An attempt is made to isolate the microfibrils by the oxidation, reduction, and chymotryptic digestion of the orthocortical cells obtained by ultrasonication of Merino wool in formic acid. Oxidative and reductive treatments appear to be severe and degradative, damage the microfibrils, modify certain amino acids in the isolated microfibrils, and dissolve an excessive amount of keratinous protein. By contrast, a mild chymotryptic digestion coupled with a short ultrasonication separated a fine fibrous material with a minimum dissolution of a keratinous protein and with a liberation of a small amount of globular protein.
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