COMPOSITION FOR SKIN PERMEATION COMPRISING CATIONIC MOLECULAR TRANSPORTER AND PROTEIN

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition for skin permeation to deliver a protein into skin, wherein the composition comprises an ionic conjugate in which a cationic compound and a protein are ionically bound. As the ionic conjugate according to the present invention allows the protein to easily pass through cell membranes and skin membranes, it is possible to deliver the protein to an epidermal or dermal layer of the skin.

Claims

1. A composition for skin penetration, which comprises an ionic complex in which a cationic compound of any one represented by the following Formulae 1 to 4 and a protein are ionically bonded and which is for delivering the protein into the skin: ##STR00009## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently H, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.12 aryl C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8 heteroalkyl, (CH.sub.2).sub.mNHR, (CH.sub.2).sub.1CO.sub.2R, COR, or SO.sub.2R wherein R, R, R and R are each independently H, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.12 aryl C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, or C.sub.3-C.sub.8 heteroalkyl, m is an integer of 2 to 5, and 1 is an integer of 1 to 5; R.sub.3 is ##STR00010## R.sub.4 is ##STR00011## R.sub.5 is ##STR00012## and n is an integer of 1 to 8.

2. The composition for skin penetration of claim 1, wherein the cationic compound and the protein are bonded in a ratio of 1:1 to 20:1 based on the charge.

3. The composition for skin penetration of claim 2, wherein the cationic compound and the protein are bonded in a ratio of 7.5:1 to 10:1 based on the charge.

4. The composition for skin penetration of claim 1, wherein the cationic compound and the protein are bonded in a ratio of 10:1 to 50:1 based on the molar ratio.

5. The composition for skin penetration of claim 4, wherein the cationic compound and the protein are bonded in a ratio of 20:1 to 40:1 based on the molar ratio.

6. The composition for skin penetration of claim 1, wherein the protein is any one selected from the group consisting of green fluorescent protein (GFP), red fluorescent protein (RFP), epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), antibodies (including a therapeutic monoclonal antibody), lectins, insulin, growth hormone, interferons, interleukins, parathyroid hormone, albumins, streptavidin, concanavalin, and immunoglobulin.

7. The composition for skin penetration of claim 1, wherein the weight average molecular weight of the protein is 200 kDa or less.

8. The composition for skin penetration of claim 1, which penetrates into the skin between the epidermis and the dermis.

9. The composition for skin penetration of claim 8, which penetrates into the skin up to a depth of 50 to 100 m.

10. The composition for skin penetration of claim 2, wherein the weight average molecular weight of the protein is 200 kDa or less.

11. The composition for skin penetration of claim 3, wherein the weight average molecular weight of the protein is 200 kDa or less.

12. The composition for skin penetration of claim 4, wherein the weight average molecular weight of the protein is 200 kDa or less.

13. The composition for skin penetration of claim 5, wherein the weight average molecular weight of the protein is 200 kDa or less.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 shows fluorescence images (A) and cell morphological images (B) showing the cell membrane permeability of an ionic complex prepared using the green fluorescent protein according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows fluorescence images (A) and cell morphological images (B) showing the cell membrane permeability of an ionic complex prepared using albumin-FITC (Example 4), concanavalin A-FITC (Example 5), and immunoglobulin G-FITC (Example 6), respectively, as a protein according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows fluorescence photographs of the mouse skin observed at a depth of 33 m (A) and 63 m (B), respectively, from the skin surface of a mouse upon the application of an ionic complex prepared using the green fluorescent protein according to an embodiment of the present invention to the skin of the hind leg femur of the mouse.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows fluorescence photographs of the mouse skin observed at a depth of 33 m (A) and 63 m (B), respectively, from the skin surface of a mouse upon the application of an ionic complex prepared using albumin-FITC (Example 4), concanavalin A-FITC (Example 5), and immunoglobulin G-FITC (Example 6), respectively, as a protein according to an embodiment of the present invention to the skin of the hind leg femur of the mouse.

BEST EMBODIMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0022] The present invention provides a composition for skin penetration, which comprises an ionic complex in which a cationic compound of any one represented by the following Formulae 1 to 4 and a protein are ionically bonded and which is for delivering the protein into the skin:

##STR00005##

[0023] wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently H, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.12 aryl C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8 heteroalkyl, (CH.sub.2).sub.mNHR, (CH.sub.2).sub.1CO.sub.2R, COR, or SO.sub.2R, wherein R, R, R and R are each independently H, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.12 aryl C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, or C.sub.3-C.sub.8 heteroalkyl, m is an integer of 2 to 5, and 1 is an integer of 1 to 5;

[0024] R.sub.3 is

##STR00006##

[0025] R.sub.4 is

##STR00007##

[0026] R.sub.5 is

##STR00008##

and

[0027] n is an integer of 1 to 8.

