Abstract: The method of the invention comprises the production of highly digestible hydrolysed keratinaceous material comprising the steps of (i) partly hydrolysing keratinaceous material with heat and pressure and (ii) optionally drying the resultant partly hydrolysed material comprising at least partly insoluble material and (iii) subjecting the optionally dried partly hydrolysed keratinaceous material to a chemical hydrolysis step with acid or base to obtain a highly digestible hydrolysed material, and (iv) purifying the highly digestible material. The invention further provides highly digestible keratinaceous material with an amino acid composition reflecting the amino acid composition of the raw material, wherein the amount of de-carboxylated amino acids is less than 500 ppm. Preferably all of the highly digestible material has a molecular weight lower than 10000 dalton, and preferably more than 95 wt % of the highly digestible keratinaceous material has a molecular weight of less than 5000 dalton.

Abstract: The invention provides white keratin protein compositions and methods of making and using white keratin protein compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to keratin nanomaterials, methods for obtaining keratin nanomaterials, and biomaterials made from keratin nanomaterials. In particular, keratin nanomaterials comprising Type I and Type II monomer pairs are disclosed as well as a method for obtaining keratin nanomaterials comprising obtaining a solution of keratin and processing the solution by ultrafiltration with buffer solution containing phosphate.

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: Articles containing soil adsorbing polymers, and more particularly, articles, for example nonwovens, such as paper towels, wovens, and/or sponges and/or article-forming components thereof that comprise a durably bonded soil adsorbing polymer, article-forming components used to make such articles, and processes for making same are provided.

Abstract: Described herein are methods to produce keratin protein-based biomaterials, the parameters required to achieve improved extraction, the parameters required to improve isolation, the parameters of lyophilization and the grinding process to achieve consistent particulate sizes of protein materials.

Abstract: A method for making natural fibre products comprising embrittling natural fibres and breaking the embrittled fibres into nanoparticles, forming a suspension of the fibre nanoparticles in a spinnable liquid, and spinning fibre from the suspension. The method may be used to make fibres having the dimensions and properties of cashmere.

Abstract: Binder compositions are described, where the compositions include a protein, a first crosslinking compound that includes a carbohydrate, and a second crosslinking compound that includes two or more primary amine groups. The first and second crosslinking compounds may be individually crosslinkable with each other and with the protein. Also described are fiber products that may include inorganic or organic fibers and a cured thermoset binder prepared from a protein and at least two crosslinking compounds. Additionally, methods of making fiber products are described that include providing inorganic or organic fibers, and applying a liquid binder composition to the fibers to form a fiber-binder amalgam. The liquid binder composition may include a protein and at least two crosslinking compounds that include a carbohydrate and an organic amine with two or more primary amines. The amalgam may be heated to a curing temperature to form the fiber product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing proteinaceous materials. The process comprises solubilising fibrous protein by contacting it with an alkaline solution, ageing the resulting mixture to form a homogenous solution, and coagulating the resulting solution to form the proteinaceous material. The proteinaceous materials may be produced as, for example, fibres, films, sheets, coatings, particles, shapes, foams or composites.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for diagnosing, treating, and preventing an age-related macular degeneration and a method for diagnosing an age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: The methods described herein enable the evaluation of compounds on subjects to assess their therapeutic efficacy or toxic effects. The target of analysis is the underlying biochemical process or processes (i.e., metabolic process) thought to be involved in disease pathogenesis. Molecular flux rates within the one or more biochemical processes serve as biomarkers and are quantitated and compared with the molecular flux rates (i.e., biomarker) from control subjects (i.e., subjects not exposed to the compounds). Any change in the biomarker in the subject relative to the biomarker in the control subject provides the necessary information to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of an administered drug or a toxic effect and to develop the compound further if desired. In one aspect of the invention, stable isotope-labeled substrate molecules are administered to a subject and the label is incorporated into targeted molecules in a manner that reveals molecular flux rates through one or more metabolic pathways of interest.

Abstract: A method to wash wool containing lanolin and impurities includes the steps of providing a volume of an aqueous liquid at a temperature below a melting temperature of the lanolin, soaking the wool in the volume of the liquid, creating air bubbles in the liquid and allowing the air bubbles to pass through the wool to attach the impurities, removing the air bubbles and attached impurities from the volume, and separating lanolin from wool containing lanolin and impurities, along with the wool and lanolin obtainable by this method.

Abstract: A formulation is disclosed comprising a reactive keratin derivative. Also described are methods of making the formulation and hair treatment methods and systems that include use of the formulation. The hair treatment methods may be useful, for example, in straightening or revitalizing hair.

