TLDR Lead can help reveal and organize lipids in human hair.
The study revealed that the organized fraction of lipids in human hair consisted of fatty acid bilayers, partly in the form of calcium soaps. Lead fixation on these lipids significantly enhanced the diffraction pattern, showing a strong orientation of these soaps parallel to the hair axis. This suggested that lead ion treatment could be a novel tool for revealing the presence and organization of lipids in hair, with potential applications in medical, environmental, and archaeological contexts.
31 citations
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December 2002 in “Biochimica et biophysica acta. G, General subjects/Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects (Online)” The research found two types of calcium in human hair, one that varies among individuals and another that is consistent across people.
17 citations
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June 2001 in “Journal of the National Cancer Institute” A specific hair diffraction pattern may indicate breast cancer if tested with the correct method.
53 citations
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September 1999 in “Journal of Synchrotron Radiation” Keratinous tissues have multiple structural layers, including ordered keratin and lipid granules.
19 citations
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March 1961 in “Nature” A fatty acid/protein complex in human hair helps protect it from damage.
21 citations
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March 2018 in “American Journal Of Pathology” Mutations in NIPAL4 cause skin issues by disrupting lipid layers, but some improvement is seen with topical treatment.
365 citations
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March 2021 in “Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology” Nanocarriers can improve drug delivery through the skin by overcoming barriers.
Nanocarriers with plant extracts show promise for safe and effective hair growth treatment.
15 citations
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August 2020 in “Analytical chemistry” Hair lipids do not protect against humidity.
5 citations
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December 2023 in “Materials” Organic and biogenic nanocarriers can improve drug delivery but face challenges like consistency and safety.
