TLDR Human hair keratin fibers have a detailed nano-scale structure that changes with different conditions.
The study investigated human hair keratin fibers using TEM, solid-state 1H NMR, and TET, revealing that the keratin fiber cortex has a well-defined nano-scale grainy structure, with grains sized 2-4 nm. This structure varied with chemical treatments, temperature, humidity, and physiological factors during fiber production. The findings challenged the view of the matrix as a homogeneous glassy material and suggested that the nano-scale organization of protein chains, likely Keratin Associated Proteins, could be influenced by both chemical and biological processes.
254 citations,
January 2007 in “Chemical Society Reviews” 11 citations,
September 1996 in “Journal of applied polymer science” Potassium cyanide treatment changes hair's disulfide bonds, making it more elastic.
356 citations,
December 1986 in “The journal of cell biology/The Journal of cell biology” Hair and nail cells share similar proteins, indicating a common differentiation pathway.
6 citations,
October 2016 Understanding how keratin structures in hair are arranged and interact is key for creating methods to extract and purify them.
Human hair keratins can self-assemble and support cell growth, useful for biomedical applications.
7 citations,
October 2019 in “Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology” Fusion proteins can protect hair from heat damage.
Acidic sandy clay damages archaeological hair the most, while dry conditions preserve but make it brittle; silicone oil can help keep the hair flexible.
January 2024 in “Molecules (Basel. Online)” Juglone from walnut extracts may help repair damaged hair.
