Topical Metal Peptide Complexes for Skin Aging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current skincare products fail to effectively address the visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, loss of skin firmness, and hydration, due to limitations in modulating collagen synthesis and metalloproteinase activity, which are key factors in skin aging.

Innovation Solution

A topical composition comprising potassium, zinc, calcium, or rubidium, combined with peptides like acetyl hexapeptide-3 (Argireline), applied in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle, which downregulates protease activity, stimulates collagen synthesis, and enhances skin hydration, thereby improving skin texture and appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional skincare products are used, then basic skin care functions are maintained, but they fail to effectively address visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and loss of skin firmness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in addressing aging signsVSAvoidcollagen synthesis modulation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines trace metals (zinc, copper, manganese) with peptides and phosphorous donors to create metal peptide complexes. These composite structures enable simultaneous modulation of multiple metalloenzymes involved in collagen synthesis and degradation, providing enhanced anti-aging efficacy that neither component could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple active ingredients (trace metals, peptides, phosphorous donors) into a single topical composition that works synergistically. The metal ions coordinate with phosphorous donors and peptides to form complexes that collectively modulate metalloenzyme activity, addressing multiple aging pathways simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If trace metals are applied topically, then metalloenzyme modulation is achieved, but skin penetration and delivery efficiency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetalloenzyme modulation efficacyVSAvoidtopical delivery efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses phosphorous donors as intermediary molecules that facilitate the delivery of trace metals to target metalloenzymes. These phosphorous compounds act as carriers that enhance skin penetration and controlled release of metal ions, improving delivery efficiency while maintaining enzymatic modulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention modifies the chemical parameters of trace metals by coordinating them with phosphorous donors and peptides. This coordination changes the solubility, stability, and penetration characteristics of the metal ions, enabling effective topical delivery while preserving their biochemical activity against metalloenzymes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If collagen synthesis is stimulated, then skin firmness and elasticity improve, but protease activity and collagen degradation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin firmnessVSAvoidcollagen degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the same metalloenzymes that degrade collagen (matrix metalloproteases) as targets for inhibition. By applying trace metal complexes topically, the invention suppresses the activity of these degradative enzymes, converting their potentially harmful effect into a beneficial anti-aging outcome while allowing beneficial collagen synthesis to proceed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates localized modulation of enzyme activity at the skin level. The metal peptide complexes selectively inhibit metalloproteases in the dermis where collagen degradation occurs, while leaving collagen synthesis pathways intact. This localized action preserves skin firmness without triggering compensatory degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composition significantly reduces wrinkle formation, improves skin elasticity, and enhances skin hydration, leading to a more youthful and plump appearance by inhibiting SNARE complex formation and catecholamine release, as demonstrated in clinical trials.

Implementation Method 1

stimulates collagen synthesis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollagen synthesis:

Implementation Method 2

modulation of metalloenzymes such as Superoxide Dismutase, Elastase, Tyrosinase, Matrix metalloproteases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMetalloenzyme modulation:

Implementation Method 3

inhibiting SNARE complex formation and catecholamine release

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSNARE complex inhibition:

Implementation Method 4

downregulates protease activity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProtease activity downregulation:

Data Source

PatentUS11160745B2Methods and compositions for topical delivery for skin care

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 PILANT GREGORY P

AI summary

The present invention provides a topical composition for application to a keratinous tissue comprising a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; one or more selected from potassium, zinc, calcium, rubidium disposed in the cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; and one or more peptides disposed in the cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.