Tetrapeptide-76 is a synthetic peptide composed of alanine, cysteine, leucine, and lysine, widely used in various cosmetic products for its anti-aging and skin-repairing properties. It is known for its ability to enhance skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and promote cellular regeneration.

Peptides, natural and synthetic, have the ability to activate an immunomodulatory action by interacting with the cells of the immune system (1).

Chemical Composition and Structure

Tetrapeptide-76 is a synthetic peptide consisting of a sequence of four amino acids: alanine (Ala), cysteine (Cys), leucine (Leu), and lysine (Lys). This specific peptide sequence contributes to its bioactive properties, improving cellular communication and collagen production in the skin.

Physical Properties

Tetrapeptide-76 typically appears as a white or off-white powder. It is soluble in water, making it suitable for inclusion in various cosmetic formulations such as serums, creams, and lotions. Its chemical stability and compatibility with other active ingredients make it a versatile component in skincare formulations.

Industrial Production Process

• Preparation of reagents. The main raw materials include the amino acids alanine, cysteine, leucine, and lysine, as well as reagents necessary for peptide synthesis such as protecting reagents and activation reagents.
• Protection of amino acids. The amino acids are protected using specific protective groups to prevent undesired reactions during synthesis. For example, amine groups can be protected with the Fmoc (fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl) group and carboxyl groups with the t-butyl (tBu) group.
• Activation of amino acids. The protected amino acids are activated for the peptide coupling reaction. This can be achieved using coupling reagents such as HBTU (N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-O-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)uronium hexafluorophosphate) or DIC (diisopropylcarbodiimide).
• Peptide synthesis. The synthesis of the tetrapeptide is carried out sequentially. The initial amino acid is fixed to a solid support (resin) and the subsequent amino acids are added one at a time through coupling reactions. Each cycle includes activation of the amino acid, coupling with the previous amino acid, and removal of the protective group.

Coupling of alanine: The protected alanine is activated and coupled to the resin.

Coupling of cysteine: The protected cysteine is activated and coupled to alanine.

Coupling of leucine: The protected leucine is activated and coupled to cysteine.

Coupling of lysine: The protected lysine is activated and coupled to leucine.

• Removal of protective groups. After all amino acids have been coupled, the protective groups are removed to release the tetrapeptide from the resin.
• Purification. The crude tetrapeptide is purified using techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to remove any impurities and obtain a pure product.
• Drying. The purified tetrapeptide is dried to remove residual solvents and obtain a dry product.
• Quality control. The purified tetrapeptide undergoes rigorous quality testing to ensure it meets standards for purity and safety. These tests include amino acid sequence analysis, mass spectrometry, and chromatography.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

• Hair conditioning agent. A significant number of ingredients with specific and targeted purposes may co-exist in hair shampoo formulations: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, matting agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersants that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioning agents includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners. They can perform their task generally accompanied by other different ingredients.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications

Anti-Aging Products: Tetrapeptide-76 is widely used in anti-aging products for its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis. It helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, improving skin firmness and elasticity.

Serums and Essences: In serums and essences, Tetrapeptide-76 acts as a powerful regenerating agent. It enhances cellular regeneration and tissue repair, making the skin smoother and more radiant.

Creams and Lotions: It is included in moisturizing creams and lotions to improve skin texture and provide a plumping effect. Its ability to penetrate deeper skin layers contributes to prolonged hydration and a youthful appearance.

Eye Treatments: Tetrapeptide-76 is ideal for use in eye creams and gels due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous properties. It helps reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines around the eyes.

Safety

Tetrapeptide-76 is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products. It is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, it is always important to use it according to recommended guidelines to ensure product safety and efficacy. As a synthetic peptide, it is biodegradable and poses minimal risk to the environment when disposed of properly.

References__________________________________________________________________________

(1) Werner GH. Natural and synthetic peptides (other than neuropeptides) endowed with immunomodulating activities. Immunol Lett. 1987 Dec;16(3-4):363-70. doi: 10.1016/0165-2478(87)90170-2. 

Abstract. A large number of peptides, in most cases of low or relatively low molecular weight, exert immunomodulating activities, i.e., they interact in vitro with various cell populations of the immune system and, in vivo, enhance or depress, according to the case, cell-mediated and humoral immune functions. Immunomodulating peptides include glycopeptides from the bacterial cell wall, natural acyloligopeptide ciclosporin, peptidic hormones from the thytide cyclosporine, peptidic hormones from the thymus, peptidic fragments of immunoglobulins and other plasma proteins, as well as peptides isolated from food proteins. An amazing diversity of structure exists among the various immunomodulating peptides. The molecular mechanisms of interaction between these peptides and the cells of the immune system remain, in most cases, to be elucidated. Possibilities of therapeutic applications exist for many of these immunomodulating peptides: one of them (ciclosporin) is widely used as an immunosuppressive drug, several others (glycopeptides, lipopeptides, tuftsin, thymic peptides) are under clinical investigation as immunostimulating and/or immunorestoring agents.