Abstract: Reagents and methods for functionalizing polypeptides with moieties poly (alkylene glycol) molecules and glycan groups are disclosed that are based on a functionalizing reagent which comprises a nitrogen containing heterocyclic aromatic ring having a vinyl substituent that is capable of reacting with one or more thiol groups that are naturally present, or have been introduced into, the polypeptide, for example by employing a thiol group of one or more cysteine residues. The functionalizing reagent is covalently linked to a poly (alkylene glycol) molecule, such as a polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecule, or a glycan group so that the reaction between the vinyl group and the thiol group in the polypeptide covalently links the polypeptide to the poly (alkylene glycol) molecule and/or the glycan group.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for reversible covalent binding of benefit agents to keratinous substrates through the reaction of a dicarbonyl functional group on the surface of a benefit agent with reactive amines on keratinous surfaces. The deposits formed are durable and resistant to transfer, but are readily removed by contacting the deposit with an amine-containing solution.

Abstract: Embodiment of the present disclosure can include a compound, a structure bonded to the compound, and the like. In an embodiment, the compound can be a linker between an agent and a structure, where the agent can be a dye or a pigment and the structure can be a fiber, hair, or another structure.

Abstract: Protein preparations containing biologically active compounds and the application of the protein preparations obtained, particularly as a component of medicinal and cosmetic preparations as protective substances or in the regeneration of cells and tissues of the human organism, and which can comprise a component of culture media for dermal or hepatic tissues, or for stem cells destined for use in the regeneration of cells and tissues in the human organism.

Abstract: An improved method of separating a macromolecule by isoelectric focusing comprising subjecting the macromolecule to electrophoresis in an isoelectric-focusing medium including a substantially thiol-free reducing agent, preferably a trivalent phosphorous compound and more preferably tributyl phosphine, the improvement being the solubility and focusing of the macromolecule is enhanced compared to isoelectric focusing of the same macromolecule in a similar isoelectric-focusing medium containing a thiol-reducing agent.

Abstract: The process described in the instant invention has the steps of dissolving the lipid-containing biomass in an ionic liquid, whereby a lipid phase and a hydrophilic phase are formed. The lipid phase contains primarily triglycerides, which can be converted to biodiesel by transesterification to, e.g., methyl esters. The hydrophilic phase comprises dissolved biopolymers, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and protein. The biopolymers are converted in situ to compounds that are insoluble in the molten inorganic salt hydrate. The molten inorganic salt hydrates regenerated by removing insolubles, such as lignin, ash from the biomass, and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for extracting keratin from poultry feather, and provides a quicker process thus allowing large-scale productions of the keratin production to be carried out in timely manner thus increasing the productivity and efficiency of such process.

Abstract: Methods to produce keratin elastomer, involving: (A)(1) reacting a diisocyanate with a blocking agent to form a diisocyanate with one —NCO group blocked by the blocking agent and one —NCO group unblocked, (2) reacting the diisocyanate with one —NCO group blocked by the blocking agent and one —NCO group unblocked with keratin at about 100° to about 120° C. to form keratin urethane with —NCO group functionality (i.e., with one —NCO group unblocked), (3) optionally reacting the keratin urethane with —NCO group functionality with a compound capable of reacting with the —NCO group; (B) reacting a diisocyanate with keratin to form keratin elastomer; or (C) reacting a monoisocyanate with keratin to form keratin elastomer.

Abstract: Binder compositions are described, where the compositions include a protein, a first crosslinking compound that includes a carbohydrate, and a second crosslinking compound that includes two or more primary amine groups. The first and second crosslinking compounds may be individually crosslinkable with each other and with the protein. Also described are fiber products that may include inorganic or organic fibers and a cured thermoset binder prepared from a protein and at least two crosslinking compounds. Additionally, methods of making fiber products are described that include providing inorganic or organic fibers, and applying a liquid binder composition to the fibers to form a fiber-binder amalgam. The liquid binder composition may include a protein and at least two crosslinking compounds that include a carbohydrate and an organic amine with two or more primary amines. The amalgam may be heated to a curing temperature to form the fiber product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of detecting viable epithelial cells in a sample. The method includes isolating the sample comprising cells from a patient and culturing the cells for a time sufficient for an epithelial cell-specific marker to be released from the cells. The marker includes a substantially full-length cytokeratin. The method further includes detecting the released marker. Detection of the marker indicates the presence of disseminated epithelial cells. Methods are also directed to identifying disseminated epithelial tumor cells.

Abstract: The use or process of use of a sequencing batch reactor for eliminating prion in specified risk materials and for measuring the efficacy of a sequencing batch reactor to degrade prior proteins in specified risk materials are disclosed. The specified risk material is fed to a sequencing batch reactor containing a layer of acclimatized anaerobic sludge, and the specified risk material reacts with the sludge at a temperature below 25° C. so as to allow degradation of the prion protein.

