Proteomics of hair: effects of pH on the hair shaft
Evaluating the effect pH has on the hair fibre is important to develop better shampoos that can improve the hair texture and mechanical properties. There has been little investigation into the characterisation of hair shaft proteins and the effect pH exposure has on them. Past research has shown,...
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| Format: | Final Year Project |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nanyang Technological University
2023
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| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/10356/165760 |
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| Institution: | Nanyang Technological University |
| Language: | English |
| Summary: | Evaluating the effect pH has on the hair fibre is important to develop better
shampoos that can improve the hair texture and mechanical properties. There has
been little investigation into the characterisation of hair shaft proteins and the effect
pH exposure has on them. Past research has shown, however, that there is no advised
range of shampoo pH. In this study, hair shaft fragments were immersed in a range of
pH solutions (pH 3 to 12) for 15 to 30 minutes to mimic hair wash and several
characterisation techniques were used to study the effect it has on the hair shaft and
the cuticular and keratin-associated proteins. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
was used to investigate the effect pH had on the hair morphology. A total of 350
SEM images were taken and analysed against a scale measuring the degree of cuticle
lifting and flaking. The results showed that pH greater than 7 presented greater
overall surface damage. The samples also underwent protein identification and
quantification through liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and the results
showed a greater abundance at acidic pH. This preliminary research can conclude
that a lower pH is recommended for shampoos. |
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