Silk Proteins Showdown: Fibroin vs Sericin – Which Reigns Supreme in Hair Care?

In the world of hair care, two silk-derived proteins have been making waves: fibroin and sericin. But which one is truly the crown jewel for your luscious locks? Let’s dive into the silky smooth details!

The Structural Showdown

Fibroin and sericin, while both hailing from the humble silkworm, have distinct structural differences that set them apart:

Fibroin: The Tough Guy

• Comprises 70-80% of silk[2]
• Consists of a heavy chain (~390 kDa) and a light chain (~26 kDa)[4]
• Forms stable anti-parallel β-sheet crystallites[4]
• Provides stiffness and strength to silk fibres[4]

Sericin: The Glue That Binds

• Makes up 20-30% of silk[2]
• Composed of 18 different amino acids, with 32% being serine[2]
• Usually has a random coil structure, but can convert to β-sheet conformation[2]
• Acts as a protective coating and adhesive for fibroin fibres[2][4]

The Green Extraction Challenge

As we become more environmentally conscious, the extraction processes for these proteins are under scrutiny:

Fibroin Extraction:

• Traditional method uses lithium bromide (LiBr), which has environmental concerns[7]
• High water consumption and energy usage in LiBr-based dissolution[7]
• Green alternatives like NaOH and deep eutectic solvents are being explored[7]

Sericin Extraction:

• Often considered a waste product in the sericulture industry[8]
• Researchers are developing energy-efficient, chemical-free extraction methods[8]
• Potential for strong economic, social, and environmental impact in sericulture-practising countries[8]

The Hair Care Heavyweight Match

When it comes to hair care, both proteins bring their A-game:

Fibroin:

• Excellent affinity to keratin (hair’s main component)
• Forms robust protective layers on hair fibers
• Provides lubrication and smoothness

Sericin:

• Superior moisture retention properties
• Boosts keratin production
• Improves hair elasticity and reduces breakage
• Offers anti-aging benefits for hair and scalp

The Verdict

While both proteins offer fantastic benefits for your tresses, sericin seems to have a slight edge due to its superior moisture retention and wider range of benefits. However, the dream team combination of both proteins might just be the ultimate hair care solution!

Remember, whether you choose fibroin, sericin, or a dynamic duo of both, you’re treating your hair to the luxurious power of silk. So go ahead, indulge in some silky smooth hair care and let your locks shine!

Hashtags: #SilkProteins #HairCareRevolution #FibroinVsSericin #SilkPeptides #HydrolyzedSilk #GreenBeauty #HairHealth #SustainableBeauty

Citations:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10003638/

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sericin

[3] https://www.cosetex.it/en/silk-fibroin-and-sericin/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5372488/

[5] https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Extraction-of-fibroin-protein-from-Bombyx-mori-silk-cocoon_fig1_271301579

[6] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371236967_Extraction_and_Characterization_of_Sericin_from_Cocoon_of_Four_Different_Silkworm_Races_Bombyx_Mori_L

[7] https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4983/14/4/230

[8] https://ej-chem.org/index.php/ejchem/article/view/134

---