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.
Keywords: cell growth; electrospinning; scaffolds; wool-keratin.