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Lookup NU author(s): Nikki Li, Professor Catharien HilkensORCiD, Professor Katarina NovakovicORCiD, Dr Keng Wooi NgORCiD, Dr Othman AlmusaimiORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Tetrapeptide-21 (GEKG) has demonstrated anti-aging efficacy. This work emphasises the need for advanced delivery systems beyond conventional topicals and highlights elastin-derived peptides (EDPs) as promising hydrogel-forming carriers due to their self-assembly, crosslinking ability, and sustained bioactive peptide release. First- and second-generation EDPs were designed, synthesised and evaluated for their ability to encapsulate drug molecules. Using the collagen-stimulating tetrapeptide-21 (a bioactive peptide that promotes tissue repair), we assessed their encapsulation and permeation properties. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed uniform nanofibres with a hollow structure, suggesting their potential for molecular scaffolding and sustained drug delivery. Both peptide generations sustained skin permeation of tetrapeptide-21, achieving permeation rates of 7.5 % to 20.9 % over 72 h, compared to 26.6 % for the free drug solution. The second-generation exhibited superior matrix-forming ability, which led to slower skin permeation. This is attributable to the reduced positive charge in the second-generation hydrogels, which enhanced their physical robustness. Given their tuneable release profiles, these hydrogels hold potential not only for cosmetic applications but also for therapeutic uses.
Author(s): Stephenson H, Lim A, Dupuy R, Brun S, Armstrong A, Okunola N, Li NA, Hilkens CMU, Novakovic K, Hills S, Ng KW, Al Musaimi O
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: International Journal of Pharmaceutics
Year: 2026
Volume: 689
Print publication date: 20/01/2026
Online publication date: 18/12/2025
Acceptance date: 10/12/2025
Date deposited: 22/12/2025
ISSN (print): 0378-5173
ISSN (electronic): 1873-3476
Publisher: Elsevier BV
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2025.126490
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2025.126490
Data Access Statement: All other data used in this study are available in the supplementary information.
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