Keratin for Sustainable Textiles: Extraction, Applications and Impact
Ritika Verma
Department of Apparel and Textile Science, I.C. College of Community Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India.
Shalini Rukhaya *
Department of Apparel and Textile Science, I.C. College of Community Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India.
Ritu Hooda
Department of Home Science, Govt. P.G. College for Women, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
Neelam M. Rose
Department of Apparel and Textile Science, I.C. College of Community Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The growing environmental concerns associated with synthetic polymers and resource-intensive textile processes have accelerated the search for sustainable, bio-based alternatives. Among these, keratin—a fibrous structural protein abundantly available from renewable waste sources such as feathers, wool, human hair, horns, and hooves—has emerged as a promising candidate for next-generation textile materials. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of keratin, encompassing its biological origins, structural classifications (α- and β-keratin), and physicochemical and mechanical properties that underpin its functional versatility. Various extraction methodologies, including chemical (acid, alkaline, oxidation, and reduction), enzymatic, and physical techniques (ultrasonication, microwave-assisted extraction, and steam explosion), are critically evaluated in terms of efficiency, environmental impact, and suitability for downstream applications. Particular emphasis is placed on green extraction approaches that preserve protein functionality while minimizing ecological footprint. The review further explores the diverse applications of keratin in textile and biomedical domains, highlighting its use in hydrogels, scaffolds, biofilms, and electrospun nanofibers, as well as its role as a functional biopolymer in textile printing, dyeing, and finishing processes. In addition, the paper examines current market trends, key industrial players, and emerging innovations in keratin-based materials, alongside their environmental, industrial, and socio-economic impacts. Despite promising laboratory-scale developments, a significant gap persists in translating these technologies to industrial-scale production. Therefore, this review identifies critical challenges related to scalability, cost-efficiency, and process standardization, and discusses potential strategies such as process intensification, biorefinery integration, and cross-sector collaboration to enable large-scale adoption. Overall, keratin demonstrates substantial potential to support circular economy principles and zero-waste strategies in the textile industry. Future research should focus on scalable green processing technologies, material optimization, and industrial integration to fully realize keratin’s role as a sustainable alternative to conventional textile polymers.
Keywords: Keratin, sustainable textiles, biopolymers, circular economy, zero-waste strategy