[0028] In the present invention, the ionic complex comprises a cationic compound. The cationic compound may be any one represented by the above Formulae 1 to 4 and is used as a molecular carrier (see, e.g., Korean Patent No. 0578732, No. 0699279, No. 0849033, and No. 1021078). The cationic compound has a structure in which guanidine groups or arginine groups having a variety of side chain lengths are introduced in a linear or branched form into the sugar or sugar analogue backbone as shown in Formulae 1 to 4. Since the cationic compound is water-soluble and excellent in the biomembrane permeability, it can readily pass through the cell membrane and the skin layer in the form of an ionic complex bonded with an anionic protein.

[0029] The compound according to Formula 1 has a structure in which 1 to 8 guanidine groups are introduced into a sugar alcohol derivative capable of introducing a desired functional group in a high density to the backbone structure by using a side chain structure in a branched form. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the compound of Formula 1, for example, may be alditol derivatives or salts thereof having a steric conformation of sorbitol, mannitol, or galactitol.

[0030] The compound according to Formula 2, more specifically, may be sorbitol derivatives or salts thereof having 8 guanidine groups introduced thereinto.

[0031] The compound according to Formula 3, more specifically, may be sorbitol derivatives or salts thereof having 6 guanidine groups introduced thereinto.

[0032] The compound according to Formula 4 may be arginine (in case of n being 1) or an arginine oligomer (in case of n being any one of 2 to 8). Specifically, it may be an arginine oligomer wherein n is 6 or 8.

[0033] There are no special limitations to the protein comprised in the ionic complex of the present invention as long as it is anionic and can be bonded with the cationic compound to form an ionic complex. Examples thereof include hormones, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, antibodies, cytokines, fluorescent material, and the like.

[0034] Especially, although it is common knowledge in the art that a certain substance should have a molecular weight of about 500 Da or less in order for the substance to penetrate through the skin layer and reach the dermis, the composition for skin penetration according to the present invention has an advantage in that a protein can be efficiently delivered into the skin by forming an ionic complex with the cationic compound as described above even in the case where the protein has a molecular weight far exceeding 500 Da.

[0035] For example, the weight average molecular weight of the protein may be 200 kDa or less, 180 kDa or less, 150 kDa or less, 115 kDa or less, 100 kDa or less, 80 kDa or less, 65 kDa or less, 27 kDa or less, or 10 kDa or less.

[0036] Specific examples of the protein include green fluorescent protein, red fluorescent protein, epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), antibodies (including a therapeutic monoclonal antibody), lectins, insulin, growth hormone, interferons, interleukins, parathyroid hormone, albumins, streptavidin, concanavalin, immunoglobulin, and the like.

[0037] In the ionic complex of the present invention, the cationic compound and the protein may be ionically bonded in a ratio of 1:1 to 20:1, 2:1 to 18:1, 4:1 to 16:1, 5:1 to 15:1, 8:1 to 13:1, or 7.5:1 to 10:1, based on the charge.

[0038] In the ionic complex of the present invention, the cationic compound and the protein may be ionically bonded in a ratio of 10:1 to 50:1, 20:1 to 40:1, 12:1 to 30:1, or 15:1 to 25:1, based on the molar ratio.

[0039] If the bonding ratio of the cationic molecular carrier and the protein is within the above range in the preparation of the ionic complex, the number of guanidine groups per molecule of the ionic complex is appropriate, so that the cell permeability is improved, and it is possible to prevent the phenomenon that the surplus molecular carriers in a free form, which are not involved in the formation of the ionic complex, penetrate the cell membrane competitively. As a result, it is possible to increase the rate of penetration of the ionic complex to the cell membrane and to improve the efficiency of delivering the protein (or substrate).

[0040] The composition for skin penetration according to the present invention penetrates into the skin up to a depth of 50 to 100 m, 55 to 80 m, or 60 to 65 m. Therefore, the composition for skin penetration according to the present invention can penetrate into the cell or under the skin, e.g., between the epidermis and the dermis, to deliver a protein (see Test Example 2 and FIGS. 3 and 4). Thus, it can greatly improve the delivery of functional cosmetics and therapeutic agents for skin disorders that contain a protein. In addition, it can be advantageously used for delivering a variety of therapeutic or diagnostic agents comprising a protein, which must be subcutaneously administered.

[0041] Hereinafter, the present invention is explained in more detail by the following Examples. However, the following Examples are intended to further illustrate the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited thereby.

