Fusion proteins / peptides and biopolymers containing
keratin and
keratin-related
peptide sequences are provided herein. The fusion proteins and biopolymers may further comprise
elastin-like, silk-like, collagen or collagen-like,
resilin-like, abductin-like peptides, and / or
linker-like sequences. The fusion proteins and biopolymers may exhibit functional properties derived from the various
peptide sequences incorporated therein, such as elasticity,
moisture retention,
recovery, texture, or antibacterial and
UV protection. Additionally, methods for obtaining and characterizing fusion proteins and biopolymers containing
keratin and keratin-related
peptide sequences are provided herein. Fusion proteins and biopolymers containing keratin and keratin-related peptide sequences can be included in compositions for improving the properties of hair,
skin, and nails.