TLDR Scientists made nanoparticles from human hair proteins to improve drug delivery.
The study "Rational design of keratin nanoparticles utilizing diverse hair protein fractions for controlled drug release" presents a novel approach to optimizing keratin nanoparticles for drug delivery. The researchers extracted keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) and keratin intermediate filaments (KIFs) from human hair using a modified Shindai method. They found that the ratio of KAPs/KIFs directly impacts the secondary structure of keratin nanoparticles. The study also revealed that temperatures below 200°C are crucial to preserve keratin peptide bonds and ensure uniform nanoparticle generation. Theophylline, a bronchodilator with poor solubility and bioavailability, was used as a model drug to evaluate the performance of these nanoparticles. The encapsulation of Theophylline within keratin nanoparticles may enhance its delivery, improve drug stability, and mitigate potential side effects. This research offers significant progress in the field of drug delivery, particularly in optimizing keratin nanoparticles.
41 citations,
November 2020 in “Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces” Different hair protein amounts change the strength of keratin/chitosan gels, useful for making predictable tissue engineering materials.
17 citations,
July 2018 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Keratin-based particles safely improve hair strength, smoothness, and heat protection.
115 citations,
August 2014 in “Jo'jig gonghag gwa jaesaeng uihag/Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine” Human hair keratin can be used in many medical applications.
118 citations,
January 2013 in “Biomaterials” Keratin from human hair shows promise for medical uses like wound healing and tissue engineering.
71 citations,
August 2005 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings” Hair keratin-associated proteins are essential for strong hair, with over 80 genes showing specific patterns and variations among people.
1 citations,
June 2023 in “International journal of biological macromolecules” Human hair proteins can help blood clot when mixed in equal parts.
21 citations,
October 2011 in “PloS one” Certain molecules in hair change with age and could be used for cosmetic treatments.
May 2024 in “bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)” KAP-depleted hair causes less immune response and is more biocompatible for implants.
Human hair keratins can self-assemble and support cell growth, useful for biomedical applications.
Human hair keratins can be turned into useful 3D biomedical scaffolds through a freeze-thaw process.
