Preparation, Characterization and Properties of Protein Nanoparticles from Feather Waste

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Chemistry Department, Cotton Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.

2 Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.

Abstract

THE PURPOSE of this paper was to investigate the feasibility of a newly developed method for producing protein nanoparticles (PNP) from chicken feather, prepared by the reduction technique with plant extracts followed by ultrasonic treatment. Characterization of the prepared sample was confirmed using particle size distribution, zeta potential, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared, and scanning electron microscope. The particle size distribution results of the sample showed that the average diameter was 69 nm width by 60 nm length. Scanning electron microscope study showed that the diameter of the sample was about 106.8–215.7 nm. Radiographic analysis shows obviously that the crystallinity of PNP decreases with their particle size. The results indicated the positive effect of sonication on reducing particles size after reduction process while maintaining the basic chemistry and structural integrity of the native keratin protein. For instance, the authors have shown that preparation of PNP could be produced from feather waste, which is believed to be the most promising approach because of the milder process conditions, leaving no harmful byproducts. These results are very important for industrial application with the production of PNP as an inexpensive source from feather waste.

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