C&T Summit Explores Proteomics to Examine Hair Damage

Protein integrity is an important hallmark of healthy hair, and has a great impact on the cosmetic value of the hair shaft. Hair is comprised of ~80% protein (predominantly α-keratin), and is not regenerative after it exits the scalp. Therefore, protection of the native hair structure on the protein and fiber levels is critical to ensure good cosmetic properties. Mike Davis, principal scientist in the Procter & Gamble (P&G) hair biology group, will explore how to assess protein integrity using proteomics at the Cosmetics & Toiletries Summit, to be held June 26–27, 2014, at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Chemical treatments and heat styling, combined with environmental factors such as UV radiation, can impact the structural integrity of the hair. The accumulation of damage from these factors ultimately weakens the hair fibers and leads to changes such as breakage or split ends. At the molecular level, damage to the hair shaft can lead to the breakdown and/or release of proteins from the hair, which can provide an early diagnostic for damage before it is manifested at the macro-structural level. P&G has deployed the use of 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DGE) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) to evaluate the integrity of hair shaft proteins after different types of styling/grooming insults. In addition, a protein loss method allows researchers to quantify the relative amount of hair damage across different hair substrates and insult types, and correlate protein loss to consumer perception of hair damage. These concepts will be illustrated during the C&T Summitpossible, in part, through the support of its sponsors.

About Mike Davis

Davis earned his bachelor's of science degree in forensic chemistry from Ohio University. He has been with Procter & Gamble for 14 years, having first joined the company as a researcher in the cardiovascular department of P&G Pharmaceuticals in 1998. Prior to joining P&G, he conducted research in heart failure, coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis as a member of the Division of Cardiology at the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine. In relation, he published 20 original research articles, and is the inventor on two patents in the area of cardiovascular research.

About Cosmetics & Toiletries Summit

The Cosmetics & Toiletries Summit features academic level, award-winning speakers who were chosen to present forward-thinking science and theory applicable to cosmetics R&D. The sessions will range from insights encompassing all product categories, to specific sun/skin and hair related tracks, to ensure the content is relevant and applicable. (Read more about this all-star cast of speakers.) For more information and to register, visit Summit.CosmeticsandToiletries.com.

Cosmetics & Toiletries Summit thanks its sponsors for their generous support:

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