Keratin Coatings for Wool: Shrinkproofing and Nanoparticle Delivery

Wool fabrics were treated with keratin hydrolysate in isolated systems, in systems incorporating a cross-linking enzyme, and in systems with nanoparticle silver. The dimensions of wool fabric were controlled after keratin applications and the strength of bleached wool fabric was improved. Keratin applications imparted these improved properties when applied alone and when applied with the enzyme. The enzyme was effective for in-situ, solid-state cross-linking of wool fabric, cross-linking keratin-to-keratin, and cross-linking keratin-to-fabric. To further improve the properties of wool, nanoparticle silver was produced in various shapes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs of these particles showed discrete and isolated particles of size 8-100 nm, dependent on the preparation. A combination of TEM and UV-VIS spectroscopy was used to characterize these particles and scanning electron microscopy running in backscattered electron mode confirmed their placement on wool fibers. The application of nanoparticle silver to wool when co-added with keratin may both improve dimensional stability and impart antimicrobial efficacy.