Hydrolyzed Barley Protein refers to a product obtained by breaking down the proteins found in barley into smaller peptide fragments and amino acids. 

The name defines the structure of the molecule

• Hydrolyzedrefers to the process of breaking down a compound using water. In the context of proteins, hydrolysis involves breaking the peptide bonds that link amino acids together. The process makes the protein more water-soluble and easier to use in various applications, including food, cosmetics, and hair care products.
• Barley Protein. Barley is a grain rich in proteins. The protein content in barley can vary, and it contains essential amino acids that can be beneficial for health and skin.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Barley protein: Extracted from barley grains, a nutrient-rich cereal.
• Enzymes: Used to break down the protein into smaller peptides during the hydrolysis process.

Step-by-step industrial chemical synthesis process

• Extraction of barley protein: The proteins are extracted from barley grains using physical or chemical methods.
• Hydrolysis: The extracted proteins are subjected to hydrolysis using specific enzymes, breaking down the proteins into peptides and amino acids.
• Purification: The hydrolyzed mixture is purified to remove impurities and undesired substances.
• Drying: The purified mixture is dried to obtain a powder containing the hydrolyzed barley protein.
• Quality control: A quality check is performed to ensure that the product meets the required standards.
• Packaging: Hydrolyzed barley protein is ready for use as an ingredient in food, cosmetics, or dietary supplements.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Hair conditioning agent. A significant number of ingredients with specific and targeted purposes may co-exist in hair shampoo formulations: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, matting agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersants that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioning agents includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners. They can perform their task generally accompanied by other different ingredients.

Commercial applications

Skin products: Used in creams and lotions for their ability to moisturize and improve skin's elasticity.

Hair products: Found in shampoos, conditioners, and hair treatments, where they contribute to strengthening, moisturizing, and adding shine to the hair.

Properties

Moisturizing: Hydrolyzed barley proteins help retain moisture in the skin and hair, improving hydration.

Strengthening: They can increase hair's resistance to damage, making it stronger and less prone to breakage.

Elasticizing: They can improve the elasticity of the skin, making it firmer and more youthful.

Medical

Nutritional Supplements: Hydrolyzed Barley Protein is often used as a source of protein in nutritional supplements. Its constituent amino acids may be beneficial in certain medical scenarios, such as in patients with malnutrition or those who have difficulty digesting whole proteins.

Skin Care: Some studies have explored the application of hydrolyzed barley protein in skin care products. The peptides and amino acids in hydrolyzed barley protein may help moisturize and nourish the skin, promoting healing and providing anti-aging effects. There might be potential applications in the treatment of certain skin conditions, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Gastrointestinal Health: Barley itself is known for its high fiber content and potential gastrointestinal health benefits. The hydrolyzed form might be used in specific medical diets or as a therapeutic aid for individuals with digestive disorders.

Allergenicity Considerations: It is worth noting that hydrolyzed barley protein might not be suitable for individuals with barley or gluten allergies. Care must be taken when considering its use in medical applications for these populations.

Potential Development in Drug Delivery: There might be potential for hydrolyzed barley protein in the development of novel drug delivery systems, using the protein as a carrier for medication, although this is likely to be in early stages of research.