In Situ Synthesis of Keratin and Melanin Chromophoric Submicron Particles

In humans, melanin plays an esthetic role, dictating hair and skin color traits, while keratin is the protein that comprises most of epidermis layer. Eumelanin pheomelanin are types synthesized from same building blocks via enzymatic oxidation. Pheomelanin has additional block, cysteine amino acid, which affects its final structure. Keratin contains high content, by exploiting free thiols in hydrolyzed keratin, we demonstrate formation keratin–melanin (KerMel) chromophoric submicron particles. Cryo-TEM analyses found KerMel particle sizes to be 100–300 nm arranged form a central with polymerized l-dopa chains. Attenuated total reflection (ATR)-FTIR, UV–vis, fluorescence measurements identified new chemical bonds, indicating Finally, replicated natural tones proved cytocompatibility for human epidermal keratinocytes at concentrations below 0.1 mg/mL. Taken together, novel, tunable material potential integrate into cosmetic industry.