Enhanced keratin extraction from wool waste using a deep eutectic solvent

In this study, the solubilization of waste coarse wool as a precursory step for large-scale valorization keratin was investigated using green deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on L-cysteine and lactic acid. The investigation undertaken via response surface methodology Box–Behnken design four process variables temperature (70–110 °C), dissolution time (2–10 h), mass (0.5–2.5 g) in 20 mL acid, load DES (0.2–0.6 g). Temperature most significant variable influencing yield from wool. optimum (93.77 wt.%) obtained at 105 °C, 8 h time, with 1.6 g acid 0.5 This study suggests potential to scale up recovery without destruction structure recovered keratin.