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

The study demonstrated that keratin extracted from human hair could enhance peripheral nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve crush model. The keratin sponge promoted cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and the secretion of neurotrophic factors by Schwann cells, as well as regulated macrophage inflammatory cytokines in vitro. Additionally, it was reported for the first time that human hair keratin could promote axon extension in DRG neurons. In vivo, the keratin sponge dressing alleviated motor deficits caused by sciatic nerve crush injury, highlighting keratin as a promising biomaterial for repairing peripheral nerve damage.