Keratin-mimetic peptides for hair and tissue protection
Introducing keratin-mimetic peptides designed to replicate key keratin functions for hair and tissue protection. These peptides offer improved manufacturability and flexibility, providing scalable alternatives for cosmetic and therapeutic applications.
Overview
Keratin-mimetic peptides are an innovative solution designed to replicate the key protective and restorative functions of natural keratin. These peptides have been developed as simplified, synthetic alternatives to native keratin, addressing challenges such as structural complexity and limited tunability. By mimicking essential keratin functions, these peptides provide a scalable and tuneable solution for hair and tissue protection, improving shine, manageability, and offering restoration capabilities. They hold potential applications in cosmetics, biomaterials, and therapeutics.
Technical specifications
- Design and Synthesis: Computationally designed peptides derived from keratin sequences.
- Functional Capabilities: Protects against environmental damage, strengthens tissues and hair fibers, and repairs damaged hair through cuticle restoration.
- Development Process: Utilizes sequence analysis and peptide engineering to identify minimal functional regions of keratin, followed by synthesis and validation through analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry.
- Enhanced Features: Second-generation peptides are engineered for improved stability, strength, and biological performance.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at a Technology Readiness Level of 2, indicating that the concept has been formulated and initial experimental proof of concept has been established. Further development and validation are planned to advance its readiness for commercial applications.
About Newcastle University
Newcastle University is a comprehensive public research university in Newcastle upon Tyne, with broad academic and translational activity. Its city‑centre Newcastle Helix innovation district—developed with Newcastle City Council and Legal & General—co‑locates researchers with companies and hosts national innovation centres to enable fast collaboration. Deep integration with Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, supported by a joint research office, enables streamlined study setup, access to clinical populations, and end‑to‑end clinical translation. Research is backed by competitive funding from UKRI councils, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, major charities, the European Union, and industry. A dedicated technology transfer office supports IP, licensing, spinouts, and knowledge‑transfer partnerships.
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