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: Animal or human hair or nails, eyelashes or eyebrows are treated with internal wool lipid extract.

Abstract: Keratin and derivatives thereof, preferably S-sulfonated keratin intermediate filament protein, S-sulfonated keratin high sulfur protein, and S-sulfonated peptides provide antioxidant activity, e.g., that equal to 200-2200 ?mol TEAC/100 g or 100 ml, and are useful in an oral supplement to cause reduction in oxidative stress and benefits stemming therefrom, e.g., promoting skin health and to provide anti-inflammatory effect.

Abstract: A range of personal care products that include a keratin protein fraction. The fraction may be intact or hydrolysed. It is preferably S-sulfonated. The content of the fraction may range from 0.001% to 50%. In most formulations its content will be less than 1% although in certain products such as nail care products the content will be higher. A wide range of personal care products are described including shampoos, body gels and lotions, conditioners, creams and cosmetics generally.

Abstract: The invention provides a biocompatible materal derived from keratin that is useful for many aspects of medical treatment of bone. The keratin materal 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 replacment 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: A process for the preparation of soluble proteins of high molecular weight with little or no damage to the structural integrity of the proteins. The process is economically and environmentally acceptable by virtue of the cost of reagents that are used, and the recycling of some of those reagents, and is suitable for the production of soluble proteins on a large scale. The process includes a first stage using oxidative sulfitolysis followed by a second stage using mild conditions to extract the soluble protein. In the case of wool as the protein source the process leads to the production of soluble keratin proteins fractionated into the classes S-sulfonated keratin intermediate filament proteins and S-sulfonated keratin high sulfur proteins.

Abstract: Film, fibre, foam and adhesive materials are produced from soluble S-sulfonated keratins. Once formed, the films, fibres, foams or adhesives are treated to modify the properties of the materials, in particular to improve the wet strength of the materials. Treatments used include removal of the S-sulfonate group by treatment with a reducing agent, treatment with an acid or treatment with a common protein crosslinking agent or treatment with a reduced form of keratin or keratin protein. The films are made by solvent casting a solution of S-sulfonated keratin proteins, the foam made by freeze-drying a solution of S-sulfonated keratin proteins and the fibres made by extruding a solution of a S-sulfonated keratin protein.