TLDR Papain and bisulfite break down human hair by dissolving parts of it.
The study demonstrated that papain/bisulfite disintegrated the cuticle of human hair by dissolving the endocuticle. Ethanol extraction removed cell membrane material, facilitating enzyme access and accelerating hair disintegration. Additionally, hot ethanol extraction removed a thin electron-transparent layer from the hair surface, likely the epicuticle. The origin and nature of this material were discussed.
Human hair keratins can be turned into useful 3D biomedical scaffolds through a freeze-thaw process.
13 citations,
January 2007 in “International journal of pharmaceutics” Papain cream removes hair better than papain gel, causing hair follicles to widen and skin to thicken.
5 citations,
July 1999 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Proteolytic enzymes damage hair follicles by detaching stem cells.
2 citations,
July 1999 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Proteolytic enzymes damaged hair follicle stem cells in transgenic mice.
July 2024 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Vegan collagen builder improves hair growth, skin smoothness, and reduces wrinkles and pain.
