Mutations in KRT1 (keratin 1) or KRT10 (keratin 10) underlie a spectrum of diseases known as keratinopathic ichthyoses. Epidermolytic ichthyosis (EI) is caused by heterozygous missense mutations in the genes KRT1 or KRT10, mutations in the gene KRT2 (keratin 2) lead to superficial epidermolytic ichthyosis, and congenital reticular ichthyosiform erythroderma is caused by frameshift mutations in the genes KRT10 or KRT1, which lead to the phenomenon of revertant mosaicism. Epidermolytic ichthyosis is also present in a mosaic pattern known as epidermolytic (acantholytic) nevus, isolated or diffuse. In the latter case, gonadic involvement is possible, leading to a rare pedigree in which a parent with diffuse epidermolytic nevus (linear EI) gives birth to a child affected by EI. We present here an update on the phenotypic presentations of keratinopathic ichthyoses and their molecular mechanisms.

The aim of this research study was to develop hydrogels samples for using in potential biomedical applications. Hydrogels consisting of different volumes of keratin, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and starch. The keratin is derived from the chicken was the primary material on the hydrogels due to attractively for the potential wound healing application. The hydrogel samples were made by using the freeze‑thawing method, and they were examined using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), porosity amusement, swelling ratio and keratin release kinetic models that analyzed using (zero-order, first-order Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models). These results were indicated that feather keratin could use with formulated hydrogels suitably for controlled keratin release studies .

In tissue engineering scaffolds take the place of the natural extra cellular matrix (ECM). The natural ECM is the extracellular part of animal tissue that usually provides structural support to the animal cells in addition to performing various other important functions. The design aspect along with the choice of the material for the artificial scaffold is very crucial to cell differentiation, adhesion, proliferation, and the transport of the growth factors or other bio molecular signals. In addition to the material and design of the scaffolds, it is necessary to replicate the normal physiological situation if the scaffold has to function as an implant. The cells have to be located in the porous scaffold to form a three dimensional assembly. The article discusses the important factors to be considered while designing a scaffold for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Purpose: The aim of this research was to prepare adhesive nanoparticles for the topical application of Minoxidil (MXD). Methods: Thiolated β-CDs were prepared via conjugation of cysteamine with oxidized CDs. MXD was encapsulated within thiolated and unmodified β-CDs. Nanoparticles (Thio-NP and blank NP) were prepared by ionic gelation of CDs with chitosan. Particle size and zeta potential were measured. FTIR analyses were performed for characterization of inclusion complex. Drug dissolution studies were carried out. An in vitro adhesion study over human hair was performed. An in vivo skin irritation study was performed. Ex vivo drug uptake was evaluated by using a Franz diffusion cell. Results: Thiolated β-CDs presented 1804.68 ± 25 μmol/g thiol groups and 902.34 ± 25 μmol/g disulfide bonds. Nanoparticles displayed particle sizes within a range of 231 nm to 319 nm. The zeta potential was in the range of ̶ 8.1 to + 12.0. FTIR analyses confirmed no interaction between the excipients and drug. Delayed drug release was observed from Thio-NP. Thio-NP retained over hair surfaces for a significantly longer time. Similarly, drug retention was significantly improved. Thio-NP displayed no irritation over rabbit skin. Conclusion: Owing to the above results, nanoparticles developed with MXD-loaded thiolated β-CDs might be a potential drug delivery system for topical scalp diseases.

Biopolymers based on plant and animal proteins are interesting alternatives in the development of films with future prospects as food packaging. Considering that in recent years there has been an increasing interest in the valorization of agro-industrial residues and by-products and that the blending of polymers can lead to materials with improved properties, in this work, keratin-rich feather fibers and gliadins were blended at different ratios in order to develop sustainable and biodegradable films. Control gliadin G100, feather F100 films and their blends at 3:1 (G75F25) , 2:2 (G50F50) and 1:3 (G25F75) ratios were successfully developed through thermoprocessing. The physical properties were differentiated as a function of the concentration of both polymeric matrices. Although gliadins showed higher hydrophilicity confirmed by its highest swelling degree, films with high gliadin ratios exhibited lower water permeability values at low and medium relative humidities. On the other hand, the feathers displayed the highest Young´s modulus values and provided oxygen barrier to the blends, principally at the highest relative humidity. In conclusion, the blend of these protein-based polymers at different ratio resulted on interesting composites whose physical properties could be adjusted.

