Fabrication and Characterization of Keratin Coating on Magnesium Substrate for Bone Implant Application

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Keratin coatings have attracted attention as a novel solution for controlling the rate of substrate degradation and corrosion and enhancing bone regeneration due to their unique properties. The aim of the present study is to develop a keratin coating on magnesium alloy in order to control its corrosion behavior.
Materials and Methods: In this study, keratin was extracted from pigeon feathers following the protocol described in previous research. To enhance substrate adhesion, the magnesium alloy was alkalized prior to coating. The morphology and thickness of the keratin coating were optimized by varying the electrospray duration (30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to confirm the successful extraction of keratin, while potentiodynamic polarization tests were conducted to assess the corrosion resistance of the coated samples.
Results: The infrared spectroscopy results revealed characteristic peptide bonds corresponding to amide I (1635 cm⁻¹), amide II (1531 cm⁻¹), and amide III (1238 cm⁻¹). Furthermore, the water contact angle of samples coated with keratin for 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes decreased progressively to 54 ± 1°, 49 ± 2°, 45 ± 2°, and 41 ± 0.5°, respectively, indicating enhanced surface wettability.
Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate modifications in surface properties such as roughness and wettability, along with a significant enhancement in the corrosion resistance of AZ91 alloy coated with keratin. This improvement is attributed to the formation of an effective physical barrier and the excellent biocompatibility of keratin, suggesting its potential for broad applications in the medical field.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Available Online from 01 October 2025

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