Vitamin-hybrid peptide for dermal niche control

Here, we tried to develop a new concept ‘hybrid peptide’ which is vitamin B7 (Biotin) conjugated hexapeptide. This new hybrid peptide shows new efficacy for very strong collagen synthesis despite no efficacy with either the vitamin or the peptide alone. Moreover, via evaluation on a 3D skin model, we saw potential that its signals not only impart direct activity on fibroblasts, but also indirect efficacy though epidermal keratinocytes. Then, we tested cell to cell communication with keratinocyte cultured medium after treatment of the hybrid peptide. The efficacy was confirmed that this hybrid peptide can stimulate keratinocyte and enhance cell signalling to the dermal niche of the papilla area. 

In conclusion, the hybrid peptide can show original molecular properties as well as new efficacy. This hybrid technology with a well-known molecule is a good direction to take in order to offer a safe, well-known property but with innovative, added value efficacy for next generation dermocosmetics. 

Currently, many functional peptides are developed and applied in medical and cosmetic products. These peptides are composed mainly of simple straight amino acid chains that partially mimic a sequence of an existing protein or a slightly modified structure such as with acetic acid capping for higher stability and/or with fatty acids for penetration enhancement. To get stronger efficacy, researchers are developing new sequences or new structures. In this way we can find new peptides such as pseudopeptide, peptoid, cryptide in pharmaceutical areas.