Keratin Scaffold Formulation Impacts rhBMP-2 Biodistribution and Bone Regeneration in a Rat Femur Defect Model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Treatment for nonunion in long bones remains a clinical need. Collagen sponges loaded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) are potential grafts but have limited FDA-approved applications due to safety concerns associated with rapid collagen resorption and burst release of rhBMP-2 in vivo. This work investigates keratin proteins obtained from human hair as a potential rhBMP-2 biomaterial carrier. Keratins are an appealing carrier because the extent of disulfide crosslinking can be modulated by the form of keratin present, thus allowing control over the rate of scaffold degradation.

Methods

The two forms of keratin used to formulate carriers were reductively extracted keratin called kerateine (KTN) that can form disulfide crosslinks and oxid

SUBMITTER: Saul JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12640424 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature