Preparation of scaffolds from human hair proteins for tissue-engineering applications

The study focused on using human hair proteins to create scaffolds for tissue-engineering applications. These proteins were tested for cellular compatibility using NIH3T3 mice fibroblast cells. Characterization techniques revealed keratin molecular weights of 40-60 kDa and matrix proteins of 15-30 kDa, with keratin pIs between 4.5-5.3. The proteins formed sponges through lyophilization, and their hydrophilic nature was confirmed with a contact angle of 37 degrees. The protein-coated surfaces supported enhanced cell growth and three-dimensional morphology, indicating their potential as scaffolds due to improved cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.