Human hair is an essential part of our body, and it is essential to study its properties to understand various health conditions. One of the critical components of human hair is melanin, which is responsible for the hair’s color. Melanin is also a crucial factor that determines skin color. Melanin has several applications in the medical, cosmetic, and scientific industries. In this article, we will discuss how to extract melanin from human hair.
What is Melanin?
Melanin is a pigment that gives color to our hair, skin, and eyes. The production of melanin is controlled by an enzyme called melanin synthase, and it is synthesized in specialized cells called melanocytes. There are two types of melanin, eumelanin, and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for black and brown hair colors, whereas pheomelanin is responsible for red and blonde hair colors.
Why Extract Melanin From Human Hair?
Melanin has several applications in the medical, cosmetic, and scientific industries. It is used in the production of hair dyes, sunscreens, and cosmetics. Melanin has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties making it useful in the treatment of several medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Method of Melanin Extraction from Human Hair
There are various methods to extract melanin from human hair. Here, we will discuss in detail an effective and cost-effective method using Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide.
Materials Required
Human Hair
Hydrochloric Acid (HCL)
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
Distilled Water
Beaker
Filter Paper
Funnel
Procedure
Take approximately 10 gms of human hair in a beaker.
Add 100 ml of distilled water to the beaker containing human hair.
Add 10 ml of aqueous hydrochloric acid (HCL) to the solution, followed by stirring with a glass rod.
Heat the mixture for 2-3 hours in a heating mantle or hotplate until the human hair dissolves into the solution.
The resultant solution turns dark brown, indicating the presence of melanin in the solution.
Let the solution cool down to room temperature.
Add 20 ml of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to the cooled solution carefully.
The pH of the resultant solution increases, and the melanin in the solution precipitates out.
Filter the precipitated melanin using filter paper and funnel.
Wash the precipitated melanin with 50 ml of distilled water.
The obtained melanin can be measured using a spectrophotometer or by calculating the yield (melanin mg/ gram of hair).
Conclusion
The extraction of melanin from human hair is essential to understand its properties and its utilization in various industries. The above-described method is a cost-effective approach to extract melanin from human hair. The extracted melanin can be used for several purposes, including cosmetic and medical applications.
Important Note
It is crucial to take necessary precautions while handling Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide. Both are highly corrosive and can cause severe burns and damage to the skin and eyes. It is always recommended to wear gloves and goggles while handling these chemicals.
How to Extract Melanin From Human Hair
How to Extract Melanin From Human Hair?
Human hair is an essential part of our body, and it is essential to study its properties to understand various health conditions. One of the critical components of human hair is melanin, which is responsible for the hair’s color. Melanin is also a crucial factor that determines skin color. Melanin has several applications in the medical, cosmetic, and scientific industries. In this article, we will discuss how to extract melanin from human hair.
What is Melanin?
Melanin is a pigment that gives color to our hair, skin, and eyes. The production of melanin is controlled by an enzyme called melanin synthase, and it is synthesized in specialized cells called melanocytes. There are two types of melanin, eumelanin, and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for black and brown hair colors, whereas pheomelanin is responsible for red and blonde hair colors.
Why Extract Melanin From Human Hair?
Melanin has several applications in the medical, cosmetic, and scientific industries. It is used in the production of hair dyes, sunscreens, and cosmetics. Melanin has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties making it useful in the treatment of several medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Method of Melanin Extraction from Human Hair
There are various methods to extract melanin from human hair. Here, we will discuss in detail an effective and cost-effective method using Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide.
Materials Required
Procedure
Conclusion
The extraction of melanin from human hair is essential to understand its properties and its utilization in various industries. The above-described method is a cost-effective approach to extract melanin from human hair. The extracted melanin can be used for several purposes, including cosmetic and medical applications.
Important Note
It is crucial to take necessary precautions while handling Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide. Both are highly corrosive and can cause severe burns and damage to the skin and eyes. It is always recommended to wear gloves and goggles while handling these chemicals.