Tripeptide-Loaded Liposomes as Multifunctional Components in Topical Formulations.

Area of Science:

• Dermocosmetics
• Peptide Synthesis
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Dermocosmetics utilize active substances and penetration enhancers for skin issues like hyperpigmentation.
• Bioactive tripeptides with tyrosinase inhibition activity are key ingredients.
• Liposomal delivery systems offer enhanced efficacy and targeted delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize three bioactive tripeptides (CSF, CVL, CSN).
• To encapsulate these tripeptides into liposomes and evaluate their physicochemical properties.
• To assess the skin penetration and retention of liposome-encapsulated tripeptides.

Main Methods:

• Solid-phase synthesis for tripeptide preparation.
• In silico and in vitro elastase inhibition assays.
• Liposome preparation and characterization (size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency).
• Cytotoxicity assays on reconstructed human epidermis.
• Ex vivo human skin penetration studies.

Main Results:

• Synthesized tripeptides CSF, CVL, and CSN confirmed.
• Liposomes (approx. 100 nm) were stable, non-cytotoxic, and achieved 20-30% encapsulation efficiency.
• CSF tripeptide liposomes facilitated epidermal penetration and retention (4.65 ± 1.81 μg/cm²).
• No significant transport into the receptor solution was observed.

Conclusions:

• Liposomes are effective carriers for bioactive tripeptides.
• The developed liposomal system enhances peptide penetration and retention within the epidermis.
• These findings support the use of liposome-encapsulated tripeptides in anti-aging dermocosmetics.