Preparation and Characterization of Keratin blended Films Using Biopolymers for Drug Controlled Release Application

Keratin solution was separately blended with collagen, gelatin, sericin and starch for films preparation. All the blended films had smooth surfaces without phase separation, except the keratin/ starch blend film. The native keratin film showed small particles embedded in all the film surfaces that resulted in them being rough. The structure of the native keratin film changed from beta-sheet to random coil at high blend ratio of other substances. This result increased the dissolution of the films especially the keratin/starch blend. The results relate directly to the decreased thermal stability of this film. However, the changes in structure did not affect the chlorhexidine release pattern. It is possible that the interaction between the drug and blending substances, and the substances to water molecules are the main factor influencing the drug release pattern from the films.