摘要
Keratins and corneous proteins are key components of biomaterials used in a wide range of applications and are potential substitutes for petrochemical-based products. Horns, hooves, feathers, claws, and similar animal tissues are abundant sources of α-keratin and corneous β-proteins, which are by-products of the food industry. Their close association with the meat industry raises environmental and ethical concerns regarding their disposal. To promote an eco-friendly and circular use of these materials in novel applications, efforts have focused on recovering these residues to develop sustainable, non-animal-related, affordable, and scalable procedures. Here, we review and examine biotechnological methods for extracting and expressing α-keratins and corneous β-proteins in microorganisms. This review highlights consolidated research trends in biomaterials, medical devices, food supplements, and packaging, demonstrating the keratin industry's potential to create innovative value-added products. Additionally, it analyzes the state of the art of related intellectual property and market size to underscore the potential within a circular bioeconomic model.
基金
European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No.101060607
for the research and innovation programme under grant agreement No.101037796
National Recovery and Resilience Plan(NRRP),Mission 4.Component 2 Investment 1.3-Call for proposals No.341 of March 15,2022 of Italian Ministry of University and Research funded by the European Union-NextGenerationEU
Award Number:Project code PE00000003,Concession Decree No.1550 of October 11,2022 adopted by the Italian Ministry of University and Research,CUP H93C22000630001,Project title“ON Foods-Research and innovation network on food and nutrition Sustainability,Safety and Security-Working ON Foods”.
