Excessive UV radiation is one of the most common factors contributing to skin damage, manifesting as desquamation, inflammation, and even the development of skin cancer. Collagen has been developed for the treatment of photodamaged skin; however, the risk of pathogen transmission and its limited ability to penetrate the skin barrier have significantly restricted its clinical applications. Transdermal nano collagen, a type of short synthetic collagen, has attracted growing attentions for its ability to mimic the structure and function of natural collagen, while its applications in skin repair dressings remain unexplored. Herein, we have for the first time developed a novel type of transdermal nano collagen dressing (TNCD) for accelerated healing of photodamaged skin. The TNCD was formulated using the transdermal nano collagen, GRR2, as the efficacious ingredient, exhibiting highly stable physical and chemical properties. DermaLab Combo evaluations revealed that, compared to commercial collagen dressings, TNCD significantly accelerated the recovery of skin density, erythema index, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in damaged skin to levels comparable with healthy skin. Histological analyses further confirmed that TNCD effectively repaired photodamaged skin by promoting the regeneration of collagen fibers. Transdermal nano collagen dressings present promising strategies for improving collagen absorption through the skin and promoting wound healing, with significant market potential in the field of advanced skincare products.
Yi Yang,Bei Tian,Yi Xie,Peng Liu,Linyan Yao,Jianxi Xiao
Excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure can lead to sunburn, characterized by skin barrier damage, inflammation, pain, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Recombinant collagens have gradually attracted attention due to their high purity, low immunogenicity, batch-to-batch consistency, and excellent solubility. Additionally, the type of dressing significantly affects wound repair. Gels are ideal for sunburn treatment because they maintain a moist environment, adhere firmly, and do not need to be removed. Herein, we have created bioactive triple-helical recombinant collagen (THRC) gels for improved healing of sunburned skin. The THRC gels remained stable after a three-month stability test, displaying a rheological behavior characteristic of non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluids. In vivo skin irritation tests conducted on New Zealand rabbits demonstrated that THRC gels were safe for use. A sunburned mice model was established to study the biological effects of THRC gels. Non-invasive combo evaluations indicated that THRC gels exhibited an exceptional capability of recovering dermis density, erythema index (EI), hydration, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of sunburned skin to a healthy state. Histological observations revealed that THRC gels significantly enhanced the repair of damaged skin by accelerating the recovery process, promoting collagen deposition and regeneration. Molecular biological characterizations further demonstrated their remarkable antioxidant properties, including the inhibition of lipoperoxidation and the enhancement in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activities. These safe and bioactive recombinant collagen gels provide a novel approach for sunburn repair and show potential for long-term cosmetic benefits.