The Use of Keratin Biomaterials Derived from Human Hair for the Promotion of Rapid Regeneration of Peripheral Nerves
 October 2007   
in “
 Biomaterials 
”
 
    keratin biomaterials  human hair  peripheral nerve regeneration  keratin hydrogels  Schwann cell migration  Schwann cell proliferation  Schwann cell gene expression  neuroinductive provisional matrix  tissue remodeling  nerve injuries  nerve autografts  keratin  hair-derived keratin  nerve regeneration  nerve repair  nerve healing   
    TLDR  Keratin from human hair helps nerves heal faster.   
  The study explored the use of keratin biomaterials derived from human hair to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. Researchers extracted keratins from human hair and formed hydrogels with interconnected pores, which were tested for their ability to support Schwann cell migration, proliferation, and gene expression. The keratin hydrogels demonstrated favorable properties for cell penetration and tissue remodeling, suggesting that they could serve as a neuroinductive provisional matrix. This approach showed potential for improving functional recovery in nerve injuries, potentially surpassing the limitations of traditional nerve autografts.
    
   
   
  