February 2026 in “International Journal of Biological Macromolecules” In this study, researchers developed a novel periodate oxidation method for extracting keratin micro-units from waste hair and feathers, achieving yields of 31.28% and 20.64% respectively, enhancing the stability of oil-in-water emulsions and suggesting potential for sustainable biomaterial production.
11 citations
,
January 2006 in “Journal of the American Leather Chemists Association” This study investigated multiple alkaline oxidative dehairing systems and found a consistent reaction mechanism for disulfide cleavage across systems, enhancing hair solubilization by enabling structural swelling and water uptake.
September 2025 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” This study observed that exposing human hair keratins to heat or UV treatments led to modifications in cysteine residues, disrupting crucial disulphide bonds and potentially reducing the structural integrity of hair similar to prolonged styling or sunlight exposure.
91 citations
,
December 2000 in “The journal of cell biology/The Journal of cell biology” This study reports that expressed mouse type Ia and type IIa trichocyte keratins were successfully assembled into intermediate filaments in vitro, while also suggesting that disulfide bond cross linking enhances their stability.
April 2024 in “Molecules/Molecules online/Molecules annual” This review discusses the potential of P. polyphylla saponins to treat acne through antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects, noting that acne's complex pathogenesis makes this line of research promising for future studies.