Keratin

Scripps Laboratories is a world-leading producer and supplier of purified human Epidermal Keratin. Please use the link below to view more information and individual product specifications.

Keratin refers to two basic types of protein, hard and soft. Hard keratin is found in hair and contains high levels of cystine, while soft keratin (epidermal keratin) contains substantially lower levels of cystine. As such, epidermal keratin is less stable to alkaline conditions, reducing substances, heat, and proteolytic enzymes than hard keratin. Epidermal keratin comprises more than half the dry weight of human cornified epithelium. The protein is insoluble in water and physiologic buffer solutions. Studies show that keratins are useful in the identification of certain types of tumor.

Keratin isolated by Scripps Laboratories is derived from human epidermis and is composed of three major peptides of molecular weight 55,000 - 70,000. Other subforms can be isolated on request. It is supplied as a liquid in 50mM Tris, 8M Urea, 100mM β-Mercaptoethanol, 0.1% Sodium Azide, ph 8.4 ± 0.1. Protein concentration is determined by a modified Lowry Protein assay (BSA standard).

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