A Review of Keratin-Based Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Over the past century, advancements in the extraction, purification, and characterization of keratin proteins from hair and wool fibers led to the development of a keratin-based biomaterials platform. Keratins, known for their intrinsic biological activity and biocompatibility, can form self-assembled structures that influence cellular recognition and behavior. These properties facilitated the creation of keratin biomaterials used in wound healing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, trauma, and medical devices. The review covered the history and progress of keratin research and its biomedical applications.