Early use of PbS nanotechnology for an ancient hair dyeing formula.
Lead-based chemistry was initiated in ancient Egypt for cosmetic preparation more than 4000 years ago. Here, we study a hair-dyeing recipe using lead salts described in text since Greco-Roman times. We report direct evidence about the shape and distribution of PbS nanocrystals that form within the hair during blackening. It is remarkable that the composition and supramolecular organization of keratins can control PbS nanocrystal growth inside a hair.
Walter
Philippe
P
Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France CNRS UMR171,14 quai François Mitterrand, 75001 Paris, France. philippe.walter@culture.gouv.fr
Welcomme
Eléonore
E
Hallégot
Philippe
P
Zaluzec
Nestor J
NJ
Deeb
Christopher
C
Castaing
Jacques
J
Veyssière
Patrick
P
Bréniaux
René
R
Lévêque
Jean-Luc
JL
Tsoucaris
Georges
G
D001106:Archaeology / Q000379:methods; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods; D004534:Egypt; D006197:Hair / Q000737:chemistry*; D006202:Hair Dyes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins / Q000737:chemistry*; D007854:Lead / Q000737:chemistry*; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D010316:Particle Size; D013440:Sulfides / Q000737:chemistry*
D006202:Hair Dyes; D013440:Sulfides; C018391:lead sulfide; D007854:Lead; D007633:Keratins