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.