A Fatty Acid/Protein Complex in Human Hair

A study on human hair identified a protective fatty acid/protein complex that maintains hair integrity during papain digestion. This complex, soluble in alcohol but not in non-polar solvents, was isolated using electrophoresis in dilute acetic acid. It consists of 20-30% fatty acid and 60-70% protein, with high lysine content and minimal cystine. The complex reduces hair breakdown when applied to alcohol-extracted hair, suggesting its protective role is not due to enzyme inactivation. The complex's behavior in varying pH levels indicates it is positively charged in acidic solutions, with its isoelectric point aligning with normal proteins.