Related Experiment Videos
In pursuit of ceruminolytic agents: a study of earwax composition
C N Burkhart1, C G Burkhart, S Williams
1Department of Biosciences, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, USA.
Objective:
To assess the protein and simple sugar content of earwax in pursuit of better ceruminolytic agents.
Study Design:
Collected earwax specimens were tested in several media for dissolution before being analyzed for amino acid and carbohydrate content.
Patients:
The samples were obtained from eight random patients requiring ear plug removal.
Results:
The amino acid composition differs considerably from hair and stratum corneum of glabrous skin. Sugar analysis revealed high levels of galactosamine and galactose.
Conclusions:
This analysis of proteins and carbohydrates further characterizes earwax. Future ceruminolytic agents must dissolve lipid, keratin, and a monolayer of lipid covalently bound to the epidermal cells, which encourages cellular aggregation.