Dermal Peptide Delivery

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Reinhard Neubert
• Subject Area: Pharmacy
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 275955092

Because of their hydrophilic properties and high molecular weight compared to small molecules Peptides are mostly unable to penetrate the stratum corneum, the biophysicalic barrier of the human skin. Therefore, they have not been used in dermato-pharmacy and therapy so far. Aim of this project is to investigate how penetration of peptide agents into the skin can be enhanced, in order to be able to use these agents in topical therapy. Tetrapeptides will be used as model peptides after tests of their stability. The followings tests are performed on intact as well as damaged skin regarding penetration enhancing:1. Incorporation into colloidal carrier systems2. Application of penetration enhancer molecules.This project will be realized by interdisciplinary cooperation in between dermatologists, pharmacists and chemists. The results of this project will be the basis for further dermato-pharmaceutical studies with the objective to use oligopeptides and proteins with high molecular mass in transdermal therapy for specific skin disorders.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Johannes Wohlrab