Synthesis of Silica-Based Boron-Incorporated Collagen/Human Hair Keratin Hybrid Cryogels with the Potential Bone Formation Capability

Abstract

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have evolved into a different concept, the so-called clinical tissue engineering. Within this context, the synthesis of next-generation inorganic–organic hybrid constructs without the use of chemical crosslinkers emerges with a great potential for treating bone defects. Here, we propose a sophisticated approach for synthesizing cost-effective boron (B)- and silicon (Si)-incorporated collagen/hair keratin (B-Si-Col-HK) cryogels with the help of sol–gel reactions. In this approach, collagen and hair keratin were engaged with a B-Si network using tetraethyl orthosilicate as a silica precursor, and the obtained cryogels were characterized in depth with attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state NMR, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, porosity and swelling tests, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda analyses, frequency sweep and temperature-dependent rheology, contact angle analysis, micromechanical tests, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis. In addition, the cell survival and osteogenic features of the cryogels were evaluated by the MTS test, live/dead assay, immuno/histochemistry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. We conclude that the B-Si-networked Col-HK cryogels having good mechanical durability and osteoinductive features would have the potential bone formation capability.

Bioinspired Robust Keratin Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

“…Taken together, through the rational design of self-assembly proteins, the mechanical strength of recombinant keratin hydrogels could be regulated by the fabrication of robust keratin hydrogels. Compared with the reported pure keratin, ,− collagen, − silk, − and gelatin hydrogels, − our designed recombinant keratin hydrogels exhibited outstanding storage and compressive modulus, which were also comparable to or higher than that of most composited and chemically modified keratin hydrogels (Figure M). ,− …”

In situ formation of biocompatible and ductile protein-based hydrogels via Michael addition reaction and visible light crosslinking

“…Keratin has multiple peaks below 2373 Da and peaks around 324-1000 Da in the MS spectrum were thought to belong to CHCA (MALDI matrix). 33,34 When the UV-Vis spectra in Fig. S2 (ESI †) were examined, the absorbance of the aromatic ring reported in the literature was seen around 276 nm.…”

“…Spectral measurements were taken at 20 kV. Keratin has multiple peaks below 2373 Da and peaks around 324-1000 Da in the MS spectrum were thought to belong to CHCA (MALDI matrix) 33,34.…”

Decellularized Bone Extracellular Matrix‐Coated Electrospun PBAT Microfibrous Membranes with Cell Instructive Ability and Improved Bone Tissue Forming Capacity

“…[6,7] Specifically, biomaterials that bring along improved mechanical property, as well as ECM mimicking bioactivity, are notably important for bone tissue engineering applications. [8,9] The nano/micro fibrous structure of the extracellular matrix has long been achieved with the use of the electrospinning technique. This technique also provides an opportunity to adjust fiber size and morphology.…”

“…[ 6,7 ] Specifically, biomaterials that bring along improved mechanical property, as well as ECM mimicking bioactivity, are notably important for bone tissue engineering applications. [ 8,9 ]…”