Journal of Textile Research ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (03): 18-25.doi: 10.13475/j.fzxb.20250902701

• Biomedical Materials • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Preparation and properties of formaldehyde-free modified keratin/sodium alginate aerogel composite material

MENG Siyu1, HAN Yujin1, TAN Wenli2, MA Bomou1, YUAN Jiugang1()   

  1. 1 College of Textile Science and Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
    2 Jiangsu Textile Testing Technical Service Co., Ltd., Suzhou, Jiangsu 215228, China
  • Received:2025-09-08 Revised:2026-01-17 Online:2026-03-15 Published:2026-03-15
  • Contact: YUAN Jiugang E-mail:jiugangyuan@jiangnan.edu.cn

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Abstract:

Objective In order to overcome the inherent brittleness and instability of pure keratin aerogels, this study aims to prepare a high-performance composite by crosslinking wool keratin with a mild crosslinker, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE), and then blending it with sodium alginate (SA). This approach expands its application potential in tissue engineering scaffolds and wound dressings.

Method Wool keratin was extracted using a reducing solution containing urea and dithiothreitol (DTT). The soluble keratin was crosslinked with EGDE under alkaline conditions (pH=10, 60 ℃) at optimized concentration (20%). The modified keratin was combined with sodium alginate (SA) at a ratio of 2∶1, and the mixture was freeze-dried to form porous aerogels. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, rotational rheometry, mechanical compression testing, and fluid uptake assays were employed to evaluate the material's properties.

Results The infrared spectra analysis confirmed covalent crosslinking through the disappearance of the epoxy peak at 908.7 cm-1 and formation of ether bonds. Free thiol content decreased from 12.42 to 4.62 μmol/g with 50% EGDE, indicating efficient reaction. Gelation time reduced dramatically from 48 h to 15 min at high pH values. Rheological behavior showed shear-thinning and enhanced elastic modulus with increased crosslinking. The composite aerogel exhibited significantly improved water absorption and retention capabilities compared to pure keratin, with the optimal performance achieved at 20% EGDE. Most notably, it demonstrated a high simulated plasma absorption capacity of (9.13±0.42) g/g within 10 s while maintaining structural integrity. Crosslinked samples also demonstrated tunable degradation profiles, with improved stability in both phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and reducing environments.

Conclusion Crosslinking keratin with EGDE significantly enhances aerogel performance, providing mechanical resilience, high fluid absorption, and controlled degradability. The material, particularly its rapid and high-capacity uptake of plasma simulant, shows promise for use in hemostatic and wound care products. This approach also offers an efficient pathway to valorize wool waste into high-value biomedical materials.

Key words: wool keratin, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, aerogel, cross-linking modification, sodium alginate, biomedical material

CLC Number: 

  • TS 131

Fig.1

FT-IR spectra of EGDE and keratin materials before and after modification"

Fig.2

Influence of EGDE modification on free thio content of keratin"

Fig.3

Gelation time of keratin solutions modified with EGDE of different contents"

Fig.4

Influence of EGDE modification on rheological properties of keratin solution"

Fig.5

SEM images of composite aerogels"

Fig.6

Compression stress-strain curves of aerogels prepared by different methods. (a) Control group aerogel; (b) Modified keratin aerogel; (c) Modified keratin/SA aerogel"

Tab.1

Water absorption and water retention properties of composite aerogels"

试样 吸水倍率 保水倍率
KR-EGDE10/SA 4.71 ± 0.20 3.30 ± 0.15
KR-EGDE20/SA 5.08 ± 0.23 3.86 ± 0.22
KR-EGDE50/SA 5.41 ± 0.34 4.62 ± 0.25

Fig.7

Degradation behaviors of composite aerogels"

Fig.8

Morphological changes of KR, KR-EGDE10/SA, KR-EGDE20/SA before and after absorption simulated blood"

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