The Transdermal Inhibition of Melanogenesis by a Cell-Membrane-Permeable Peptide Delivery System Based on Poly-Arginine
March 2014
in “
Biomaterials
”
TLDR A new skin-whitening agent using a peptide from wheat is safe and effective at reducing skin pigmentation.
The document describes a study that developed a novel transdermal peptide delivery system using an 11-arginine (11R) peptide to inhibit melanogenesis in the skin. The researchers screened 28 peptides and identified one, derived from gliadin protein in wheat (Peptide No. 10), as the most effective when fused to 11R. This combination showed no cytotoxicity and significantly reduced melanin synthesis in B16 4A5 melanoma cells and in a UV-induced sun-tanning guinea pig model, suggesting its potential as a safe skin-whitening agent. The study concluded that the 11R-No. 10L peptide is a promising candidate for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications to inhibit melanogenesis and whiten skin.