Modulating Mesenchymal Stem Cell Behavior Using Human Hair Keratin-Coated Surfaces

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Stem Cell Biology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) hold therapeutic promise but face limitations due to low abundance and in vitro expansion challenges.
• Current methods for hMSC expansion are hindered by donor variability and difficulties in maintaining stem cell characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of human hair keratin as a biomaterial for enhancing hMSC expansion in vitro.
• To evaluate the effect of keratin-coated surfaces on hMSC attachment, proliferation, and stemness markers.

Main Methods:

• Human hair keratins were extracted and used to coat tissue culture polystyrene surfaces.
• hMSCs from two donors were cultured on both keratin-coated and non-coated surfaces.
• Cell attachment, STRO-1 expression, and colony-forming efficiency were assessed.

Main Results:

• Keratin coatings created a homogeneous, hydrophilic surface with nanosized keratin globules.
• Keratin-coated surfaces reduced donor-to-donor variability in cell attachment compared to standard surfaces.
• STRO-1 expression was maintained or increased, leading to significantly higher colony-forming efficiencies after serial passaging.

Conclusions:

• Human hair keratins provide a feasible, abundant biomaterial alternative to animal-derived materials for hMSC culture.
• Keratin coatings effectively moderate the cellular microenvironment, promoting the enrichment of hMSCs with high colony-forming potential ex vivo.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for improving hMSC expansion for clinical applications.