Authors: Jus, Suzana¹; Kokol, Vanja²; Guebitz, Georg M.³

Source: Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, Volume 20, Number 2, 2009 , pp. 253-269(17)

Publisher: VSP, an imprint of Brill

Abstract:

The potential of tyrosinases to activate tyrosine residues of wool protein fibres for cross-linking with different materials like collagen, elastin and gelatine was assessed. Natural fibres like wool offer an excellent environment for the growth of micro-organisms when the conditions like moisture, oxygen and temperature are appropriate. Coating with collagen, a very useful biomaterial with bactericidal and fungicidal properties, could be used to improve the properties of wool-based materials, especially when applied in hygienically sensitive applications like in hospitals. Tyrosinases were shown to catalyse the oxidation of tyrosine residues in wool and wool hydrolysates as model substrates, as determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Structural differences of the surface were evident from the increase of the intensity in the NH bending and stretching regions in the spectra of NIR FT Raman analysis of the enzyme treated and grafted wool fibres. The durability of the coating was also shown by using FITC-labelled collagen that was bound to the wool fibres, even after severe washing. Additionally, antimicrobial properties were successfully imparted due to the collagen grafted on the wool fibres. The functional and mechanical properties of the treated wool fibres showed no significant changes.

Keywords: WOOL FIBRES; PROTEIN SUBSTRATES; TYROSINASE; ENZYMATIC COUPLING; COATING

Document Type: Regular paper

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156856209X404523

Affiliations: 1: Technical University of Graz, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Petersgasse 12, A-8010 Graz, Austria; University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Textile Materials and Design, Smetanova ulica 17, SI-2000 Maribo 2: University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Textile Materials and Design, Smetanova ulica 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia 3: Technical University of Graz, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Petersgasse 12, A-8010 Graz, Austria

Publication date: 2009-02-01

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