British researchers have discovered that keratin, a protein found in hair, skin and wool, can repair tooth enamel and stop early stages of decay.
The King’s College London (KCL) team of scientists discovered that keratin produces a protective coating that mimics the structure and function of natural enamel when it comes into contact with minerals in saliva.
In their study, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, the scientists extracted keratin from wool.
They discovered that when keratin is applied to the tooth surface and comes into contact with the minerals naturally present in saliva, it forms a highly organised, crystal-like scaffold that mimics the structure and function of natural enamel.
Over time, this scaffold continues to attract calcium and phosphate ions, leading to the growth of a protective enamel-like coating around the tooth.
This marks a significant step forward in regenerative dentistry, says KCL.
“Keratin offers a transformative alternative to current dental treatments. Not only is it sustainably sourced from biological waste materials like hair and skin, it also eliminates the need for traditional plastic resins, commonly used in restorative dentistry, which are toxic and less durable,” said KCL researcher and study first author Sara Gamea, PhD.
“Keratin also looks much more natural than these treatments, as it can more closely match the colour of the original tooth.”
As concerns grow over the sustainability of healthcare materials and long-term fluoride use, this discovery positions keratin as a leading candidate for future dental care.
The research also aligns with broader efforts to embrace circular, waste-to-health innovations, transforming what would otherwise be discarded into a valuable clinical resource.
Gamea added: “This technology bridges the gap between biology and dentistry, providing an eco-friendly biomaterial that mirrors natural processes.”
