metal ions generated by human and industrialactivities leads to serious concerns for environments. Adsorption technologies based on polymeric materials are beingused to remove toxic substances from air and wastewater streams. Keratin protein, found abundantly in sheep’s wool,human hair and bird feathers, is an interesting and potentially useful renewable biopolymer. It contains a variety offunctional groups on the backbone and side chains of the proteins, and is an ideal component to fabricate a rangeof novel adsorbent systems for separation of toxic pollutants via physisorption or chemisorption mechanisms. Inthis review article, the key activities on keratin research and development with respect to the novel properties ofkeratin proteins and their utilization as absorbents or filtration systems are summarized. It is apparent that keratinsin the form of loose fibers, non-woven fabrics, short fibers or particles, membranes and colloids can be used as absorbents for air filtration and wastewater treatment. Keratin materials have potential to be applied in biological and chemical defence applications, and also in protection against radioactive elements.

Defence Science Journal, Vol. 64, No. 3, May 2014, pp. 209-221, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.64.7319

Author Biographies

Arun Ghosh, Food and Biobased Products Group, AgResearch, Canterbury 8140

Dr Arun Ghosh has obtained a PhD in Polymer Science from Indian Institute ofTechnology Kharagpur in 2003. His past experience includes as post-doctoral fellowat the Case Western Reserve University, USA and University of Toronto, Canada.Presently working as a scientist in the Food and Biobased Products Group of AgResearch (a Crown Research Institutein New Zealand). He has published extensively in the areas of biopolymers and biomaterials, natural fiber and composites,polymer adhesion and elastomer technology. His current research interests include functional wool and keratin biomaterials, polymer coating and adhesion, and biomaterials from biological streams.

Stewart R. Collie, Food and Biobased Products Group, AgResearch, Canterbury 8140

Dr Stewart Collie obtained his BSc(Hons) in Textile Technology from the Universityof New South Wales (Sydney) in 1994 and PhD (Chemistry) from Massey Universityin 2007. He is a textile technologist and science team leader in the Food and Biobased Products Group of AgResearch (a Crown Research Institute in New Zealand, which undertakes research to support NewZealand’s pastoral agriculture sector). He has worked in wooltextile research for 20 years, focusing initially on apparel technology and thermophysiological comfort, and more recentlyon technical textile applications, including filtration.