Optimization of Keratin Sponge Preparation Conditions for Hemostatic Application Using Response Surface Methodology (Rsm) Publisher



Goudarzi G¹ ; Dadashian F¹ ; Vatanara A² ; Sepehrizadeh Z³ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Polymers and the Environment Published:2024

Abstract

Keratin has attracted substantial interest in the study and development of biomaterials. In this research, the specific extraction method involved the reduction of keratin from chicken feathers using sodium sulfide, and its molecular weight was determined using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The result showed the presence of β-keratins with lower molecular weight (10–22 kDa) and α-keratins (48–63 kDa). Crosslinked keratin sponges were prepared by glutaraldehyde and using the freeze-drying technique. The response surface method (RSM) based on the central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to understand the effects of keratin concentration (2.5 to 10% (w/v)) and glutaraldehyde concentration (0.25 to 1% (w/v)) and their interactions on the ability of sponges to clot whole blood. The optimal keratin sponge was subjected to the ATR-FTIR technique to check the development of the cross-linked polymer network. The SEM images showed regular and interconnected structures, and the pore size was in the range of 100–150 μm. Sponge has a multimodal pore structure with mesopores measuring 5.84 nm (BET surface area: 13.54 m2/g) and 89% of macropores, according to measurements made using nitrogen adsorption porosimetry and volume displacement techniques, respectively. The MTT experiment with human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) cells showed that the crosslinked keratin sponge had good cell viability. The keratin sponge had high water absorption (91%). The result of whole blood clotting test indicated that keratin plays a significant role in blood coagulation. These sponges with high liquid absorption and blood clotting ability are suitable for hemostatic applications. Graphic Abstract: (Figure presented.). © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2023.