Characterization of keratin–collagen 3D scaffold for biomedical applications

Abstract

Fabrication of keratin-collagen (KC) 3D scaffold with improved thermal denaturation rate is reported. In vitro application of (KC) scaffold stimulates basic extra cellular matrix constituents. KC Scaffold considerably reduced undesirable properties of both collagen and keratin while collagen incorporation reduces the fragility with increases of strength and flexibility in the scaffold. In addition to this, the scaffold showed homogenous well-interconnected pores in the range of 10-100 mm when observed in scanning electron microscope. Usage of keratin in KC scaffold offers increased biodegradation rate and higher denaturation rate in addition to its rapid cell growth with normal morphology ultimately reaching cell population of 3.9-9.7 million per cm 3 after 48 hr in KC scaffold. Circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform spectroscopy (FT-IR) of KC showed presence of helical structure of collagen and ß-turns of keratin confirming retention of native structures of both the proteins KC scaffold showed good swelling behavior and water uptake. Our study strongly supports the superidity of KC scaffold over the collagen or keratin when they are independently used for tissue engineering applications.

Biological evaluation of human hair keratin scaffolds for skin wound repair and regeneration

“…Until now, various structural forms of extracted keratins together with some chemical modifications [26] or combinations [27][28][29] have been fabricated for biomedical purposes, including films [24,30,31], hydrogels [22] and scaffolds [21,32,33]. The latter generally involves freeze-drying the reduced keratinous products [21,32], and the introduction of some porogen was also reported, such as granulated sodium chloride [34] and calcium alginate [35].…”

Sustainable Management of Keratin Waste Biomass: Applications and Future Perspectives

“…Poole et al in 2009 stated that the fibers obtained from keratin were environmental friendly, renewable and biodegradable. Development of keratin-based material has the potential for revolutionizing the bio-based green materials' world due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, natural abundance and mechanical durability (Poole et al 2009;Balaji et al 2012). Strength and modulus of the single feather is up to 300MPa and 6GPa which is better than most of wool fibers .…”

“…Physico-chemical methods of conversion of waste biomass methods of extraction of keratin Due to the property of biodegradability, mechanical strength, biocompatibility and natural profusion, expansion of keratin-based stuff has become the prospective for transforming the bio-based green materials in industries (Balaji et al 2012;Poole et al 2009). From environmental and economic point of views, it is quite desirable to automate profitable and effectual manner to use these kind of sources in green chemistry (Wang and Cao 2012).…”

Smart hydrogels for 3D bioprinting

“…Keratins (Figure 2) are largely available, bioactive, and eco-friendly materials with gelation point at pH 3.5. They also possess realistic potential as autologous materials [58,59] . Keratins are intermediate filament proteins that are made up of intracellular cytoskeletons [60] .…”