Nerves of Hair
November 2007
in “
Science
”
Studysummary This study found that keratin-based hydrogels derived from human hair improved nerve regeneration in a mouse model by enhancing Schwann cell activity and outperforming autografts.
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The study by Sierpinski et al. investigated the use of keratin-based hydrogels, derived from human hair, for the regeneration of peripheral nerves. In vitro tests demonstrated that these hydrogels enhanced Schwann cell proliferation and migration. In a mouse nerve injury model, the hydrogels outperformed autografts by reducing electrical signal latency and increasing nerve area, while showing comparable improvements in other tests. The authors suggested that the hydrogels provided a structural framework and retained regulatory molecules beneficial for both hair growth and nerve repair.
