Revolutionary Silk Protein Patents Transforming Hair Care: Sericin’s Impact on Beauty

Silk proteins have emerged as game-changing ingredients in the hair care industry, with sericin leading the charge. This blog explores the most influential patents that have shaped the use of silk-derived proteins like sericin, fibroin, and hydrolyzed silk in hair care products. Let’s dive into the innovations that are revolutionising how we care for our hair.

Top Patents Shaping Sericin’s Role in Hair Care

1. US20120164196A1 – Sericin Cationic Nanoparticles for Hair Care : This groundbreaking patent introduces sericin nanoparticles as an active ingredient for damaged hair care and color maintenance in dyed hair[1].

2. EP2442786A1 – Sericin Cationic Nanoparticles for Hair and Dyed Hair : Building on the previous patent, this application focuses on using sericin nanoparticles to enhance gloss, softness, and color retention in hair care formulas[2].

3. US8709455B2 – Sericin Cationic Nanoparticles for Hair Products : This patent further refines the application of sericin nanoparticles in cosmetic formulas, emphasizing their ability to impart gloss and softness to hair[3].

4. US4839165 – Water-based Cosmetic Agent for Hair : An early patent that combines sericin with pelargonic acid as active ingredients in hair care products.

5. US4839168 – Hair Cosmetic Compositions : This patent explores the combination of plant extracts with polypeptide compounds, including silk and its hydrolysates, for hair care applications.

The Science Behind Silk Proteins in Hair Care

Silk proteins, particularly sericin, have gained significant attention in the hair care industry due to their unique properties. Sericin is a globular protein soluble in water, with a molecular weight ranging from 10 to over 300 kDa. It consists of 17 amino acids, with serine (31%), glycine (19.1%), aspartic acid (17.8%), and threonine (8.0%) being the most prevalent[3].

The effectiveness of sericin and other silk proteins in hair care can be attributed to several factors:

1. Cationic nature: Sericin nanoparticles can be formulated with a positive charge, allowing them to bond strongly with the negatively charged surface of hair[3].

2. Film-forming properties: Silk proteins create a smooth, durable film on hair, providing protection against environmental damage and improving overall hair structure[1].

3. Moisture retention: The hydrophilic nature of silk proteins helps to maintain hair hydration, leading to improved softness and manageability.

4. Colour protection: Sericin nanoparticles have shown promise in maintaining colour in dyed hair, extending the life of hair colouring treatments[1][2].

Innovations in Silk Protein Applications

Recent patents have focused on developing novel delivery systems for silk proteins, particularly sericin. The use of nanoparticles has been a significant breakthrough, allowing for better penetration and adherence to hair fibres[1][2][3].

These innovations have led to the development of a wide range of hair care products incorporating silk proteins, including:

• Shampoos and conditioners
• Hair masks and treatments
• Leave-in conditioners
• Hair styling products
• Colour protection formulas

The Future of Silk Proteins in Hair Care

As research continues, we can expect to see even more advanced applications of silk proteins in hair care. Future developments may include:

• Customised silk protein blends for specific hair types and concerns
• Combination of silk proteins with other cutting-edge ingredients for enhanced benefits
• Sustainable sourcing and production methods for silk proteins

By harnessing the power of silk proteins like sericin, fibroin, and hydrolyzed silk, the hair care industry is poised to offer increasingly effective and innovative solutions for consumers seeking healthier, more beautiful hair.

#SilkProteinHairCare #SericinInnovation #HairScienceBreakthrough #SilkAminoAcids #SilkPeptides #FibroinHairCare #HydrolyzedSilk

Citations:

[1] https://patents.google.com/patent/US20120164196A1/en

[2] https://patents.google.com/patent/EP2442786A1/en

[3] https://patents.google.com/patent/US8709455B2/en

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