Keratin Nanomaterials via Buffer Ultrafiltration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing keratin biomaterials result in damaged keratin monomers and peptides, leading to unstable and immunogenic biomaterials with compromised self-assembly capabilities and properties, as they fail to produce purified keratin nanomaterials that are free from structural damage and contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A method involving controlled manipulation of keratin extracts using buffer ultrafiltration and purification processes to break tight interactions and produce keratin nanomaterials comprising dimers and tetramers of tightly associated Type I and Type II monomers, which are stable and devoid of damaged peptides, enabling superior self-assembly and network structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If chemical methods are used to break apart keratin superstructure, then keratin monomers can be obtained, but the keratin monomers suffer significant structural damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs controlled manipulation of physical and chemical parameters including pH adjustment, ionic strength modification, and temperature control during ultrafiltration to separate keratin nanomaterials from damaged peptides without using harsh chemical denaturants that would compromise monomer integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses buffer solutions as intermediary media during ultrafiltration to facilitate the separation of keratin nanomaterials from damaged peptides. The buffer acts as a mediator that maintains keratin stability while enabling purification through size-based separation
2Reliability
If conventional extraction methods are used from tissues, then keratin can be obtained, but damaged peptides and contaminants are co-extracted leading to immunogenic biomaterials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating keratin into different molecular weight fractions through sequential ultrafiltration steps. This divides the keratin extract into purified nanomaterial fractions (retentate) and damaged peptide fractions (filtrate), achieving both high purity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent selectively extracts damaged peptides and contaminants from the keratin extract through ultrafiltration, taking out the harmful components while retaining the purified keratin nanomaterials. This removal process eliminates immunogenicity while maintaining productivity
3Strength
If keratin biomaterials contain damaged peptides, then production is easier, but the biomaterials exhibit compromised self-assembly capabilities and reduced network structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the self-assembly capability of purified keratin nanomaterials to automatically form stable network structures with high structural strength. The purified nanomaterials self-organize into biomaterials without requiring additional stabilizing agents or complex processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex chemical purification systems with a simpler mechanical ultrafiltration system that uses size-based separation. This mechanical approach achieves purification while maintaining nanomaterial integrity and enabling subsequent self-assembly
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resulting keratin nanomaterials form stronger network structures, degrade more slowly, and are less immunogenic, with enhanced chemical, physical, and biological properties, such as forming hydrogels at lower concentrations and exhibiting improved stability compared to conventional keratin biomaterials.
Implementation Method 1
buffer ultrafiltration and purification processes
Implementation Method 2
protein self-assembly is highly sensitive to changes in the macromolecular complexes
Implementation Method 3
Type I and Type II keratin monomers generally associate in a 1:1 ratio to form heterodimers, which further associate to assemble into heteropolymeric keratin filaments
Implementation Method 4
the chemical methods used to break apart the keratin superstructure, primarily disulfide bonds
Data Source
AI summary
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.