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: 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: 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: 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: 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: A porous keratin construct for use in wound healing is disclosed. The porous keratin construct may be used standing alone or in combination with a synthetic foam backing layer. Either the porous keratin construct or the porous keratin construct and synthetic foam combination may be used in a wound therapy such as negative pressure wound therapy.

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.