Dual-function supramolecular system of α-hydroxy acid-based ionic liquids and peptides for enhanced anti-aging transdermal delivery

Abstract

This work developed a dual-function supramolecular co-assembly system based on malic acid-derived ionic liquid (BMa) and acetyl hexapeptide-8 (AHP-8) for enhanced anti-aging transdermal delivery. The system alleviates dynamic wrinkles by inhibiting neurotransmitter release and repairs static wrinkles by promoting collagen production. In vitro transdermal studies showed that the 24-h cumulative permeation of AHP-8 in BMa/AHP-8 was 3.10 times that of free AHP-8. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that BMa reduces the free energy barrier for AHP-8 permeation mainly due to the interactions between cations and the lipid matrix. Cellular assays demonstrated that BMa/AHP-8 significantly increased collagen I production by regulating the TGF-β pathway and inhibited acetylcholine release more effectively than AHP-8 alone. Clinical trials indicated that the subjects using the BMa/AHP-8 facial cream experienced a greater reduction in wrinkle number, length, and area after 28 days than those using AHP-8 monotherapy. This research provides a novel transdermal delivery approach for developing non-invasive, highly effective anti-aging cosmetic formulations.

Graphical abstract: Dual-function supramolecular system of α-hydroxy acid-based ionic liquids and peptides for enhanced anti-aging transdermal delivery

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
14 Mar 2025
Accepted
30 Jun 2025
First published
04 Jul 2025

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article

Dual-function supramolecular system of α-hydroxy acid-based ionic liquids and peptides for enhanced anti-aging transdermal delivery

Z. Wang, L. Zhang, B. Wang, M. Wang and J. Zhang, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D5TB00580A

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