Application of TCEP on the wool keratin

The history of the wool dissolution and reduction of the disulphide groups in wool keratin by Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine(TCEP) has been studied.Considering the advantages and disadvantages of reducing agent,the advantages and reduction mechanism are described.With TCEP the reduction is apparently specific and nearly quantitative.Only a slight excess of this reductant is required.TCEP has a strong selection for reduction of disulfide bonds.TCEP can cause reduction of disulphides to thiols over a wide pH range.TCEP is now widely employed as a reductant of disulfide bonds in a variety of peptide,protein,and cellular systems and chelating agent,complexant agents.The major chemical component of the wool fiber is keratin protein,TCEP is widely employed for component analysis,modification and dissolution.