Wool Keratin-Based Nanofibres-In Vitro Validation

Protein-based nanofibres are commonly used in the biomedical field to support cell growth. For this study, the cell viability of wool keratin-based nanofibres was tested. Membranes were obtained by electrospinning using formic acid, hexafluoroisopropanol, and water as solvents. For aqueous solutions, polyethylene oxide blended with keratin was employed, and their use to support in vitro cell interactions was also validated. Morphological characterization and secondary structure quantification were carried out by SEM and FTIR analyses. Although formic acid produced the best nanofibres from a morphological point of view, the results showed a better response to cell proliferation after 14 days in the case of fibres from hexafluoroisopropanol solution. Polyethylene oxide in keratin nanofibres was demonstrated, over time, to influence in vitro cell interactions, modifying membranes-wettability and reducing the contact between keratin chains and water molecules, respectively.

Automated summary

Protein-based nanofibres, particularly those derived from wool keratin, were tested for their cell viability and interaction capabilities. The use of different solvents and blends influenced the morphology and cell response of the nanofibres, with hexafluoroisopropanol solution showing better results in supporting cell proliferation. The inclusion of polyethylene oxide in keratin nanofibres was found to impact in vitro cell interactions over time by altering membrane wettability and reducing interaction with water molecules.