The conformation of keratin chemically bound to the surface of silica gel particles has been investigated by means of photoacoustic Fourier transform infrared (PA/FT-IR) spectroscopy. On the basis of the peak positions of the amide I and amide II bands, it is concluded that the keratin thin layer assumes the native α-helix form. It is also noted that the PA/FT-IR method is the only feasible method for observing the IR spectra of the very thin layer of keratin coating on the silica gel particles. The diffuse reflectance technique failed to provide any information on keratin, because of the strong spectral artifact due to the specular reflection at the surface of the silica gel.
