Hair Derived Keratin Biomaterials for Regenerative Wound Healing Jessica Barayuga, Esther Thomas, Naatram Jotis, Dr. Roche C. de Guzman, Ph.D.
HOFSTRA
Bioengineering Program, Department of Engineering, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549
UNIVERSITY
RESULTS
INTRODUCTION
DISCUSSION
Objective: To evaluate hair proteins (natural, biocompatible, abundant, renewable, and cost-effective biomaterials) for acceleration/enhancement of tissue repair and body’s natural healing process. Hypothesis: Tailored hair keratin structural variants can actively participate in enhanced wound healing by mimicking native epidermal cues, supporting both structural remodeling and cellular activation in full-thickness skin excision wounds.
MATERIALS AND METHODS Chemical Processing to isolate keratin variants from hair
In vivo murine model of HS F3
Hair keratin proteins encourage cell attachment, migration, and proliferation. They contain bioactive sequences that stimulate keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, accelerating the epithelialization and collagen deposition of the skin.
subcutaneous revascularization around original excision site
Soluble hair keratin (HS) achieved the greatest reduction in wound area over 14 days, outperforming standards and other hair keratins. HS promoted the fastest and most consistent wound closure, demonstrating strong bioactive healing potential.
Remove melanin
Reduce
Break covalent bonds
NEGATIVE CONTROL (UNTREATED)
10 mm
Animal Study to quantify in vivo skin regeneration
STANDARDS (S) and TREATMENT (H) GROUPS
active reepithelization across wound surface HS-M3
5 groups where n = 6 3 males (M), 3 females (F)
SH: hydrocolloid dressing SA: silver alginate dressing HC: keratin with cuticle HD: keratin without cuticle HS: soluble keratin
IACUC approved protocol – bilateral full-thickness skin excisions on the dorsal region of murine (mice)
CONCLUSION Hair keratin-based treatments accelerated wound closure compared to conventional hydrocolloid and silver alginate dressings; with the more soluble form showing the fastest and most consistent healing. These results supported our study hypothesis which demonstrate that human hair-derived biomaterials can actively promote tissue regeneration, offering a low-cost and bioactive alternative for advanced wound care.
Linear wound healing with HS at ~ 7% per day
HS-M2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Bioengineering Biomaterials Lab Jash Mody, Michelle Paszek, Vivian Leung, Kelly Levengood, and Allison Meer for keratin preparation and animal procedure Hofstra Biology Department Dr. Christopher Boyko and Nancy Radecker for animal care