| 초록 |
GHK is a naturally occurring copper (II)-chelating tripeptide found in human plasma. GHK (with or without copper) is widely used in cosmetics industry due to its collagen stimulating effects in fibroblasts. There is also a report that copper-free GHK provides stem cell recovering effects in the skin. In this research, biocompatible HA (hyaluronic acid), which is part of the ECM (extracellular matrix) in most mammalian tissues, was used as a GHK storing depot for prolonged release of GHK. The tripeptide was inserted in an amphiphilic 8-mer peptide GHKYYCYY, where the phenol moieties of the tyrosine could be cross-linked to HA-Ty (tyramine-conjugated HA) to form a hydrogel. The peptide and HA-Ty was cross-linked using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and H2O2. When applied to skin wounds, the hydrogel is expected to stay intact with the injured tissue and GHK could be released by in vivo protease cleavage. Thus, synergistic wound healing effects of HA and GHK is expected for fast recovery. |
