Crosslinking Structure of Keratin: Number and Type of Crosslinks in Microstructures of Untreated and Potassium Cyanide Treated Human Hair

    September 1996 in “ Journal of applied polymer science ”
    Sachio Naito, Kozo Arai, Mitsushige Hirano, Naotsugu Nagasawa, Munenori Sakamoto
    TLDR Potassium cyanide treatment changes hair's disulfide bonds, making it more elastic.
    The study investigated the crosslinking structure of keratin in human hair, focusing on the effects of potassium cyanide (KCN) treatment. It was found that KCN selectively converted disulfide (SS) bonds to monosulfide (S) crosslinks. The treated hair exhibited rubberlike elasticity when swollen in a specific solution. Analysis revealed that SS to S conversion occurred initially in low-sulfur (LS) proteins, while high-sulfur (HS) proteins showed faster SS bond scission. The study determined the percentage of different crosslinks in LS and HS proteins, with LS proteins having 27.0% intermolecular SS, 39.0% intermolecular X, and 34.0% intramolecular SS + X links, and HS proteins having 11.9% intermolecular SS and 88.1% intramolecular SS links. The total number of crosslinks in hair was 627 μmol/g, with LS and HS proteins contributing 13.8% and 86.2%, respectively.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 101 results

      community 1ish year on fin and no improvement

      in Is this regrowth?  86 upvotes 1 month ago
      The user has been using finasteride for over a year without improvement and recently started oral minoxidil. Suggestions include trying dutasteride and continuing minoxidil for potential regrowth.

      community Keratin fibers vs. Gossypium Herbaceum Hair fibers

      in Product  1 upvotes 2 months ago
      The conversation is about comparing keratin hair fibers to Gossypium Herbaceum hair fibers for diffuse hair loss. The user prefers keratin fibers for their durability and is seeking a bulk purchase option.

      community Keratin microspheres - breakthrough

      in Research/Science  13 upvotes 8 months ago
      A gel of keratin microspheres promotes hair follicle growth, showing similar effectiveness to minoxidil in mice. The treatment activates hair growth pathways and reduces inflammation, with potential applications in drug delivery for hair-related disorders.

      community Discussion: Keratin Microsphere Results

      in Treatment  32 upvotes 8 months ago
      Keratin microspheres may offer additional mechanisms to combat hair loss compared to minoxidil. The process to create these microspheres is relatively simple and can be done at home with basic equipment.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results