Studies suggest Matrixyl is a peptide that may smoothen skin and mitigate aging wrinkles in the skin's surface. The research on its potential effectiveness is ongoing. Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 is another name for this peptide. Researchers speculate conjugation with Palmitoyl may improve stability against skin proteases and provide uniform distribution over the skin.
The synthetic peptide Matrixyl is being studied for its potential to increase collagen formation in the skin. A matrikine may influence cellular processes by binding to receptors on target cells. As bodies age, they create less collagen, which may result in wrinkles and drooping skin since collagen is a protein that helps give the skin its structure and flexibility. Research suggests Matrixyl's potential to boost collagen formation has been linked to its potential for reversing the outward indications of skin aging.
Matrixyl Peptide Research
Matrixyl Peptide and Collagen Synthesis
Research data suggests Matrixyl may function as a signal peptide fragment of the type I collagen C-terminal propeptide. The research team suggests it may work by sending signals to fibroblasts, which "stimulates feedback regulation of new collagen synthesis and ECM proteins." Connective tissue contains fibroblasts, a kind of cell. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a protein and carbohydrate network that gives tissues and organs their shape and provides them with structural support. Collagens, elastins, fibronectins, and laminins are the primary proteins that make up the extracellular matrix. Collagen, the primary structural protein in the extracellular matrix, is made and secreted by fibroblasts. Tissues and organs rely on collagen for its tensile strength, crucial for their continued health and function. Fibroblasts deposit new collagen fibers to replace dead or damaged tissue during wound healing. The correlation between self-assembly and collagen synthesis was indicated by the speculation that Matrixyl may stimulate collagen formation in a concentration-dependent manner around the threshold aggregation concentration. Peptide self-assembly [ii] involves many interactions, including hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, aromatic interactions (- blending), and van der Waals forces.
Matrixyl Peptide and Wrinkles
Studies suggest Matrixyl may have an anti-wrinkle potential owing to its effect on fibroblasts and collagen formation. For 12 weeks, 93 test subjects were presented with Matrixyl-containing moisturizer to half of the skin in the study area and a placebo control to the other half. [iii] The trial results suggested the peptide appeared more effective than a placebo in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, and other improvement criteria were also noted in evaluations, as the authors observed.
The potential of Matrixyl to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes was the focus of another investigation. Test subjects with moderate to severe periorbital wrinkles were recruited in two randomized, controlled, split investigations. Researchers noted that after 4 weeks with the peptide, the appearance of bigger wrinkles was reduced, and the periorbital skin was smoother.
Matrixyl Peptide and Scars
Matrixyl was the subject of one research study examining its effects on fibroblast contractility and its involvement in scar formation. [iv] It has been suggested that Matrixyl may inhibit the trans-differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and decreases -SMA (alpha-smooth muscle actin) expression. Researchers have suggested that alpha-smooth muscle actin (-SMA) is a protein in many types of smooth muscle cells. Myofibroblasts, specialized cells that aid in wound healing and tissue repair, are also thought to exhibit this. The production of -SMA by myofibroblasts is linked to the accumulation of excessive collagen and scar tissue formation in the setting of fibrotic scarring.
Matrixyl Peptide and Tissue Restoration
Matrixyl's potential to speed up wound recovery was examined in single animal research study. For 21 days, researchers tracked the progress of seven sets of animal subjects. [v] The Matrixyl groups with the highest concentrations showed the most promise for promoting wound healing compared to the control group. According to the study's authors, "the macroscopic results suggested that wound healing was improved from 63.5 to 81.81% in groups compared to that in the negative control group."
Matrixyl for online purchase is strictly restricted to professional researchers. The website biotechpeptides.com is a reputable supply source for licensed researchers seeking to purchase peptides for laboratory work. None of the substances discussed here are approved for ingestion by humans or animals. The information and research studies cited in this article is intended for informational purposes only.
References
[i] Choi, Y. L., Park, E. J., Kim, E., Na, D. H., & Shin, Y. H. (2014). Dermal Stability and In Vitro Skin Permeation of Collagen Pentapeptides (KTTKS and palmitoyl-KTTKS). Biomolecules & therapeutics, 22(4), 321–327. https://doi.org/10.4062/biomolther.2014.053
[ii] Jones, R. R., Castelletto, V., Connon, C. J., & Hamley, I. W. (2013). Collagen stimulating effect of peptide amphiphile C16-KTTKS on human fibroblasts. Molecular pharmaceutics, 10(3), 1063–1069. https://doi.org/10.1021/mp300549d
[iii] Robinson, L. R., Fitzgerald, N. C., Doughty, D. G., Dawes, N. C., Berge, C. A., & Bissett, D. L. (2005). Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin. International journal of cosmetic science, 27(3), 155–160. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2005.00261.x
[iv] Park H, An E, Cho Lee AR. Effect of Palmitoyl-Pentapeptide (Pal-KTTKS) on Wound Contractile Process in Relation with Connective Tissue Growth Factor and α-Smooth Muscle Actin Expression. Tissue Eng Regen Med. 2017 Jan 19;14(1):73-80. doi: 10.1007/s13770-016-0017-y. PMID: 30603464; PMCID: PMC6171572.
[v] Kachooeian, M., Mousivand, Z., Sharifikolouei, E., Shirangi, M., Firoozpour, L., Raoufi, M., & Sharifzadeh, M. (2022). Matrixyl Patch vs Matrixyl Cream: A Comparative In Vivo Investigation of Matrixyl (MTI) Effect on Wound Healing. ACS omega, 7(28), 24695–24704. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.2c02592
