Overview

• King’s College London scientists and international collaborators extracted keratin from hair and wool to create three-dimensional scaffolds that mineralize into an apatite-rich, enamel-like coating in vitro.
• The peer-reviewed study in Advanced Healthcare Materials demonstrated crystal formation similar to natural enamel but did not include any animal or human trials.
• Observed benefits include potential sealing of exposed dentine and nerve channels, suggesting a way to reduce sensitivity and protect against decay beyond traditional fluoride.
• The keratin biomaterial is sustainably sourced from biological waste, offering a biocompatible alternative to synthetic resins used in restorative dentistry.
• Investigators estimate 2–3 years to develop a keratin-based dentifrice, contingent on in vivo validation, long-term durability assessments and regulatory approval.