Water-soluble keratin derivative and use thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel water-soluble keratin derivative and applications thereof. Water-soluble keratin produced by the alkali treatment of feathers, and modified keratin, gives the following useful materials: (1) a high energy wave absorber, (2) a luminescent substrate, (3) a material weatherproofness improver, (4) a water repellant, and (5) a foaming agent.

1 . A process for preparing a water-soluble keratin derivative (MFP), comprising processing of poultry feathers by the following: 
 (1) treating the poultry feathers with an alkali both to break disulfide bonds and solubilize the feathers in water; and    (2) separating the water-soluble main component to obtain the water-soluble derivative (MFP), the MFP having an emission at 430 nm (maximum) upon irradiation with an electron beam and a molecular weight of 5 to 50 KDa.    
   
   
       2 . A process for preparing a water-soluble keratin derivative (UVP), comprising processing of poultry feathers by the following: 
 (1) treating the poultry feathers with an alkali to break disulfide bonds;    (2) separating the water-soluble main component to obtain a water-soluble keratin derivative; and    (3) irradiating the water-soluble main component with a high energy wave to obtain the water-soluble keratin derivative (UVP), the UVP having an emission at 370 nm (maximum) and 680 nm (medium) upon irradiation with UV-C and a molecular weight of 5 to 50 kDa.    
   
   
       3 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein an alkali with a concentration of at least 1.1% is used in an amount of at least 2 wt % with respect to the feather weight.  
   
   
       4 . The process according to  claim 2 , wherein an alkali with a concentration of at least 1.1% is used in an amount of at least 2 wt % with respect to the feather weight.  
   
   
       5 . The process according to  claim 2 , wherein UV-C is used as the irradiating high energy wave.  
   
   
       6 . A method for absorbing high energy waves comprising exposing the water-soluble keratin derivative (MFP) obtained by the process according to  claim 1  to said waves.  
   
   
       7 . A method for absorbing high energy waves comprising exposing the water-soluble keratin derivative (UVP) obtained by the process according to  claim 2  to said waves.  
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the high energy wave to be absorbed are ultraviolet rays or an electron beam.  
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the high energy wave to be absorbed are ultraviolet rays or an electron beam.  
   
   
       10 . A method for imparting UV protection capability to a product comprising incorporating the water-soluble keratin derivative (MFP) obtained by the process according to  claim 1  in said product.  
   
   
       11 . A method for imparting UV protection capability to a product comprising incorporating the water-soluble keratin derivative (UVP) obtained by the process according to  claim 2  in said product.  
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the UV protection product is a skin care or hair care toiletry, a cosmetic, apparel, or a laundry detergent.  
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the UV protection product is a skin care or hair care toiletry, a cosmetic, apparel, or a laundry detergent.  
   
   
       14 . A method for improving the weatherproofness of a material comprising incorporating the water-soluble keratin derivative (MFP) obtained by the process according to  claim 1  in said material.  
   
   
       15 . A method for improving the weatherproofness of a material comprising incorporating the water-soluble keratin derivative (UVP) obtained by the process according to  claim 2  in said material.  
   
   
       16 . A method for imparting water repellency to a material comprising incorporating the water-soluble keratin derivative (MFP) obtained by the process according to  claim 1  in said material.  
   
   
       17 . A method for imparting water repellency to a material comprising incorporating the water-soluble keratin derivative (UVP) obtained by the process according to  claim 2  in said material.  
   
   
       18 . A method for imparting fluorescent light emitting ability to a material comprising incorporating the water-soluble keratin derivative (MFP) obtained by the process according to  claim 1  in said material.  
   
   
       19 . A method for imparting fluorescent light emitting ability to a material comprising incorporating the water-soluble keratin derivative (UVP) obtained by the process according to  claim 2  in said material.