BIOMEDICAL ASPECTS OF KERATIN PRODUCTION AND APPLICATION

Background. This literature review analyzes the use of keratin and its products in biomedicine, including drug delivery systems, wound healing, and tissue engineering. Main Contents. This review covers the structure, properties, history of study, and methods of isolation of keratin. Particular attention is paid to recent advances in the application of keratin biomaterials in the form of three-dimensional scaffolds, films, fibers, and hydrogels. Conclusions. Keratin biomaterials possess unique properties due to their composition and structure, ensuring their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and positive interactions with cells. The availability of keratin from inexpensive sources makes it a promising material for biomedicine. Despite these advantages, keratin biomaterials are still underrepresented on the market. To expand their application, in-depth study of the cellular mechanisms of tissue regeneration under the influence of keratin products and investigation of the interaction of keratin with other polymers are necessary.