Novel Applications of CE-ICP-MS/MS: Monitoring of Antiaging GHK-Cu Cosmetic Component Encapsulation in Liposomes

The hyphenation of the separation technique with the high-sensitive mass spectrometry detection is one of the driving forces of modern analysis enabling measurements in complex matrices. In particular, capillary electrophoresis coupled to inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry allows for speciation analysis of selected analytes with a superior resolution. The mild, physiological-friendly conditions of this separation technique offer the unique advantage of analyzing chemical entities in their intact form, which has been successfully exploited in various areas. Herein, we report the pioneering application of such a hyphenated technique in the cosmetic field to investigate the encapsulation of copper tripeptide complex (GHK-Cu) in liposomes. By monitoring copper and phosphorus signals, the formation of liposomes via a simple ethanol injection method was confirmed, and the concentration of GHK-Cu in the liposomes was assessed. The application of coupling of capillary electrophoresis with inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS/MS) in cosmetic studies could lead to the development of diverse liposomal formulations with preferential properties and expand their accessibility.