Self-cleaning keratins

Self-cleaning keratin fibers were studied by a nanotechnology approach in which anatase nanocrystals of titanium dioxide were formulated applied to the fibers through a near room temperature sol-gel process to maintain their intrinsic properties. The results show that a synthetic formulation of an acidic aqueous colloid of titanium dioxide using hydrochloric acid produces single-phase anatase nanocrystals. The acylation reaction allows for increasing functionality and reactivity toward anatase nanocrystals, which results in enhanced self-cleaning functionality. The modification of fibrous proteins with succinic anhydride introduces additional carboxylic groups by acylation, which allows for enhanced bonding between TiO2 under mild conditions. The chemical modification and anatase coating processes do not employ toxic reagents or solvents and the procedures are carried out under mild conditions favorable for keratinous materials.