The treatment of wastewater containing heavy metals and the utilization of wool waste are very important for the sustainable development of textile mills. In this study, the wool keratin modified magnetite (Fe3O4) powders were fabricated by using wool waste via a co-precipitation technique for removal of Cu2+ ions from aqueous solutions. The morphology, chemical compositions, crystal structure, microstructure, magnetism properties, organic content, and specific surface area of as-fabricated powders were systematically characterized by various techniques including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and BET surface area analyzer. The effects of experimental parameters such as the volume of wool keratin hydrolysate, the dosage of powder, the initial Cu2+ ion concentration, and the pH value of solution on the adsorption capacity of Cu2+ ions by the powders were examined. The experimental results indicated that the Cu2+ ion adsorption performance of the wool keratin modified Fe3O4 powders exhibited much better than that of the chitosan modified ones with a maximum Cu2+ adsorption capacity of 29.2 mg/g under favorable conditions (0.05 g powders; 50 mL of 40 mg/L CuSO4; pH 5; temperature 293 K). The high adsorption capacity towards Cu2+ ions on the wool keratin modified Fe3O4 powders was primarily because of the strong surface complexation of -COOH and -NH2 functional groups of wool keratins with Cu2+ ions. The Cu2+ ion adsorption process on the wool keratin modified Fe3O4 powders followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic model. After Cu2+ ion removal, the wool keratin modified Fe3O4 powders were easily separated using a magnet from aqueous solution and efficiently regenerated using 0.5 M EDTA-H2SO4 eluting. The wool keratin modified Fe3O4 powders possessed good regenerative performance after five cycles. This study provided a feasible way to utilize waste wool textiles for preparing magnetic biomass-based adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions.

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is well known in the cosmetic industry for its hydrating properties linked to its interaction with keratin in the stratum corneum. Hair is also mainly composed of keratin, but no evidence of penetration and interaction of HA in hair had yet been established. Herein, we examined, with appropriate methods, this penetration and interaction. Methods: Confocal Raman Spectroscopy was used to track HA penetration in hair fibers. Human hair was UV-irradiated, or not, before washing with a number of different shampoo formulations. Low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid, high-molecular weight HA, and an optimized blend of low- and high-molecular weight HA, were used. The benefits of HA for cosmetic application were then evaluated at the ex vivo level. Results: Raman analysis of non-irradiated samples revealed that the HA blend penetrated the hair cortex 5.9 times more than the placebo and with irradiated samples, a 1.8-fold increase in penetration was observed. Whatever the irradiation status, penetration of this optimal HA blend was significantly greater than that of the other two active substances. Compared to the placebo, the HA blend significantly decreased spontaneous frizzing by 11%, repaired the hair by increasing the elastic modulus and the break force, and increased the water content in the hair shafts. Conclusion: Confocal Raman Spectroscopy can be considered as a powerful, non-invasive technique to investigate the penetration of active ingredients into the hair.

Horn manure (Preparation 500) is a product used in the practice of biodynamic agriculture. It is obtained by an underground fermentation of cow faecal material incubated in cow horns for several months. The product is used as spray treatment meant to increase soil fertility. In the present report we analyzed the successional changes in bacterial and fungal communities throughout the process of horn manure maturation by high throughput sequencing of ribosomal 16S (bacterial) and ITS (fungal) gene markers. Marked shifts in the microbial community were seen involving a general decrease from a Firmicutes-dominated material to a product transiently enriched in Proteobacteria and later in Actinobacteria, mostly within the Nocardioidaceae family. In the fungal community evolution, the most abundant taxon in the starting faecal material resulted a member of the Onygenales order, known to specifically degrade keratin. Its abundance in the intestine is explained by the fact that keratin, which is also the structural component of hairs and horns, is found in all epithelial layers, including gut mucosae. This occurrence suggests a link of enzymatic/catabolic nature between manure and horn.

Background: Skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UV) and air pollution and recent works demonstrated these factors have additive effects in the disturbance of skin homeostasis. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) appears appropriate targets in the management of combined environmental stressors. The protective effects of Silymarin (SM), an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory complex of flavonoids, were evaluated. Methods: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and interleukin 1-alpha (IL-1a) were quantified in UV+urban dust stressed reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) treated with SM. Gene expression study was conducted on targets related to AHR and Nrf2. SM agonistic activity on cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) was evaluated on mast cells. Clinical study quantified the performance of SM and cannabidiol (CBD), in skin exposed to solar radiation and air pollution. Results: SM decreased morphological alterations, ROS and IL-1a in UV+urban dust stressed RHE. AHR and Nrf2 related genes were upregulated that control antioxidant effector and barrier function. Interleukin 8 gene expression was decreased. Clinical study confirmed SM to improve homogeneity and perceived well-being of urban skins exposed to UV, outperforming CBD. SM activated CB2R and release of β-endorphin from mast cells. Conclusions: SM provides protection of skin from oxidative stress and inflammation caused by two major factors of exposome and appears mediated by AHR-Nrf2. SM activation of CB2R opens a new understanding of SM anti-inflammatory properties.

