Keratin protein enhances specific types of collagen in humans: Research

The University of Miami, pointing to the enhanced wound healing and anti-wrinkle treatment, said that keratin protein from sheep wool stimulates expressions of specific types of collagens in humans.

Particular keratin proteins that are isolated from New Zealand wool encouraged skin cell growth in model wounds and expressions of particular collagens that are necessary for the development of healthy skin structure, according to the ‘Wool-derived keratin stimulates human keratinocyte migration and types IV and VII collagen expression’ article in peer reviewed journal Experimental Dermatology.

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine chief scientific officer Rob Kelly said that collagen 4 and collagen 7 are essential for a strong dermal epidermal junction in the skin.

US-based developer and manufacturer of keratin products Keraplast Technologies, taking the research results into account, said that the study backs up marketing claims for skin wound repair and anti-aging applications.

Replicine Functional Keratin maker also said that it has undertaken significant medical research over many years and believe the peer review scientific publication to be of the gold standard in validating new knowledge.

The researchers said that the findings could have significant implications for companies that market a range of topical skin care products, including anti-wrinkle treatments and anti-aging treatments.

Keraplast Technologies said that the protein’s wound healing properties can be used in a number of cosmetic applications that include over-the-counter wound healing creams and post cosmetic surgery topical products.