FAQ

What are keratin proteins?
Keratins are a class of proteins which are present in hair, skin, nails, horns and hooves and are the major component of wool and hair. The main distinguishing feature of keratin is that they are typically characterised by being very high in the element sulphur, and having a relatively high content of the amino acid cystine, which is responsible for crosslinking in the protein and the tough insoluble properties that are fundamental to the structural role that keratins play in nature. Keratins often form structural roles and as such are generally tough and insoluble.

What are keratin proteins?

Keratins are a class of proteins which are present in hair, skin, nails, horns and hooves and are the major component of wool and hair. The main distinguishing feature of keratin is that they are typically characterised by being very high in the element sulphur, and having a relatively high content of the amino acid cystine, which is responsible for crosslinking in the protein and the tough insoluble properties that are fundamental to the structural role that keratins play in nature. Keratins often form structural roles and as such are generally tough and insoluble.

Why are Keratec® keratins different to other keratins?
Keratec® keratins are in a highly functional state. They are purified forms of particular classes of keratin proteins, that perform different roles within keratin materials. Isolating, for example, keratin intermediate filament proteins that make hair strong, or keratin matrix proteins that bind components of hair together, has never been done before. Further, most Keratec® keratins are intact proteins, isolated using a proprietary process that does not hydrolyse the protein bonds. This is important to maintain the specific properties that keratins have. Other keratins are a mix of different classes of keratin proteins that are broken down to the extent that many of their key characteristics are lost. Keratec® keratins are isolated from pure New Zealand wool using processes which guarantee no harm to animals. Other keratins are often isolated from slaughter house waste such as horns and hooves.

Why are Keratec® keratins different to other keratins?

Keratec® keratins are in a highly functional state. They are purified forms of particular classes of keratin proteins, that perform different roles within keratin materials. Isolating, for example, keratin intermediate filament proteins that make hair strong, or keratin matrix proteins that bind components of hair together, has never been done before. Further, most Keratec® keratins are intact proteins, isolated using a proprietary process that does not hydrolyse the protein bonds. This is important to maintain the specific properties that keratins have. Other keratins are a mix of different classes of keratin proteins that are broken down to the extent that many of their key characteristics are lost.

Keratec® keratins are isolated from pure New Zealand wool using processes which guarantee no harm to animals. Other keratins are often isolated from slaughter house waste such as horns and hooves.

What can Keratec® products be used in?
The highly functional state of Keratec® keratin allows the proteins to be used in many innovative ways for very special and novel products. Currently the major product usage is in a wide variety of personal care formulations, such as hair care and skin care applications. Keratec® keratin biopolymers can be used in a wide variety of other applications, in many instances replacing synthetic polymers. Keratec biopolymers are biocompatible with the human body, unlike many synthetic polymers. Applications include medical materials (e.g. bone screws, bone grafts, wound dressings), nutraceuticals and extruded fibres.

What can Keratec® products be used in?

The highly functional state of Keratec® keratin allows the proteins to be used in many innovative ways for very special and novel products. Currently the major product usage is in a wide variety of personal care formulations, such as hair care and skin care applications.

Keratec® keratin biopolymers can be used in a wide variety of other applications, in many instances replacing synthetic polymers. Keratec biopolymers are biocompatible with the human body, unlike many synthetic polymers. Applications include medical materials (e.g. bone screws, bone grafts, wound dressings), nutraceuticals and extruded fibres.

What are biopolymers?
A polymer is a compound consisting of large molecules made up of a linked series of repeated single molecules, which are often called monomers. The term “biopolymers” covers a wide range of naturally occurring molecules including proteins, starch, nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) and cellulose. In the case of proteins such as keratin, the monomer units are amino acids. When there are several amino acids joined together but the molecule is too small to be classed as a protein, then it is often referred to as a peptide.

What are biopolymers?

A polymer is a compound consisting of large molecules made up of a linked series of repeated single molecules, which are often called monomers. The term “biopolymers” covers a wide range of naturally occurring molecules including proteins, starch, nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) and cellulose. In the case of proteins such as keratin, the monomer units are amino acids. When there are several amino acids joined together but the molecule is too small to be classed as a protein, then it is often referred to as a peptide.

Can I get sample products?
To receive samples please contact Keratec directly.

Can I get sample formulations?
Keratec has a number of sample formulations for hair care and skin care products and can also assist in the development of formulations. For more information please contact Keratec directly.

Are you able to provide technical data to generate marketing material?
Yes. Keratec supports its products with strong technical data. Keratec has strong technical links with AgResearch, a research and development company with 40 years experience in keratin fibre science. A number of analytical techniques are available to be used for product testing and the generation of marketing material. For more information please refer to the Services page or contact Keratec directly.

Are you able to provide technical data to generate marketing material?

Yes. Keratec supports its products with strong technical data. Keratec has strong technical links with AgResearch, a research and development company with 40 years experience in keratin fibre science. A number of analytical techniques are available to be used for product testing and the generation of marketing material. For more information please refer to the Services page or contact Keratec directly.

What do you mean by sustainably produced?
Keratec® keratins are derived from pure New Zealand wool, harvested from sheep. The proteins are produced from an agricultural sector guaranteed free from BSE and related disease issues experienced by other parts of the world. In addition, no animals are harmed throughout the Keratec® process.

What do your products cost?
For pricing information please contact Keratec directly or your nearest Croda representative.

What are the advantages of Keratec® keratins over other proteins, such as collagen and vegetable proteins?
There are several advantages to using Keratec® keratin protein. Keratin performs specific roles in the wool, from which Keratec® keratin is sourced, which means it has properties unique to this protein class. As Keratec® keratin is removed in an intact form, the properties are retained. The fact that Keratec® keratin is obtained from wool, a fibre very similar to human hair, has obvious implications in hair care. Furthermore, since Keratec® keratin is obtained from New Zealand wool, there are no issues arising from BSE and related diseases. In addition, Keratec® keratin provides the functionality of animal proteins without harm to animals.

What are the advantages of Keratec® keratins over other proteins, such as collagen and vegetable proteins?

There are several advantages to using Keratec® keratin protein. Keratin performs specific roles in the wool, from which Keratec® keratin is sourced, which means it has properties unique to this protein class. As Keratec® keratin is removed in an intact form, the properties are retained. The fact that Keratec® keratin is obtained from wool, a fibre very similar to human hair, has obvious implications in hair care. Furthermore, since Keratec® keratin is obtained from New Zealand wool, there are no issues arising from BSE and related diseases.

In addition, Keratec® keratin provides the functionality of animal proteins without harm to animals.

Links referenced

contact Keratec: http://www.keratec.co.nz/index.cfm/1,88,0,-1,html/Contact
Services: http://www.keratec.co.nz/index.cfm/1,63,0,-1,html/Services
Croda: http://www.croda.com

Location http://www.keratec.co.nz/index.cfm/1,68,html