About This Project

The use of amino acids in medicine today continues to be explored using clinical research. Many of the therapeutic effects provided by the amino acids can be beneficial to treat a number of topical conditions. Nevertheless, amino acids have been predominantly administrated orally, with limited success. The present research is focused on understanding whether amino acids can be applied directly on the skin to achieve efficacious amounts locally, at the target site.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Amino acids are known to be generally safe and can offer therapeutic effects, including vasodilation, anti-aging, wound healing, etc. These effects could be fully exploited if amino acids were to be applied topically. However, amino acids are often taken orally, despite the drawbacks associated with this route of administration. For example, approximately 40% of oral l-arginine is metabolized by arginase on the first pass metabolism, which can then result in sub-therapeutic effects. The present research is focused on investigating whether amino acids can be administrated topically, such to overcome the issues associated with the oral route.

What is the significance of this project?

There are several scientific publications in support of the therapeutic effects provided by amino acids. For example, arginine seems to be one of the most promising amino acids for boosting levels of a substance called nitric oxide, which can in turn relax blood vessels. Such an effect is highly sought for example, when treating topical conditions such as, erectile dysfunction and/or peripheral arterial disease. Amino acids can also be beneficial to treat topical conditions such as, cold sores.

This study is especially important as with this information, we can prove that the application of amino acids topically, can help with bypassing first-pass metabolism and improve targeting of these compounds for a local effect.

What are the goals of the project?

The aim of the project is demonstrate whether therapeutic amounts of amino acids can be delivered across and into the skin.

We will test up to 5 prototype formulations for topical delivery of amino acids. The prototype formulations will be manufactured at a pharmacy by Tommaso Renzi (who is a compounding pharmacist). Then we will conduct an in vitro skin permeation experiment. During this experiment, we will be monitoring (using an analytical method, such as HPLC) the amount of each amino acids that will be delivered across the skin and into skin layers (such as epidermis and dermis). At completion of the experiment, we will assess whether therapeutically effective amounts of amino acids are achieved at the target site.