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Hydrolyzed elastin is a low-molecular-weight protein derived from the hydrolysis of elastin, a key structural protein found in the connective tissue of animals, especially in the skin, arteries, and lungs.
Elastin provides elasticity and resilience to tissues.
Through enzymatic or acid hydrolysis, the large, insoluble elastin protein is broken down into smaller peptides that are soluble in water and can be more readily absorbed or used in formulations.
CAS Number:
9007-58-3
Synonyms:,Elastin hydrolysate,Hydrolysed elastin,Elastin peptides,Hydrolyzed elastic fiber protein
Hydrolysate of elastin
Introduction
Hydrolyzed elastin is a derivative of elastin, a key structural protein found in the connective tissues of vertebrates.
Native elastin provides elasticity and resilience to tissues such as skin, lungs, arteries, and ligaments.
When elastin is hydrolyzed—typically through enzymatic or chemical processes—it breaks down into smaller peptide chains and amino acids while retaining some of its functional properties.
This hydrolyzed form is more soluble and bioavailable, making it valuable in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications.
Historically, elastin was isolated from animal tissues and studied for its unique mechanical properties and its role in tissue elasticity.
Over time, researchers began to explore hydrolyzed forms to enhance its applicability in formulations requiring solubility and absorption.
Today, hydrolyzed elastin is a prominent ingredient in anti-aging skincare, medical products, and functional foods.
Molecular Structure and Composition
Elastin is primarily composed of hydrophobic amino acids such as glycine, valine, alanine, and proline.
Its structure includes repeated sequences that form flexible, cross-linked domains. Hydrolyzed elastin retains these peptide motifs but in a fragmented form, enhancing solubility and facilitating interaction with biological tissues.
The hydrolysis process results in peptides ranging from 1 kDa to 10 kDa in size.
These peptides maintain bioactivity and can interact with skin cells, promoting elasticity and hydration. The amino acid composition remains rich in glycine and proline, which are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of connective tissue.
Physicochemical Properties
Hydrolyzed elastin exhibits several unique physicochemical properties:
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, especially at neutral pH.
Molecular Weight Distribution: Peptides range from small oligopeptides to mid-sized polypeptides.
Thermal Stability: Moderate; maintains functionality at skin temperature but denatures at high heat.
pH Stability: Stable in pH ranges of 4 to 8, ideal for cosmetic and dermatological formulations.
Viscosity: Low-viscosity solutions suitable for serums and creams.
These properties make hydrolyzed elastin an ideal candidate for topical and ingestible applications.
Production Methods
Hydrolyzed elastin is typically produced from animal sources, such as bovine or porcine ligaments and aortas.
The production involves the following methods:
Enzymatic Hydrolysis: Proteolytic enzymes such as trypsin or pepsin are used to selectively cleave elastin into peptides.
Acid/Base Hydrolysis: Less selective but cost-effective; may lead to degradation of sensitive amino acids.
Biotechnological Methods: Use of recombinant DNA technology to produce elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) with precise control over sequence and structure.
Purification steps involve ultrafiltration, centrifugation, and freeze-drying to obtain a consistent and high-purity product.
Analytical Characterization Techniques
To ensure quality and functionality, hydrolyzed elastin is analyzed using:
SDS-PAGE: Determines molecular weight distribution.
Mass Spectrometry: Identifies peptide sequences and modifications.
FTIR Spectroscopy: Analyzes functional groups and protein folding.
NMR Spectroscopy: Provides structural insights at atomic resolution.
Chromatography (HPLC, SEC): Assesses purity and peptide profiling.
These methods ensure batch consistency and verify functional activity.
Biological Functions and Bioavailability
Hydrolyzed elastin peptides are bioactive and can be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract or dermal layers:
Skin Interaction: Stimulates fibroblast activity and collagen production.
Bioavailability: Easily absorbed due to low molecular weight.
Antioxidant Activity: Scavenges free radicals, reducing oxidative stress.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Modulates cytokine production.
Hydration: Enhances water retention in the epidermis.
These functions make hydrolyzed elastin valuable in skin care and therapeutic applications.
Applications in the Cosmetic Industry
Hydrolyzed elastin is a popular ingredient in high-end cosmetic products:
Anti-Aging Creams: Improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles.
Moisturizers: Enhances skin hydration.
Serums: Penetrates deeply to rejuvenate skin.
Hair Care: Strengthens hair fibers and improves shine.
Nail Care: Promotes healthy nail growth.
Its compatibility with other cosmetic ingredients allows for versatile formulations.
Applications in the Pharmaceutical Field
Hydrolyzed elastin is explored for its therapeutic potential:
Wound Healing: Promotes tissue regeneration and epithelialization.
Drug Delivery: Used in nanoparticle systems for controlled release.
Dermatology: Treats conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Injectables: Potential for use in dermal fillers.
Its biocompatibility and bioactivity support its use in advanced pharmaceutical applications.
Nutritional and Functional Food Applications
Oral supplements containing hydrolyzed elastin are marketed for skin and joint health:
Beauty Supplements: Improve skin firmness and hydration.
Joint Support: Peptides may support cartilage health.
Functional Foods: Incorporated into beverages and nutrition bars.
Research continues into its systemic effects and potential as a bioactive peptide source.
Biomedical and Tissue Engineering Applications
Hydrolyzed elastin is used in regenerative medicine:
Scaffolds: Supports cell adhesion and growth.
Biopolymers: Mixed with other polymers for tissue engineering.
Implants: Coatings for stents and vascular grafts.
Wound Dressings: Bioactive films promote healing.
Its role in mimicking natural extracellular matrix is pivotal in these applications.
Comparison with Other Proteins
Hydrolyzed elastin is often compared with:
Collagen: Provides strength, elastin provides flexibility.
Keratin: Hard structural protein for hair and nails.
Silk Proteins: Used for smoothness and film-forming properties.
Hydrolyzed elastin adds unique elasticity, complementing these proteins in formulations.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT HYDROLYZED ELASTIN
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
