Enhancing Biological Activity in Skin Repair with a Transdermal Peptide-Recombinant Type III Collagen Hydrogel

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Dermatology

Background:

• Skin wound healing involves complex cellular and matrix remodeling processes.
• Type III collagen (COL3A) is crucial for early tissue repair but faces stability and delivery challenges.
• Current treatments often lack efficient delivery of key regenerative molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a stable and effective transdermal delivery system for recombinant type III collagen (hCOL3A).
• To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of a novel transdermal peptide-hCOL3A hydrogel in promoting skin wound healing.
• To assess the impact of enhanced collagen bioavailability on tissue regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of a sterile hydrogel using carbomer, trehalose, propylene glycol, triethanolamine, and transdermal peptide-hCOL3A.
• Confirmation of protein integrity using SDS-PAGE analysis.
• Evaluation of therapeutic efficacy in a full-thickness skin defect mouse model.

Main Results:

• The developed hydrogel exhibited uniform structure and favorable physical properties.
• Transdermal peptide-hCOL3A hydrogel significantly accelerated wound closure compared to control.
• Faster reduction in wound area and improved healing progression observed within 7-8 days.

Conclusions:

• The transdermal peptide-hCOL3A hydrogel effectively enhances skin wound healing.
• The formulation improves collagen bioavailability and supports tissue regeneration.
• This study presents a promising biomaterial strategy for advanced skin repair.