Biological importance and pharmaceutical significance of keratin: A review

Abstract

Protein-based biomaterials have emerged as a promising alternative because of their inherent cell-to-cell interaction, structural support, and cellular communications. Over the last century, advances in the extraction, purification, and characterization of keratin proteins from wool, feathers, horns, and other animal sources have created a keratin-based biomaterials platform. Keratins, like many other naturally generated macromolecules, have biological activity and biocompatibility built-in. Furthermore, isolated keratins can self-assemble into structures that control cellular identification and behaviour. As a result, keratin biomaterials with applications in wound healing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, trauma, and medical devices have been developed due to these properties. This review examines the function of keratin in the human body in-depth, focusing on the history of keratin research and a current evaluation of emerging approaches in biomedical fields like tissue engineering, medical science, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery.