Work

One‐Step Tunable Human Hair Keratin Gradient Hydrogel with Antibacterial Activity for Tissue Engineering

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ) through a cysteine-rich human hair keratin (HHK) solution to produce a novel gradient hydrogel. This one-step approach enables the combined benefits of a sustainable material with an established antimicrobial agent. Herein, the gelation kinetics, physical, mechanical, and biochemical properties of the gradient hydrogel are correlated over a range of thiol:Ag ratios. The presence of a porosity gradient within a single construct, along with dissimilar top and bottom surface morphologies, is shown. Disk diffusion tests against Staphylococcus aureus verified the antibacterial activity of this Ag-loaded hydrogel. Additionally, hydrogels at 1.25 thiol:Ag ratio supported > 95% viability and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), comparable to collagen hydrogels. These HDFs produce fibronectin, collagen III, and express alpha-smooth muscle actin within the gradient hydrogels. In an in vivo full-thickness wound healing mouse model, the 1.25 hydrogel evoke minimal host tissue response, support reepithelialization more than the uniform Gelatin Methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel, and promote the most collagen deposition. These findings demonstrate the practicality of metal-thiolate complexation in producing biomimetic gradient hydrogels for tissue regeneration.

Source: Small

DOI: 10.1002/smll.202509775

Authors: Marin Zhen Lin Yee, Yun Wei Lim, Logeshwari Muthualagu Natarajan, Bertrand Czarny, Kee Woei Ng

Institutions: Nanyang Technological University, Skin Research Institute of Singapore

Language: English

Topic: Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

Subfield: Molecular Medicine

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,790