Bioengineered Keratin-PVA/ZnO Nanogel: A Sustainable Approach for Antimicrobial and Arsenic Adsorption

Introduction: This study develops a keratin-PVA nanogel incorporating ZnO nanoparticles for antimicrobial and environmental applications. The nanogel demonstrated strong antibacterial activity and high arsenic adsorption capacity. Characterization confirmed its structural integrity, highlighting its potential for biomedical and water remediation uses. Objectives: The research focuses on extracting keratin from waste chicken feathers, synthesizing eco-friendly ZnO nanoparticles using a green synthesis method, and developing keratin-PVA/ZnO nanogels for arsenic adsorption and antimicrobial applications. Methods: Keratin was extracted from poultry feathers using a controlled degradation process. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via green chemistry using Aprajita flower extract. The nanogel was fabricated by blending keratin, PVA, and ZnO NPs and crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. Characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results: The disc diffusion assay showed enhanced bacterial inhibition, particularly in ZnO-enhanced formulations. An arsenic uptake study using a Merquant test kit demonstrated the nanogel’s significant adsorption capacity, reducing arsenic concentration effectively. Conclusions: The findings establish keratin-PVA/ZnO nanogel as a sustainable biomaterial with multifunctional applications in healthcare and environmental remediation. Future research should focus on large-scale production and commercial optimization. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/jchr.v15.2.7663