Recent advances in preparation and biomedical applications of keratin based biomaterials

Keratin has gained increased curiosity from researchers in the last decade for its potential applications in preparation of biomaterials. Most emphasized properties of keratin as a candidate to manufacture biomaterials involves biodegradability, excellent biocompatibility, self – assembling capability, ability to support cell growth and proliferation, water absorption and easy availability as waste. Keratin based biomaterials in the form of fibres, scaffolds, films, hydrogels, nanoparticles are being explored for various biomedical applications including wound healing, drug delivery, oral tissue regeneration, study models as well as nerve regeneration. Methods opted for fabrication of these materials include electrospinning, cross-linking and solution casting among others. In order to improve antimicrobial properties and bioactivity of keratin biomaterials they could also be loaded with drug molecules, antibiotics, growth factors and other functional peptides. Keratin materials have the advantage of high loading capacity as well as controlled and prolonged release of drug, thus maximizing the availability at the target site. This current paper critically reviews the latest developments in the utilization of keratin-based biomaterials in the aforesaid fields.