Methacrylated keratin biopolymer with tunable properties for advanced biomedical applications

Akdag Z., Izgordu M. S., Ayran M., Uzuner A., Sancakli A., Arican F., ...More

Materials Letters, vol.405, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 405
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.matlet.2025.139713
  • Journal Name: Materials Letters
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC
  • Keywords: 2-mercaptoethanol, Extraction, Keratin, Keratin methacrylate (KerMA)
  • Marmara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study focuses on extracting keratin from sheep wool, synthesizing keratin methacrylate (KerMA), and conducting production and characterization tests to explore its potential in tissue engineering. The extracted keratin was methacrylated, with degrees of methacrylation (DM) ranging from 49 % to 63 %, depending on keratin and methacrylic anhidride (MAA) concentrations. Rheological analysis showed shear-thinning behavior, and KerMA demonstrated a solid-like behavior particularly at 20 % w/v concentration. The observed rheological behavior, particularly the shear-thinning characteristics and viscoelastic properties, suggests potential applicability in tissue engineering.