Keratin Gel as Conduit Filler for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration on a Rat Sciatic Nerve Injury Model
January 2010
TLDR Keratin gel may help repair damaged nerves.
The study investigated the use of keratin gel as a conduit filler for peripheral nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve injury model. It aimed to address the challenge of restoring function after long gap peripheral nerve damage. Previous research showed that incorporating Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor microspheres into poly(caprolactone) nerve guides promoted nerve regeneration. The study focused on keratins derived from human hair, which were found to enhance the activity and gene expression of Schwann cells in vitro, suggesting potential benefits for nerve repair.