Degradation of Human Hair by Papain

Abstract

Papain/bisulfite is shown to disintegrate the cuticle of human hair by dissolution of the endocuticle. Ethanol extraction removes cell membrane material, which is presumed to allow increased access of the enzyme and hence speed disintegration of the hair. In addition it has been shown that a thin layer of electron transparent material is also removed from the surface of the hair by hot ethanol extraction. It is suggested that this component of the fiber may be regarded as the epicuticle described previously. The origin and nature of this material is discussed.