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Usage

Uses

Used in Analytical Applications:
Keratin is used as an analyte and a cross-reactant in the antibody-immobilized chip for testing selectivity coefficients. It is also used as a standard in extracellular matrix (ECM) protein in in vitro protein degradation assays and as a standard in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Used in Cosmetics:
Keratin is used as a surface-protective agent with film-forming and moisturizing action. It is often used in cosmetics for its moisture-retention and protective effect, helping to maintain the health and appearance of the skin and hair.

Benifits for Skin

Keratins are epithelial-specific intermediate filaments and play an important cytostructural role in cells, in addition to cell functions such as motility, proliferation, and apoptosis. They also have a protective role for epithelial cells, helping cells contend with environmental stressors such as mechanical insults. There are over 50 different types of keratin proteins, highly conserved across mammals. Disorders in keratin production often results in hyperkeratosis, or thickening of SC due to trauma. Topical keratins have been shown to reduce the degree of keratodermas. Keratin can be extracted from human hair or sheep’s wool, and is commonly used in skin moisturizers and topical hair strengthening agents.Many studies have been conducted to show the beneficial effects of keratin on skin renewal. Woolderived keratin has recently been shown to stimulate keratinocyte migration as well as types IV and VII collagen expression in fibroblasts. This shows that treatment with keratin results in rejuvenation of the epithelium as well as strengthening of the epithelial basement membrane. A new keratin-based hydrogel was used on a patient with epidermolysis bullosa, and resulted in improved robustness of skin and healing.115 A randomized trial comparing 3% keratin to control showed that keratin is effective on disturbed skin.116 Another study showed that topical keratin treatment leads to higher skin elasticity and capacitance. Keratins conjugated to liposomes made of internal wood lipids are more effective than topical aqueous solutions.Studies have also been conducted on the topical application of synthetic fibronectin-like peptides. These, like keratin, smoothed the skin surface and also reduced hyperpigmentation of the skin.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Keratins are important for the mechanical stability and integrity of epithelial cells and tissues. Some keratins also have regulatory functions and are involved in intracellular signaling pathways, e.g. protection from stress, wound healing, and apoptosis. This diverse group of cytoskeletal scaffolding proteins form intermediate filament networks which provide structural support to keratinocytes that maintain the integrity of the skin. Expression of keratin genes is usually regulated by differentiation of the epidermal cells within the stratifying squamous epithelium.