Properties of Partially Extracted Hairs and their Degradability by Proteases

摘要

Protease degradation of the major components in human hair, matrix (Ma) protein and microfibril (Mf) protein, was investigated. Ma protein or Mf protein was extracted partially from human hair and two types of keratins : Ma-rich-fiber and Mf-rich-fiber were prepared. The two keratin-fibers treated with five kinds of proteases, Mf-rich-fiber showed much higher degradation than that of Ma-rich-fiber and the most effective degradation was found when Proteinase K was used. From amino acid analysis, the degradable fraction of the keratin-fibers was similar to Mf protein. Furthermore, the keratin-fibers treated with Proteinase K showed Mf protein degraded appearance.