Evaluation and formulation of Spirulina platensis proteins for potential applications in hair care products
Date
2024-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type
Article
Publisher
Springer Nature
Series Info
Discover Applied Sciences;Volume 6, Issue 4April 2024 Article number 151
Scientific Journal Rankings
Abstract
Spirulina platensis, a blue-green algae belonging to family Phormidiaceae, is well-known for its unique nutritional profle
and high protein content. This study aims to isolate its proteins, formulate them into a cream and evaluate its potential
as a hair treatment. S. platensis were collected from Nuweiba, Egypt and its protein was extracted, analyzed and used to
prepare a cream. The cream was applied on natural hair strands compared to a control cream containing no protein. Both
hair strands groups were observed via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM),
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy,
as well as, thermal analysis tests including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Diferential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).
The SEM images of the test group showed more intact cuticle with the absence of cracks and holes, also, the TEM images
showed stronger non-porous cuticle compared to the control group. The AFM images of the test group was smoother
with lower roughness average and step height compared to the control group. On the other hand, the raman spectra
showed diferent band intensities for disulfde bonds and C-S bonds as well as increased number of b sheet conformations in the test group which is responsible for the smoothing efect. The thermal analysis tests revealed a clear diference between both groups as an indication of improved keratin structure on the test group. S. platensis proteins could
be introduced as a potential candidate for hair care products.
Description
Keywords
Atomic force microscopy; Differential scanning calorimetry; Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy; Raman spectroscopy; Scanning electron microscopy; Thermogravimetric analysis; Transmission electron microscopy