Hydrotalcites (HTlc) represents a class of nanostructured layered materials that may be employed in a variety of applications, from green to bio technologies. In this paper, we report an investigation on HTlc made of Mg and Fe, recently employed to improve the growth in vitro of osteoblasts within a keratin sponge. We have carried out an analysis of powder materials and of HTlc dispersed in keratin and spin-coated on a Si/SiO2 substrate at different temperatures. A DC magnetic study of the powders has been carried out with a Quantum Design Physical Property Measurement System, equipped with a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer. The data gathered prove that these HTlc are fully paramagnetic, and keratin shows a very small magnetic response. Optical and Atomic Force Microscopy analyses of the thin films provide a detailed picture of clusters randomly dispersed in the films with various dimensions. The magnetic properties of these films have been characterized using the Nano Magneto Optical Kerr Effect (NanoMOKE) down to 7.5K. The data collected show that the local magnetic properties can be mapped with a micrometric resolution distinguishing HTlc regions from keratin ones. This approach opens new perspectives in the characterization of these composite materials.

Heart regeneration after myocardial infarction remains challenging in reconstruction of blood resupply system. Here, we find that in zebrafish heart after resection of the ventricular apex, the local myocardial cells and the clotted blood cells undergo cell remodeling process via cytoplasmic exocytosis and nuclear reorganization within revascularization-based blastema. The regenerative processes are visualized by spatiotemporal expression of three blastema representative factors (alpha-SMA- which marks for fibrogenesis, Flk1for angiogenesis/hematopoiesis, and Pax3a for remusculogensis)，and two histone modifications (H3K9Ac and H3K9Me3 mark for chromatin remodeling). Using the cultured zebrafish embryonic fibroblasts we identify blastema fraction components and show that Krt5 peptide could link cytoskeleton network and BMP4 signaling pathway to regulate the transcription and chromatin accessibility at the blastema representative genes and bmp4 genes. Our study provides new mechanistic insights into the epithelial-dependent and revascularization-based blastema regeneration for potential myocardial infarction therapy.

This work compares the multi-element analysis of human hair and nails using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with an easy, fast, cheap, non-destructive method using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDX-RF). The ICP-MS-based method was more sensitive (over 30 elements could be quantified) and costly (requiring more time, sample, and chemicals). The EDX-based method required laboratory and certified reference materials made of hair for instrument calibration. It was less sensitive (16 elements could be quantified: S, Si, Ca, Br, Fe, Cu, Cr, Mg, Si, K, Mn, Ni, Zn, Se, Sr, Pb), but it allowed to replace troublesome grinding with the dissolution of keratin-based material with alkalic agent (tetramethylammonium hydroxide, TMAH) and formation of stable for days pellets. The method is simple, enables automation, and, due to the modification of wells in the autosampler of the EDX system by immersion of home-designed inserts, it requires smaller amounts of biological material and binder (down to 70 mg instead of 500 mg required by commercially available instrument) to perform analysis. It was concluded that the EDX-based method offers complementary selectivity and sensitivity to ICP-MS with the possibility of the reuse of the sample for further analysis.

Millions of tons of wool waste are produced yearly by textile industries, which may become a serious environmental hazard in the near future. Given this concern, it is crucial to explore strategies to reduce the amount of wool waste generated worldwide and adopt more sustainable practices for dissolving and regenerating wool keratin (WK) from textile waste. Most traditional methods involve the use of expensive, toxic, harmful, and poorly biodegradable compounds. To overcome these limitations and facilitate the reuse of wool waste through a cascade valorization strategy, researchers have started testing the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) as a more sus-tainable and eco-friendlier alternative for WK dissolution and regeneration. In this study, the potential of two different DES mixtures, Choline chloride (ChCl): Urea and L-Cysteine (L-Cys): Lactic acid (LA), was explored for dissolving wool waste. Subsequently, the obtained gels based on DES-WK were blended with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in different ratios to produce nanofibers using the electrospinning technique. The effect of pH and the properties of the electrospinning solutions, namely electrical conductivity and viscosity, on the morphology of the gel solutions were evaluated. Moreover, the morphological features of the produced gel-based electrospun PVA/DES-WK nanofibrous membranes were analyzed using scanning electron mi-croscopy (SEM). Additionally, the PVA/L-Cys: LA DES-WK, which proved to be the most effective DES mixture for fabricating WK gel-based nanofibers, were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and tensile tests. Furthermore, their antioxidant and an-timicrobial abilities were evaluated. The results obtained revealed that this approach to valorize textile waste offers a unique avenue for the development of sustainable functional materials with potential applications in various biomedical and industrial fields.