Biocompatibility Of Kaps-Depleted Residual Hair

This study examined the biocompatibility of processed human hair samples with varying levels of keratin associated proteins (KAPs) in vitro and in vivo. The hair samples, including oxidized hair with no melanin (BLH), medium- (M-KAP), and low- (L-KAP) KAPs, were compared to untreated regular hair (REG). All samples were non-cytotoxic in adipose fibroblast cell tests. In vivo mouse implantation showed a foreign body response (FBR) with thin fibrous encapsulation, with L-KAP implants causing a significantly lower FBR area and fewer immune cells on the biomaterial's surface compared to high KAPs (REG and BLH). Blood vessel and collagen densities were similar across groups. The study suggests that KAPs influence FBR and ongoing research is focusing on KAP-depleted hair biomaterials for drug-delivery implants due to their superior biocompatibility.