Features of the Fatty Acid Profile of Down and Guard Fibers of Felted Wool of the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountain Sheep Breed

The study investigated the fatty acid profile of wool fibers from the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountain sheep breed, focusing on changes during the felting process. Significant alterations were observed in the fatty acid composition of both free and bound internal lipids, particularly in 18-methyleicosanoic acid (18-MEA). In felted wool, 18-MEA decreased in bound lipids but increased in free lipids. The felting process also led to changes in long-chain saturated acids and a decrease in unsaturated fatty acids. These findings highlight the degradation and redistribution of lipid components in wool fibers, with 18-MEA playing a crucial role in maintaining wool's structural integrity and hydrophobic properties, suggesting its potential as a marker for lipid layer damage during felting.