Development of an Amphiphilic Chitin Derivative with Lipid/Peptide-Type Side Chains Having Skin Protective Ability

Abstract

N-(N'-Dodecanoylglycyl)chitin (DGC) as a new type of amphiphilic polymer of lipid/peptide/polysaccharide conjugate was evaluated its ability to restore an artificially disrupted skin barrier. Cutaneous barrier disruption improved rapidly following application of DGC solutions, suggesting the polymer had a skin- wrapping effect that protected against water flux and restored the basal cell layer to its normal condition. To examine the protective effect of the DGC membrane in further detail, the penetration of chemicals was investigated. DGC suppressed skin barrier disruption as indicated by increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) resulting from n-hexadecane or oleic acid treatment. Erythema induced by topical application of 2 irritants, methyl nicotinate and hexyl nicotinate, was not observed in DGC-pretreated skin. These results indicated that DGC protected the skin from various stimulants and modulated skin condition via its wrapping ability. We propose that DGC is an effective medical agent for improving sensitive skin and keeping skin healthy.