Characterization of keratin-collagen 3D scaffold for biomedical applications

Fabrication of keratincollagen (KC) 3D scaffold with improved thermal denaturation rate is reported. In vitro application of (KC) scaffold stimulates basic extra cellular matrix constituents. KC Scaffold considerably reduced undesirable properties of both collagen and keratin while collagen incorporation reduces the fragility with increases of strength and flexibility in the scaffold. In addition to this, the scaffold showed homogenous well-interconnected pores in the range of 10-100 mu m when observed in scanning electron microscope. Usage of keratin in KC scaffold offers increased biodegradation rate and higher denaturation rate in addition to its rapid cell growth with normal morphology ultimately reaching cell population of 3.9-9.7 million per cm3 after 48hr in KC scaffold. Circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform spectroscopy (FT-IR) of KC showed presence of helical structure of collagen and beta-turns of keratin confirming retention of native structures of both the proteins KC scaffold showed good swelling behavior and water uptake. Our study strongly supports the superidity of KC scaffold over the collagen or keratin when they are independently used for tissue engineering applications. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.