research Cryogelation of Human Hair Keratins
This research explores the use of human hair keratins (HHK) for biomedical applications through a clean and simple cryogelation process. HHK, extracted from hair waste, can be transformed into 3D scaffolds without toxic additives by using freeze-thaw (FT) cycles. The study found that both disulphide bonds and hydrophobic interactions are crucial for gel network formation. Optimal FT cycling significantly improved the mechanical properties of the HHK cryogels, enhancing their storage and compression moduli. Microarchitecture analysis showed that FT cycling changed the structure from sheet-like lamellae to interconnected polygonal pores, which influenced degradation rates and cellular responses. In vitro tests with human dermal fibroblasts and endothelial cells confirmed that HHK cryogels support cell adhesion, proliferation, and infiltration. This work demonstrates the potential of converting hair waste into valuable 3D biomedical scaffolds with tunable properties.
