In vitro phosphorylation as tool for modification of silk and keratin fibrous materials

An overview is given of the recent work on in vitro enzymatic phosphorylation of silk fibroin and human hair keratin. Opposing to many chemical "conventional" approaches, enzymatic phosphorylation is in fact a mild reaction and the treatment falls within "green chemistry" approach. Silk and keratin are not phosphorylated in vivo, but in vitro. This enzyme-driven modification is a major technological breakthrough. Harsh chemical chemicals are avoided, and mild conditions make enzymatic phosphorylation a real "green chemistry" approach. The current communication presents a novel approach stating that enzyme phosphorylation may be used as a tool to modify the surface charge of biocompatible materials such as keratin and silk

Hair Straightening and Hair Dyes: Facts and Controversies

Hair dyes and hair relaxers are hair care products commonly used to change hair color and shape, respectively. Very popular among patients, these products may be self-applied as a home care treatment or by a professional hair stylist at the hair salon. These products can cause adverse reactions, particularly after improper use. In this chapter, we discuss hair straightening products and hair dyes, their mode of action, recommendations, and possible side effects