Biomimetic Amino Acids are synthetically derived compounds that mimic the natural amino acids found in human skin and hair. These amino acids play a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration, elasticity, and overall health. Biomimetic Amino Acids are often incorporated into cosmetic formulations for their skin-conditioning, moisturizing, and repairing properties. They help to strengthen the skin's natural barrier, enhance moisture retention, and improve the texture of the skin and hair.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Biomimetic Amino Acids include:
- Essential Amino Acids: Such as lysine, arginine, and threonine, which are vital for protein synthesis and skin repair.
- Non-Essential Amino Acids: Including glycine, alanine, and serine, which contribute to hydration and skin texture.
- Peptides: Short chains of amino acids that can penetrate the skin and provide additional benefits.
The composition and structure of Biomimetic Amino Acids allow them to effectively interact with the skin and hair, promoting hydration and repair.
Physical Properties
Appearance: Typically a clear to slightly cloudy liquid or powder.
Solubility: Generally soluble in water; compatibility with various cosmetic ingredients may vary.
pH: Generally neutral, around 5-7, suitable for skin applications.
Odor: Usually odorless or with a very mild scent.
Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions; should be kept away from excessive heat and moisture.
Production Process
Synthesis: Biomimetic Amino Acids are synthesized through chemical processes that replicate the structure and function of natural amino acids found in the skin and hair.
Purification: The synthesized amino acids undergo purification to remove any impurities and ensure high quality.
Formulation: Purified Biomimetic Amino Acids are incorporated into various cosmetic and personal care products to enhance their effectiveness.
Applications
Medical: Occasionally used in topical formulations for their skin-repairing and soothing effects.
Cosmetics: Commonly found in moisturizers, serums, conditioners, and hair treatments for their hydrating and conditioning benefits. They improve the overall health and appearance of the skin and hair.
Industrial Uses: Can be employed in formulations requiring active ingredients that promote skin and hair health.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Biomimetic Amino Acids are generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics when applied according to recommended guidelines. They are well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Responsible sourcing and formulation practices are essential to ensure that the ingredients are free from harmful contaminants and produced sustainably.
References__________________________________________________________________________
Wang ZX, Xiang JC, Cheng Y, Ma JT, Wu YD, Wu AX. Direct Biomimetic Synthesis of β-Carboline Alkaloids from Two Amino Acids. J Org Chem. 2018 Oct 5;83(19):12247-12254. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.8b01668.
Abstract. The increasing importance of enzyme mimics in organic synthesis inspired us to design a novel biomimetic synthesis of β-carboline alkaloids directly from tryptophan and a second amino acid. This novel one-pot protocol utilizes abundant and readily available starting materials and thus presents a green and user-friendly alternative to conventional methods that rely on stepwise synthesis. Driven by molecular iodine and TFA, decarboxylation, deamination, Pictet-Spengler reaction, and oxidation reactions proceeded sequentially, transforming biomass amino acids into value-added alkaloid motifs.
Saumya, V., Prathish, K. P., & Rao, T. P. (2011). In situ copper oxide modified molecularly imprinted polypyrrole film based voltammetric sensor for selective recognition of tyrosine. Talanta, 85(2), 1056-1062.
Abstract. Organic–inorganic hybrids are promising functional materials as they combine the special characteristics of both organic (polymer) and inorganic phases. Among different existing approaches for the preparation of such polymer–inorganic hybrid coatings, in situ electrochemical methods are very advantageous because of their high sensitivity and simplicity. In the present study, voltammetric sensors for tyrosine are designed and developed via various modifications on glassy carbon electrode such as polypyrrole coated GCE, molecularly imprinted polypyrrole coated GCE (MIPPy) and in situ copper oxide modified MIPPy coated GCE. Of these, in situ copper oxide modified MIPPy coated GCE sensor responds to tyrosine concentrations in the range 1 × 10−8 to 1 × 10−6 and 2 × 10−6 to 8 × 10−6 M with a very low detection limit of 4.0 × 10−9 M and by far the most sensitive one. Detailed linear sweep voltammetric and chronoamperometric experiments were undertaken to investigate the electrocatalytic behavior of tyrosine. The electron transfer coefficient, diffusion coefficient and charge transfer rate constants involved in the sensing process using in situ copper oxide modified MIPPy film coated GCE are 0.47, 1.88 × 10−6 cm2 s−1, 4.7 × 106 L mol−1 s−1, respectively. Furthermore, the designed sensor is highly selective and has been applied successfully for the analysis of synthetic and real samples of human urine.
Wang, J., Mellas, M., Tirrell, M., & Chung, E. J. (2020). Hydrophobically assembled nanoparticles: Self-assembled nanoparticles. In Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications (pp. 325-347). Elsevier.
Abstract. Hydrophobically self-assembled nanoparticles offer unique control over molecular behavior for biomedical engineering applications. Nanoparticle size, charge, and surface modifications heavily influence outcomes in a high-performance material for drug delivery or clinical imaging applications. Four main classes of molecules have seen significant progress in biomedical engineering applications in the past two decades: (1) peptide amphiphiles, (2) nucleic acid constructs, (3) block copolymers, and (4) dendrimers. We will focus on an introduction to the principles behind their hydrophobic self-assembly and highlight key studies demonstrating the advantages conferred by their supramolecular architecture.
Zhang, L. G., Leong, K., & Fisher, J. P. (Eds.). (2022). 3D bioprinting and nanotechnology in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. academic press.
Biomimetic amino acids 
