Keratin-based powders and hydrogel for pharmaceutical applications
US6544548B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2013/530613
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A hydratable, highly absorbent keratin solid fiber or powder capable of absorbing a large weight excess of water may be produced by partially oxidizing hair keratin disulfide bonds to sulfonic acid residues and reacting the sulfonic acid residues with a cation. The neutralized suspension can be filtered, washed, and dried, leaving keratin solid which can be shredded into fibers and further ground into powder. Addition of water to the solid produces a hydrogel. The powder or hydrogel may be useful as an absorbent material, as a therapeutic for skin, or as an excipient. The keratin materials can be incorporated into nonwoven films. The hydrogel can be used as a biocompatible viscoelastic filler for implant applications. Another use for the absorbent keratin and keratin hydrogel is as an excipient in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.