Keratose

Keratose is a water-soluble derivative of keratin produced by the oxidative modification of keratin, a structural protein abundant in hair, nails, and other keratin-rich tissues. The resulting material is a mixture of keratin peptides and fragments, rather than intact native keratin.

Production typically involves treatment of keratin-containing feedstocks with oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide under alkaline conditions. This process cleaves disulfide cross-links and introduces polar groups, increasing solubility and enabling processing into gels, films, and scaffolds.

Keratose materials are studied for biomedical applications due to biocompatibility and biodegradability. They readily form hydrogels and porous matrices that support cell adhesion and migration. They can be cross-linked or blended with other polymers and loaded with bioactive agents for wound healing, tissue engineering, or controlled drug delivery.

Keratose is usually sourced from waste keratin-rich materials (hair, nails, feathers), promoting value-added reuse. As a biomaterial, its safety and performance depend on purity, residual oxidants, and endotoxin content; regulatory classification may vary (medical device, wound care ingredient, or cosmetic additive).

See also: Keratin; Keratin-based biomaterials; Hydrogels; Wound dressings.