Observation of Different Human Hair Keratin Groups with Scanning Electron Microscopy

The study aimed to observe the surface and section structures of human hair keratin (HHK) to determine morphological characteristics of different dissolution speed groups using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Human hairs were treated with biochemical reagents to create man-made tendons categorized into fast (F), mid (B), and slow dissolution speed groups. Results showed significant morphological changes: in the F group, many hair cuticles scaled off, and microfilaments fused and disappeared; in the B group, some cuticles scaled off, and microfilaments were turbidly lined, with changes between the F and Z groups. The study concluded that each HHK type had distinct morphological features, allowing successful clinical application. Clinical experiments confirmed that HHK eventually dissolved, with collagen fibers substituting them to form self-tendons.