Method of preparing a keratin-based biomaterial is provided. The method comprises a) reacting keratin with a polymer having at least one of an amine and carboxylic functional group in the presence of a carbodiimide cross-linking agent to form a cross-linked keratin-polymer material; and b) freeze drying the cross-linked keratin-polymer material to form the keratin-based bio-material. A keratin-based biomaterial thus prepared is also provided.