keratincovered
Keratincovered is a term used to describe an object, surface, or tissue that is covered with keratin, a family of fibrous structural proteins. Keratin-covered tissues owe their durability and protective properties to keratin, which is produced by specialized epidermal cells and becomes a tough, cross-linked outer layer through keratinization. In vertebrates, keratin occurs in different forms: alpha-keratin in mammals, which makes up hair, nails, and the outer skin layer; beta-keratin in birds and reptiles, forming feathers, claws, beaks, and scales.
Keratincovered surfaces can be natural, such as human skin or nails and bird feathers, or artificial, when
Properties and limitations: Keratin is relatively insoluble, resistant to proteolysis, and can be crosslinked by disulfide
Sourcing and sustainability: Keratin materials are commonly derived from animal byproducts such as feathers, wool, and