A team of scientists at King’s College London has developed a sustainable biomaterial derived from hair that may provide a new method for rebuilding tooth enamel.
In a recent study in Advanced Healthcare Materials, the researchers describe how a structural protein found in hair, known as keratin, can form a durable, enamel-like coating that shields teeth from erosion and early decay.
The findings open the door to new toothpaste formulas and dental treatments that could help teeth regenerate enamel rather than simply slowing its loss. This approach could shift standard dental hygiene practices from preventive methods toward actual repair.
Enamel Wears Down, But Doesn’t Grow Back
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it forms only once, before teeth emerge. Unlike bone, enamel has no living cells to repair damage. Over time, everyday wear from acidic foods and drinks, teeth grinding, or inconsistent brushing gradually thins this protective layer, leaving nerves exposed and increasing tooth sensitivity.
Dentists often use fluoride to strengthen enamel or apply composite resin to fill in damaged areas. While these treatments can help, they do not restore the tooth’s original structure. With this in mind, the King’s College team set out to find a way for teeth to rebuild their own natural barrier.
A Scaffold for Mineral Growth
The researchers extracted keratin from wool and applied it to tooth surfaces in the lab. When keratin was mixed with a solution mimicking the calcium and phosphate-rich environment of saliva, its structure changed.
The keratin molecules organized themselves into tiny filaments, creating a scaffold that attracted calcium and phosphate ions. Over time, these minerals crystallized on the scaffold, forming a layer that closely resembled natural enamel.
Since the process uses minerals already present in saliva, the keratin acts as a trigger for natural repair rather than as an artificial patch. The material gives the tooth a framework to build on, allowing the mouth’s own chemistry to complete the repair.
Stronger Protection Than Fluoride
In laboratory tests, the keratin-based coating protected teeth from decay more effectively than fluoride toothpaste. The mineralized layer also sealed tiny channels in the tooth, blocking signals that cause pain from temperature or pressure.
This barrier helped prevent early tooth decay and significantly reduced sensitivity, two of the main problems caused by enamel loss. The coating formed a dense layer that continued to protect the tooth even after repeated exposure to acids.
The researchers envision two main uses for this technology. One is a daily toothpaste containing keratin particles to encourage enamel regrowth; the other is a concentrated gel that dentists could apply in the clinic, similar to a fluoride varnish.
If development remains on track, companies could launch the first consumer products powered by this technology within the next few years.
From Waste to Treatment
Keratin isn’t particularly hard to come by, as it is abundant in waste materials such as hair clippings, wool, and other natural fibers. Additionally, turning it into a medical-grade protein requires less energy than producing the synthetic resins or plastics commonly used in dental treatments.
The appearance of keratin is also already similar to natural enamel, so the coating blends in well with the tooth’s color. Its natural compatibility with the body could also reduce the need for resin fillings, which can break down or release microplastics over time.
A Step Toward Regenerative Dentistry
The study points to a shift toward biomaterials that help tissues rebuild themselves rather than just offer mechanical fixes. In modern dental practice, most treatments focus on prevention or patching. A material fostering enamel-like growth represents a step toward organic regeneration.
A toothpaste made from this material could lower sensitivity, decrease the risk of cavities, and even strengthen and regrow enamel. Since enamel damage cannot be reversed, even minor repairs could have lasting benefits for oral health.
“This technology bridges the gap between biology and dentistry, providing an eco-friendly biomaterial that mirrors natural processes,” noted PhD researcher Sara Gamea.
“We are entering an exciting era where biotechnology allows us to not just treat symptoms but restore biological function using the body’s own materials,” lead author Dr. Sherif Elsharkawy concluded. “With further development and the right industry partnerships, we may soon be growing stronger, healthier smiles from something as simple as a haircut.”
Austin Burgess is a writer and researcher with a background in sales, marketing, and data analytics. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, as well as a certification in Data Analytics. His work combines analytical training with a focus on emerging science, aerospace, and astronomical research.