Effects of Human Hair Keratin Alkylation on Growth Factor Delivery and Cellular Response: Implications in Bone Regeneration

Sangheon Han's thesis explored the use of human hair-derived keratins, which are rich in cysteine residues, for bone regeneration applications. By modifying these keratins with alkyl groups at cysteine sites, the study aimed to control the degradation rate of keratin hydrogels through disulfide crosslinking. The research focused on the interaction of these modified keratins with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and ciprofloxacin to understand their potential in drug delivery. The findings provided insights into how alkylated keratin biomaterials could serve as effective platforms for treating bone injuries, highlighting their potential in clinical applications.