Abstract: Molded articles of pure keratin protein, keratin copolymers or crosslinked keratin proteins are produced from a wetted protein powder by application of compression and optionally heat. Stabile materials can be molded or machined.

Abstract: Compositions containing biologically active peptides are disclosed. Active peptides are isolated fragments derived from human hair or sheep wool keratin proteins. Compositions may be prepared for pharmaceutical or topical administration or for use in cosmetic preparations.

Abstract: Nutritional supplements comprising keratin protein either in powder or liquid form as well as novel methods of producing soluble keratin proteins by oxidation are provided. In one embodiment of the disclosure, a soluble keratin protein product can be produced by treating an insoluble keratin source in an oxidizing solution at low pH and heat for a sufficient time to oxidize essentially all of the cysteine residues in the protein. By then raising the pH to the pKa of the proteins, or to the point at which the protein is present in the salt form, a solution of high molecular weight proteins that are in a low salt solution can be obtained. This solution is essentially free of peptides and salts that have an adverse effect on flavor and palatability, and maintains a high proportion of sulfur amino acids for beneficial health effects. The resulting protein product can be dissolved into water, juice, or a nutritional drink, or sprinkled on food. Alternatively, the protein can be provided as a liquid supplement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material for use as bone void filler comprising soluble keratin protein. The material may be in the form of a putty, gel or emulsion. Additional components may be added to the material to improve handling characteristics and bone enhancement capabilities. The material may be formulated to serve as a suitable carrier for demineralized bone matrix. This invention also describes methods for making the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a porous keratin construct material comprising keratin protein for use in wound healing applications. The porous keratin construct is capable of bio-absorbing into a wound to promote wound healing. The rate at which the construct bio-absorbs into the wound may be controlled altered by controlling the degree of disulfide cross-linking between the keratin proteins in the porous keratin construct. The invention is also related to a method of making the porous keratin construct.

Abstract: Useful materials are produced from keratin containing raw materials by a process that includes gentle lanthionization of cystine disulfide bonds. Hydratable materials are produced for use in medical and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a biocompatible material derived from keratin that is useful for many aspects of medical treatment of bone. The keratin material is preferably S-sulfonated and enriched in intermediate filament proteins of high molecular weight. The keratin material may be porous for use as a bone replacement and augmentation product but also provided is the use of dense keratin materials in bone treatment for use as an internal fixation appliance in the treatment of bone fractures and bone regeneration, and a method for preparing the keratin material for use in the preservation, restoration and development of form and function of bone.

Abstract: The application describes materials derived from keratin proteins in combination with polymers, either as intimate mixtures with water soluble polymers, or as chemically bound copolymers. The keratin protein is a specific keratin protein fraction, and is preferably intact, s-sulfonated and from the intermediate filament protein family. The application also describes the process for production of these materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a would care product that provides a biochemical environment around a wound to promote wound healing. The wound care product includes a keratin protein fraction material in which the protein fraction is intact, is from the intermediate filament protein family or the high sulfur protein family and in which the protein fraction is S-sulfonated. The invention also described a method of making a wound care product.

Abstract: Compositions containing biologically active peptides are disclosed. Active peptides are isolated fragments derived from human hair or sheep wool keratin proteins. Compositions may be prepared for pharmaceutical or topical administration or for use in cosmetic preparations.

Abstract: Methods for chemically modifying peptides, preferably keratinaceous feedstocks, to achieve desired solubility characteristics; stable solvent systems for preparing the modified peptides; and, the resulting chemically modified peptides.

Abstract: Networks, hydrogels, and methods for networks and hydrogels comprising proteinaceous material consisting essentially of water soluble proteins and covalent interprotein crosslinks other than disulfide crosslinks.

Abstract: Methods for producing biocompatible heterogeneous proteinaceous networks crosslinked with a heterogeneous crosslinking agent, and novel heterogeneous crosslinked networks. Preferred heterogeneous crosslinking agents are silicone-based.

Abstract: Methods for producing biocompatible heterogeneous proteinaceous networks crosslinked with a heterogeneous crosslinking agent, and the novel crosslinked networks.

Abstract: A keratin hydrogel-filled implantable prosthetic device. One device is a breast implant for augmenting or reconstructing a human breast including an envelope containing a keratin hydrogel. One keratin hydrogel is formed from a solid precursor which forms a keratin hydrogel upon addition of water. One source of keratin is human hair. In one method, an envelope suitable for implantation and a solid keratin hydrogel precursor are provided. The solid can be in fibrous or powder form. The solid precursor can be inserted into the envelope interior. A small incision near the breast can be made and the envelope inserted into the incision. After insertion, water can be injected into the envelope interior, preferably through the incision and through a self-sealing port in the envelope. In one method, the implant is provided as a kit, with the envelope and keratin hydrogel provided. The hydrogel can be injected into the envelope either before or after insertion into the breast area.

Abstract: A keratin hydrogel-filled implantable prosthetic device. One device is a breast implant for augmenting or reconstructing a human breast including an envelope containing a keratin hydrogel. Another device is an implant for the intervertebral disc space. One keratin hydrogel is formed from a solid precursor which forms a keratin hydrogel upon addition of water. One source of keratin is human hair. In one method, an envelope suitable for implantation and a solid keratin hydrogel precursor are provided. The solid can be in fibrous or powder form. The solid precursor can be inserted into the envelope interior. A small incision near the breast can be made and the envelope inserted into the incision. After insertion, water can be injected into the envelope interior, preferably through the incision and through a self-sealing port in the envelope. In one method, the implant is provided as a kit, with the envelope and keratin hydrogel provided.

Abstract: A hydratable oxidized keratin composition comprising one or more metal ion species capable of absorbing water to form a hydrogel. The keratin material is useful as a soil amendment providing organic and inorganic nutrients. The keratin material is also useful as a nutrient source in the bioremediation of toxic contaminants soils and liquids.

Abstract: Materials comprising proteinaceous prepolymers comprising at least one first reactive group reacted with one or more reactive groups on synthetic prepolymers, and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: A hydratable, highly absorbent keratin solid fiber or powder capable of absorbing a large weight excess of water may be produced by partially oxidizing hair keratin disulfide bonds to sulfonic acid residues and reacting the sulfonic acid residues with a cation. The neutralized suspension can be filtered, washed, and dried, leaving keratin solid which can be shredded into fibers and further ground into powder. Addition of water to the solid produces a hydrogel. The powder or hydrogel may be useful as an absorbent material, as a therapeutic for skin, or as an excipient. The keratin materials can be incorporated into nonwoven films. The hydrogel can be used as a biocompatible viscoelastic filler for implant applications. Another use for the absorbent keratin and keratin hydrogel is as an excipient in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: Compositions containing biologically active peptides are disclosed. Active peptides are isolated fragments derived from human hair or sheep wool keratin proteins. Compositions may be prepared for pharmaceutical or topical administration or for use in cosmetic preparations.