Tunable Keratin Hydrogels for Controlled Erosion and Growth Factor Delivery

The study investigated the development of keratin hydrogels with adjustable erosion rates for use in tissue engineering, focusing on the controlled release of therapeutic agents. By mixing keratose and kerateine, which differ due to their extraction methods, researchers could control the mechanical properties, erosion rates, and release rates of growth factors like recombinant human insulin-like growth factor 1. This control was due to the varying cross-linking capabilities of cysteine residues in the keratins. The research demonstrated the potential of these hydrogels for controlled therapeutic delivery, particularly in wound healing and tissue engineering, by utilizing their biocompatibility and tunable properties.