Peptide Extract for Skin Microflora Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a compound or composition that does not depend on cell cultures requiring special care and handling, and can be produced cost-effectively, with a low effective dose for both cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, particularly for treating and preventing inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis without stimulating pathogenic microorganisms.
Innovation Solution
A peptide with a specific tripeptide sequence, where an amino acid residue is covalently bound to the side-chain of another amino acid, is used to stimulate the growth of healthy skin microflora like Staphylococcus epidermidis while inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms like Staphylococcus aureus, produced using lactic acid bacteria like Lactobacillus species.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microorganisms (Lactobacillus species) are used to stimulate growth of healthy skin microflora, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of production and handling increases due to special care requirements for cell cultures
Solution Approach 1:
The active peptide component is extracted from the microorganism system. Instead of using whole Lactobacillus cell cultures that require special handling, the invention isolates and uses only the active peptide substance (e.g., Lactobacillus ferment extract or specific peptides like Lys2-Lys-Lys(Boc)-OH) that produces the desired beneficial effects, eliminating the complexity of maintaining live cell cultures while preserving treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a simplified version of the microorganism's action by using synthetic or fermentation-produced peptides that replicate the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus species without requiring the complex biological systems. The peptide compositions copy the essential functional activity of the microorganisms in a more manageable form
2Reliability
If cell cultures are used for production, then the biological activity is maintained, but the production cost increases due to special care and handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, long-term maintenance cell cultures with inexpensive, stable peptide substances that can be produced through simple fermentation or synthesis. The peptide extracts (e.g., Lactobacillus ferment extract) can be produced in large quantities at low cost and stored without special conditions, eliminating ongoing cultivation costs while maintaining biological activity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and biological parameters of the active ingredient from live microorganisms requiring controlled conditions to stable peptide molecules that can be produced under simpler conditions. This parameter change from biological organisms to molecular extracts enables cost-effective production while preserving the essential biological activity needed for treating skin conditions
3Reliability
If higher doses are used to ensure effectiveness, then the treatment reliability is improved, but the amount of substance required increases leading to higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the peptide sequence and structure to maximize biological activity per unit mass. By using specifically designed peptide sequences (e.g., tetrapeptides with specific amino acid compositions) and controlled fermentation extracts, the active concentration is enhanced, allowing effective treatment at lower doses compared to using whole cell cultures or less optimized peptide preparations
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 peptide effectively treats and prevents inflammatory skin conditions by promoting a healthy skin microflora balance, reducing inflammation and preventing pathogenic growth, making it suitable for both therapeutic and cosmetic use with a cost-effective production method.
Implementation Method 1
produced using lactic acid bacteria like Lactobacillus species
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a peptide of the following formula (I) X1(X2)-X3-X4 or a salt or solvate thereof, wherein is an amino acid comprising two or more NH-functionalities, and X2, X3, and X4 are, independently from one another, an amino acid residue, and wherein the salt or solvate is preferably a physiologically acceptable salt or solvate.