Biomimetics Through Bioconjugation of 16-Methylheptadecanoic Acid to Damaged Hair for Hair Barrier Recovery

November 2024 in “ Scientific Reports ”

Sang-Hun Song, H.-S. Park, Byung Tack Lim, Seong Kil Son

16-methylheptadecanoic acid 18-methyleicosanoic acid biomimetics bioconjugation lipid barrier carbodiimide reaction X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy gas chromatography/mass spectrometry time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry differential scanning calorimetry

TLDR 16-MHA can restore damaged hair's protective barrier and moisture balance.

The study explores a biomimetic approach to restore the lipid barrier of damaged hair by bioconjugating 16-methylheptadecanoic acid (16-MHA) to hair from which 18-methyleicosanoic acid (18-MEA) was removed. Using techniques like X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, researchers confirmed that 16-MHA mimics 18-MEA. The bioconjugation process involved a carbodiimide reaction, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry verified that 16-MHA remained on the hair surface after washing. Differential scanning calorimetry and moisture content evaluation showed that hair treated with 16-MHA regained properties similar to virgin hair, indicating restored structural integrity and moisture balance.

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