Abstract: A biomarker, method, test kit, and diagnostic system for detecting the presence of lymphoma in a person are disclosed. The lymphoma may be Hodgkin's lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The person may be a high-risk subject. In one embodiment, a plasma sample from a person is obtained. The level of at least one protein listed in Table S3 in the plasma sample is measured. The level of at least one protein in the plasma sample is compared with the level in a normal or healthy subject. The lymphoma is diagnosed based upon the level of the at least one protein in the plasma sample in comparison to the normal or healthy level.

Abstract: Keratin 8 and 18 (K8/K18) mutations are shown to be associated with a predisposition to liver or biliary tract disease, particularly noncryptogenic hepatobiliary disease. Unique K8/K18 mutations are shown in patients with diseases including but without limitation to viral hepatitis, biliary atresia, alcoholic cirrhosis and other acute or chronic toxic liver injury, cryptogenic cirrhosis, acute fulminant hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, cystic fibrosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, diseases that are linked with cryptogenic cirrhosis, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and the like. Livers with keratin mutations had increased incidence of cytoplasmic filamentous deposits. Therefore, K8/K18 are susceptibility genes for developing cryptogenic and noncryptogenic forms of liver disease. Mutant alleles are associated with disease susceptibility, and their detection is used in the diagnosis of a predisposition to these conditions.

Abstract: The combination of keratin hydrolysate with viable cells or infectious propagules of a fungal biological control agent such as Paecilomyces species, Metarhizium species, Beauveria species, and/or Verticillium species, provides effective control of soil-dwelling or subterranean insects, including termites, and particularly those belonging to the family Rhinotermitidae, such as the Formosan subterranean termite and native North American subterranean termites. In use, a foam-forming composition comprising the keratin hydrolysate and an insecticidally effective amount of the fungus are applied to the insects, the locus of the insects, to material susceptible to infestation by said insects, or to the locus of material susceptible to infestation by said insects.

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 present invention relates to a process for extracting keratin from poultry feather, and provides a quicker process thus allowing large-scale productions of the keratin production to be carried out in timely manner thus increasing the productivity and efficiency of such process.

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 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: Disclosed are keratin preparations for use in medical applications. Methods of treating wounds are provided, wherein keratin preparations are applied to the wound in a treatment effective amount. Methods of treating burn wounds are also provided. Surgical or paramedic aids are provided, comprising a substrate with keratin preparations provided thereon. Kits comprising keratin derivatives packaged in sterile form are also provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable biopolymer material consists of silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm; silk fibroin from wild silkworm; a composite material comprising silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm and silk fibroin from wild silkworm; or a composite material comprising either silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm or silk fibroin from wild silkworm and at least one secondary substance selected from the group consisting of cellulose, chitin, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, keratin from wool and polyvinyl alcohol. The material may be prepared by, for instance, casting an aqueous solution of domesticated silkworm silk fibroin on the surface of a substrate and then cast drying the applied solution. The biodegradable biopolymer material is effectively used as, for instance, a metal ion-adsorbing material, a sustained release substrate for a useful substance such as a medicine, a biological cell-growth substrate and a biodegradable water-absorbing material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel water-soluble keratin derivative and applications thereof. Water-soluble keratin produced by the alkali treatment of feathers, and modified keratin, gives the following useful materials: (1) a high energy wave absorber, (2) a luminescent substrate, (3) a material weatherproofness improver, (4) a water repellant, and (5) a foaming agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising an electrochemical cell, to a process for electrochemical cleaning of fibers, to laundry detergents for electrochemical cleaning of fibers and to the fibers thus cleaned.

Abstract: A biodegradable biopolymer material consists of silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm; silk fibroin from wild silkworm; a composite material comprising silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm and silk fibroin from wild silkworm; or a composite material comprising either silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm or silk fibroin from wild silkworm and at least one secondary substance selected from the group consisting of cellulose, chitin, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, keratin from wool and polyvinyl alcohol. The material may be prepared by, for instance, casting an aqueous solution of domesticated silkworm silk fibroin on the surface of a substrate and then cast drying the applied solution. The biodegradable biopolymer material is effectively used as, for instance, a metal ion-adsorbing material, a sustained release substrate for a useful substance such as a medicine, a biological cell-growth substrate and a biodegradable water-absorbing material.

Abstract: Keratin hydratable absorbents and films are fabricated with simple, repeatable processes. Freeze drying produces a material with instantaneous water absorption to over 20 times its weight in water. Films produced are flexible and uniform with water absorption 7-8 times the original weight.

