Recent Advances in Preparation and Biomedical Applications of Keratin-Based Biomaterials

November 2024 in “ Biotechnology for Sustainable Materials ”

Anand Shubha, Gupta Sharmita, Rani Manaswi

keratin biocompatibility biodegradability cellular proliferation wound healing drug delivery tissue engineering nerve regeneration ocular surface reconstruction hemostatic agents

Studysummary This paper critically reviews recent advances in the use of keratin-based biomaterials, highlighting their potential applications in wound healing, drug delivery, and tissue regeneration due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to support cell growth.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document reviews recent advances in the preparation and biomedical applications of keratin-based biomaterials, emphasizing their potential due to properties like biocompatibility, biodegradability, and support for cellular proliferation. Various extraction methods are discussed, with biological methods being safer but costly. Keratin-based biomaterials show promise in wound healing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering, outperforming other materials in some cases. They are also explored for nerve regeneration, ocular surface reconstruction, and as hemostatic agents. Despite challenges like inconsistent source material, further research could optimize these materials for medical use, with a focus on molecular interactions and mechanical properties.

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research Development of Hair Keratin Protein to Accelerate Oral Mucosal Regeneration

December 2023 in “Chiwi'saeng'gwa haghoeji”

Hair keratin protein might help heal mouth wounds faster.

research Rational Design of Keratin Nanoparticles Utilizing Diverse Hair Protein Fractions for Controlled Drug Release

November 2023 in “Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers”

Scientists made nanoparticles from human hair proteins to improve drug delivery.

research In Vitro Analysis of Hemostatic Efficacy of Fibrinogen Precipitation With Varied Keratin Fraction Compositions

1 citations , June 2023 in “International journal of biological macromolecules”

In this preclinical study, researchers found that combining equal ratios of high molecular weight keratin intermediate filaments and low molecular weight keratin-associated proteins from human hair led to the most extensive fibrinogen precipitation, suggesting potential for developing effective hair protein-based hemostatic materials.

research Novel PLCL Nanofibrous/Keratin Hydrogel Bilayer Wound Dressing for Skin Wound Repair

6 citations , December 2022 in “Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces”

This study reported that a novel bilayer wound dressing made from PLCL nanofibers and keratin hydrogel, loaded with FGF-2, promoted skin healing and showed potential for use in skin tissue engineering.

research Keratin-Associated Protein Nanoparticles as Hemostatic Agents

11 citations , November 2021 in “ACS applied nano materials”

This study found that keratin-associated protein nanoparticles extracted from human hair significantly reduced clotting time, suggesting their potential as a hemostatic agent for bleeding control, though further research is needed to understand their precise role in coagulation processes.

research Effect of Varied Hair Protein Fractions on the Gel Properties of Keratin/Chitosan Hydrogels for Use in Tissue Engineering

41 citations , July 2020 in “Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces”

This study suggests that adjusting the ratios of keratin-associated proteins to keratin intermediate filaments can create keratin/chitosan hydrogels with more consistent gel properties for tissue engineering.

research Human Hair Keratins Promote the Regeneration of Peripheral Nerves in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Crush Model

36 citations , July 2019 in “Journal of Materials Science Materials in Medicine”

This study demonstrated that keratin derived from human hair can improve axon extension and alleviate motor deficits from sciatic nerve injuries, highlighting its potential as a promising biomaterial for peripheral nerve regeneration.