Tomas Bata University in Zlin 1 article published in JoVE Biochemistry Preparation of Keratin Hydrolysate from Chicken Feathers and Its Application in Cosmetics Pavel Mokrejš1, Matouš Huťťa1, Jana Pavlačková2, Pavlína Egner2 1Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, 2Department of Fat, Tenside and Cosmetics Technology, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín The goal of the protocol is to prepare keratin hydrolysate from chicken feathers by alkaline-enzymatic hydrolysis and to test whether adding keratin hydrolysate into a cosmetics ointment base improves skin barrier function (heightening hydration and diminishing transepidermal water loss). Tests are conducted on men and woman volunteers.