Abstract: A method of crosslinking a protein or peptide for use as a biomaterial, the method comprising the step of irradiating a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex and an electron acceptor in the presence of the protein or peptide, thereby initiating a crosslinking reaction to form a 3-dimensional matrix of the biomaterial.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to find substances that can be used as skin aging markers, and the present invention provides a method for determining the degree of skin aging, including measurement of expression of secretory proteins and/or intracellular proteins and/or their genes in skin cells and/or skin tissues, wherein the secretory proteins and/or intracellular proteins change their expression with aging of skin. The present invention also provides a kit for determining the degree of skin aging and a method for identifying substances effective in the prevention of skin aging.

Abstract: Disclosed are optimized keratin preparations for use in medical applications. Methods to produce optimized keratin preparations are provided for use in biomedical applications, particularly for the treatment of bleeding, and for the treatment of wounds. Also disclosed are surgical or paramedic aids comprising a substrate with keratin preparations provided thereon, and kits comprising keratin derivatives packaged in sterile form.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for tissue repair are provided including cell binding peptides and growth factor binding peptides. The cell binding peptides bind to one or more of stem cells, fibroblasts, or endothelial cells. The growth factor binding peptides include platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) binding peptides and growth differentiation factor (GDF) binding peptides. The tissue for repair includes tendon, muscle, connective tissue, ligament, cardiac tissue, vascular tissue, or dermis. Implantable devices for tissue repair are provided to which the cell and growth factor binding peptides are attached, such as acellular extracellular matrix having attached binding peptide.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for tissue repair are provided including cell binding peptides and growth factor binding peptides. The cell binding peptides bind to one or more of stem cells, fibroblasts, or endothelial cells. The growth factor binding peptides include platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) binding peptides and growth differentiation factor (GDF) binding peptides. The tissue for repair includes tendon, muscle, connective tissue, ligament, cardiac tissue, vascular tissue, or dermis. Implantable devices for tissue repair are provided to which the cell and growth factor binding peptides are attached, such as acellular extracellular matrix having attached binding peptide.

Abstract: Processes using Allium tissue homogenates and extracts in a simple and cost-effective manner to maximize the yields and recovery of thiosulfinates from Allium tissues and related organisms possessing alliinase, LF synthase and/or S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine sulfoxides are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of cancer detection, diagnosis, subtyping, staging, prognosis, treatment and prevention. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for the detection, and/or diagnosing and/or subtyping and/or staging of lung cancer in a patient. Based on a particular panel of biomarkers, the present invention provides methods to detect, diagnose at an early stage and/or differentiate small cell lung cancer (SCLC) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and within NSCLC to differentiate between squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), adenocarcinomas (AC), within SCC to discriminate G2 and G3 stage and within lung cancer to differentiate for lung cancers with or without neuroendocrine origin. It further provides the use of said panel of biomarkers in monitoring disease progression in a patient, including both in vitro and in vivo imaging techniques.

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 invention relates to a material comprising cellulose in association with a support selected from a polymer and/or a fibre, wherein said cellulose is produced by a micro-organism. The cellulose-reinforced material is provided for incorporation into a composite.

Abstract: Soluble keratin derivatives are disclosed. The soluble keratin derivatives may include a soluble keratin protein having at least one substituted chemical group at a lysine group, terminal amine group and/or hydroxyl amino acid group of a soluble keratin protein. Soluble keratin derivatives may be formed by succinylation or quaternisation, or by reaction with fatty acid derivatives. The soluble keratin derivatives may be used in personal care formulations, and may also comprise mixtures of several different soluble keratin derivatives.

Abstract: Keratin 8 and 18 (K8/K18) mutations are shown to be associated with a predisposition to liver or biliary tract disease, particularly noncryptogenic hepatobiliary disease. Unique K8/K18 mutations are shown in patients with diseases including but without limitation to viral hepatitis, biliary atresia, alcoholic cirrhosis and other acute or chronic toxic liver injury, cryptogenic cirrhosis, acute fulminant hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, cystic fibrosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, diseases that are linked with cryptogenic cirrhosis, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and the like. Livers with keratin mutations had increased incidence of cytoplasmic filamentous deposits. Therefore, K8/K18 are susceptibility genes for developing cryptogenic and noncryptogenic forms of liver disease. Mutant alleles are associated with disease susceptibility, and their detection is used in the diagnosis of a predisposition to these conditions.

Abstract: This present invention provides a process for keratin hydrolysis by means of microbiological and/or enzymatic processes. In particular, the keratin is derived from feathers of animals, such as chicken and are submitted to hydrolysis by a strain of Bacillus sp. The hydrolysates have molecular weight lower than 500 Da, which makes them ideal for cosmetic applications, particularly for applications in compositions for treatment of hair fiber re-building.