Enhanced Transdermal Absorption of Hyaluronic Acid via Fusion with Pep‐1 and a Hyaluronic Acid Binding Peptide

Abstract It is always big challenges for hyaluronic acid (HA) in transmembrane absorbing and efficient delivering to the skin. Pep‐1, as one of the cell‐penetrating peptides, has been documented to permeate various substances across cellular membranes without covalent binding. Here, a novel hyaluronic acid binding peptide (named HaBP) is designed, and then combined with Pep‐1 to enhance the cell‐penetrating efficiency of HA. The results of ELISA and immunofluorescence assay show that HaBP could bind with HA very well, and a combination of Pep‐1 and HaBP could efficiently improve the transmembrane ability of HA. Furthermore, HA gradually enters the dermis from the surface of the skin in mice when it is administrated with both HaBP and Pep‐1, while there are no obvious allergies or other adverse reactions during this process. This study finds a new method to promote the efficient transmembrane and transdermal absorption of HA, and throws some light on further research on the development of hyaluronic acid and its related cosmetics or drugs.