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Redox-Responsive GHK-Conjugated Sponge Spicules for Sustained Dermal Delivery and Enhanced Collagen Synthesis
Won-Kyu Hong1,2, Patrick Po-Han Huang3, Diane Duncan4
1Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
Micromachines
|June 26, 2026
Summary
ALTUM, a novel sponge spicule composite, provides stable and redox-responsive delivery of the GHK peptide for enhanced skin regeneration. This biomaterial improves collagen synthesis and dermal penetration, offering a promising platform for wound repair and anti-aging applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dermal Drug Delivery
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Sponge spicules offer biocompatible scaffolds but lack stable functionalization.
- The peptide GHK promotes collagen synthesis but suffers from poor stability and rapid diffusion.
- Developing advanced delivery systems is crucial for enhancing GHK's therapeutic potential in skin repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop ALTUM, a novel composite for controlled and redox-responsive delivery of GHK.
- To evaluate ALTUM's stability, GHK release kinetics, and efficacy in promoting collagen synthesis.
- To investigate the mechanism of ALTUM-mediated collagen induction in an artificial skin model.
Main Methods:
- Covalent conjugation of GHK to thiol-functionalized sponge spicules via disulfide linkage.
- Assessment of GHK release under physiological, storage, and reducing (glutathione) conditions.
- Evaluation of structural stability (thermal, cyclic, photostability) of the composite.
- In vitro studies using a bioprinted artificial human skin model to assess GHK penetration and collagen deposition.
- Analysis of key signaling pathways (TGF-β/SMAD) involved in collagen synthesis.
Main Results:
- ALTUM demonstrated sustained GHK retention and triggered release upon glutathione exposure.
- The composite maintained structural integrity under various stress conditions.
- ALTUM significantly enhanced GHK dermal penetration and collagen type I deposition in an artificial skin model.
- ALTUM activated the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway, leading to increased collagen production.
Conclusions:
- ALTUM represents a stable, redox-responsive biomaterial platform for enhanced dermal delivery of GHK.
- This composite effectively promotes collagen synthesis and shows potential for skin regeneration and wound healing applications.
- The controlled release and targeted delivery capabilities of ALTUM overcome limitations of conventional GHK formulations.
