TLDR Heating hair proteins changes their structure and may improve their blood clotting ability.
The study investigated the effects of thermal treatments on the structural changes and hemostatic properties of proteins extracted from human hair. By separating keratin and keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) and subjecting them to various temperatures (37°C to 90°C), researchers found that higher temperatures altered the secondary structures of these proteins and enhanced their ability to precipitate fibrinogen in a fibrin clotting assay. This suggests that hair proteins extracted at higher temperatures may have improved hemostatic capabilities, making them potential candidates for advanced hemostatic agents.
20 citations,
September 2018 in “Journal of colloid and interface science” Modified keratin binds better to hair, especially bleached hair.
23 citations,
January 2015 in “Stem cells international” Coating surfaces with human hair keratin improves the growth and consistency of important stem cells for medical use.
115 citations,
August 2014 in “Jo'jig gonghag gwa jaesaeng uihag/Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine” Human hair keratin can be used in many medical applications.
47 citations,
September 2011 in “Acta biomaterialia” Protein composition greatly affects the function of keratin biomaterials.
517 citations,
February 2010 in “Materials” Keratin from hair and wool is used in medical materials for healing and drug delivery.
1 citations,
June 2023 in “International journal of biological macromolecules” Human hair proteins can help blood clot when mixed in equal parts.
4 citations,
January 2015 in “Journal of microbial & biochemical technology” Biotin helps regulate proteins in the blood, which may explain its role in hair growth.
6 citations,
February 2021 in “Proteins” Researchers found that the most reachable bonds in wool fibers are near the ends of certain proteins, which help stabilize the fiber's structure.
11 citations,
April 2022 in “Biophysical Journal” Disulfide bonds in keratin fibers break more easily under stress, especially when wet, affecting fiber strength.
May 2024 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Disulfide bonds are crucial for hair's strength, especially when wet.
