Lipidated peptide nanostructures for stabilizing hydrogels with sustained skincare bioactivity.

Summary

A palmitoylated peptide (Pal-KVK) self-assembles into helical ribbon superstructures that stabilize hydrogels and enable sustained release, enhancing skin penetration and peptide stability. Embedding Pal-KVK aggregates in a gelatin matrix yielded a composite hydrogel mask with consumer-validated anti-wrinkle and moisturizing benefits.

Key Findings

• Pal-KVK self-assembles from lamellae to double-layer lamellae and helical ribbon superstructures forming a stable hydrogel.
• Self-assembled structures provide sustained release of Pal-KVK with enhanced skin penetration and biocompatibility.
• Embedding Pal-KVK aggregates in gelatin yields a composite hydrogel mask with prolonged skincare efficacy.
• Consumer dermatological evaluations demonstrated anti-wrinkle and moisturizing benefits of the Pal-KVK/gelatin hydrogel mask.

Clinical Implications

Suggests a path to longer-lasting topical benefits with fewer applications, supporting development of hydrogel masks/patches that improve adherence and outcomes in cosmetic dermatology.

Limitations

• Lack of randomized, controlled clinical trials and unspecified consumer sample size
• Long-term safety, stability under real-world conditions, and batch-to-batch reproducibility not fully addressed

Future Directions

Conduct randomized controlled trials versus standard creams/serums, quantify in vivo skin pharmacokinetics, and assess manufacturability and regulatory compliance for cosmetic use.