Biocompatibility of Tissue Engineering Scaffolds Made from Keratin Biomaterials

The study explored the biocompatibility of tissue engineering scaffolds made from keratin biomaterials, which were extracted from human hair fibers. These keratin scaffolds demonstrated a unique self-assembly capability, forming homogeneous, fibrous structures suitable for high-density cell seeding. In vitro tests using human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells showed excellent cell viability, both as substrates and when added to the media. In vivo tests with subcutaneous implants in mice revealed minimal inflammatory response, good tissue integration, and evident vascularization, indicating the potential of keratin scaffolds for regenerative medicine applications.