From Wool to Soap

Selçuk University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine academic Associate Professor Dr. Esat Sami Polat produced soap from keratin obtained from sheep wool within the Ministry of Industry and Technology's "Local Development Initiative," with the support of the university's Technokent.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Polat said he has been working since around 2006 to bring sheep wool into the economy and that these studies led to keratin production from wool.

He noted that keratin is a valuable protein source containing 18 amino acids and is used in cosmetics, medicine, and industry, including applications such as tissue repair and protective coatings.

"91% EQUIVALENT TO HUMAN KERATIN"

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Polat said sheep wool keratin is 91 percent identical to human keratin and can substitute for it, adding that keratin soap can provide cleansing and protective effects on hair and skin, especially against sunlight.