J Struct Biol 2021 03 10;213(1):107679. Epub 2020 Dec 10.
KAO European Research Laboratories, KAO Germany GmbH, D-64297 Darmstadt, Germany. Electronic address:
Utilising the AFM nanoindentation technique for the study of hair cross- and longitudinal sections, the mechanical anisotropy of human hair fibres affected by a rare congenital condition, Monilethrix, has been investigated for the first time. Supported by X-ray microdiffraction data, and applying a model based on an ideal composite material consisting of rods (KIFs) and matrix (KAPs) to Monilethrix affected fibres, it has been shown that the results could be grouped into clearly different classes, namely: almost isotropic behaviour for Monilethrix affected hairs and anisotropic behaviour for Control hair. Moreover, AFM nanoindentation of hair cross sections has demonstrated, also for the first time that hairs affected by Monilethrix have a continuous, and not periodic, weakness within the cortex. Read More