Entropy-driven denaturation enables sustainable protein regeneration through rapid gel-solid transition

This study introduces an entropy-driven protein denaturation mechanism using concentrated inorganic salts to regenerate keratin into mechanically tunable, recyclable biomaterials. The authors demonstrate that lithium bromide disrupts the water network structure rather than directly interacting with proteins, enabling spontaneous gel formation and rapid gel–solid phase transition upon hydration. Regenerated keratin materials exhibited tunable mechanical properties, high stretchability, shape-memory behavior, and compatibility with multiple fabrication methods including molding, film casting, fiber spinning, and 3D printing, highlighting a sustainable pathway for upcycling protein-rich waste into functional biomaterials.