Human Hair Derived Keratins Mediate Schwann Cell Behavior In Vitro and Facilitate Rapid Peripheral Nerve Regeneration In Vivo

The study investigated the use of human hair-derived keratins as biomaterials for peripheral nerve regeneration. In vitro assays showed that keratins enhanced Schwann cell proliferation, migration, and attachment. Keratins also self-assembled into fibrous, porous scaffolds suitable for cell infiltration and axonal growth. In vivo testing using a tibial nerve axotomy mouse model demonstrated that keratin hydrogel scaffolds significantly improved nerve regeneration compared to empty controls and were comparable to autografts. The findings suggested that keratin hydrogels could effectively support neural tissue engineering and facilitate functional nerve regeneration by influencing Schwann cell behavior.