Abstract

Feather keratin, recovered from poultry-processing waste, is increasingly studied as a renewable platform for biodegradable materials because it combines waste valorization with a chemically versatile, sulfur-rich protein structure. This mini review summarizes recent progress in feather-keratin extraction, regeneration, and formulation, with emphasis on films, hydrogels, porous scaffolds, and hybrid composites. Particular attention is given to the incorporation of feather-derived keratin into elastomer matrices, where it can act as a bio-based filler that enhances mechanical performance (e.g., tensile strength and hardness), modifies crosslink density, and promotes biodegradation-related behavior. Despite extensive research on keratin-based materials, limited work has focused on the combined effects of native keratin and its enzymatic hydrolysates in XNBR systems, representing a clear research gap addressed in this study. The literature indicates that feather keratin is especially promising in composite systems, although moisture sensitivity and extraction-induced variability remain major limitations. Further research should focus on greener extraction routes, improved interfacial compatibility with polymer matrices, and scalable processing strategies for sustainable elastomer-based materials.

Keywords:Feather keratin; Biodegradable polymers; Protein-based materials; Elastomer composites; Bio-based fillers; Sustainable materials