EXAMPLE 1

Preparation of an Ionic Complex Comprising a Cationic Compound of a Sorbitol Backbone with 8 Guanidine Groups and the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)

[0042] The cationic compound (hereinafter referred to as sorbitol-based G8 molecular carrier or SG8) having a sorbitol backbone and 8 guanidine groups (+8; one positive charge per guanidine group) as represented by Formula 2 of the present invention was prepared according to the method described in Example 1 of Korean Patent No. 0699279. Next, 3.5 g (2.45 nmol) of the SG8 prepared above was dissolved in 16.76 l of triple distilled water to prepare a solution containing the cationic SG8.

[0043] In the meantime, 13.8 g (0.68 nmol) of the GFP (active A.victoria GFP-Ab84191, 27 kDa, Abcam, 8; 8 negative charges per GFP) was dissolved in 6.76 l of triple distilled water to prepare a solution containing the anionic GFP.

[0044] The solution containing the anionic GFP prepared above was slowly added dropwise to the solution containing the cationic SG8 and mixed, followed by stirring at 0 C. for about 30 minutes until the turbid mixed solution became clear. Then, the mixed solution was stored at 20 C. for freezing to obtain an ionic complex in which the cationic compound and the GFP were ionically bonded in a charge ratio of 10:1.

EXAMPLE 2

Preparation of an Ionic Complex Comprising a Cationic Compound of a Sorbitol Backbone with 6 Guanidine Groups and the GFP

[0045] The cationic compound (hereinafter referred to as sorbitol-based G6 molecular carrier or SG6) having a sorbitol backbone and 6 guanidine groups (+6; one positive charge per guanidine group) as represented by Formula 3 of the present invention was prepared according to the method described in Example 8 of Korean Patent No. 0699279. Next, 2.7 g (2.45 nmol) of the SG6 prepared above was dissolved in 16.76 l of triple distilled water to prepare a solution containing the cationic SG6.

[0046] In the meantime, 13.8 g (0.68 nmol) of the GFP (8; 8 negative charges per GFP) was dissolved in 6.76 l of triple distilled water to prepare a solution containing the anionic GFP.

[0047] The solution containing the anionic GFP prepared above was slowly added dropwise to the solution containing the cationic SG6 and mixed, followed by stirring at 0 C. for about 30 minutes until the turbid mixed solution became clear. Then, the mixed solution was stored at 20 C. for freezing to obtain an ionic complex in which the cationic compound and the GFP were ionically bonded in a charge ratio of 7.5:1.

EXAMPLE 3

Preparation of an Ionic Complex Comprising an Arginine Octamer with 8 Guanidine Groups and the GFP

[0048] The cationic compound (hereinafter referred to as ARG8) of an arginine octamer (n=8; +8) as represented by Formula 4 of the present invention was supplied by Peptron Inc. Next, 3.11 g (2.45 nmol) of the ARG8 was dissolved in 16.76 l of triple distilled water to prepare a solution containing the cationic ARG8.

[0049] In the meantime, 13.8 g (0.68 nmol) of the GFP (8; 8 negative charges per GFP) was dissolved in 6.76 l of triple distilled water to prepare a solution containing the anionic GFP.

[0050] The solution containing the anionic GFP prepared above was slowly added dropwise to the solution containing the cationic ARG8 and mixed, followed by stirring at 0 C. for about 30 minutes until the turbid mixed solution became clear. Then, the mixed solution was stored at 20 C. for freezing to obtain an ionic complex in which the cationic compound and the GFP were ionically bonded in a charge ratio of 10:1.

EXAMPLE 4

Preparation of an Ionic Complex Comprising a Cationic Compound of a Sorbitol Backbone with 6 Guanidine Groups and Fluorescently Labeled Albumin

[0051] 29.5 g (26.6 nmol) of the cationic compound SG6 obtained according to the method described in Example 2 was dissolved in 20.0 l of triple distilled water to prepare a solution containing the cationic SG6.

[0052] In the meantime, 88 g (0.68 nmol) of albumin-FITC (molecular weight of 66 kDa) was dissolved in 10.0 l of triple distilled water to prepare a solution containing anionic albumin-FITC.

[0053] The solution containing anionic albumin-FITC prepared above was slowly added dropwise to the solution containing the cationic SG6 and mixed, followed by stirring at 0 C. for about 30 minutes until the turbid mixed solution became clear. Then, the mixed solution was stored at 20 C. for freezing to obtain an ionic complex in which the cationic compound and fluorescently labeled albumin were ionically bonded in a molar ratio of about 40:1.

EXAMPLE 5

Preparation of an Ionic Complex Comprising a Cationic Compound of a Sorbitol Backbone with 6 Guanidine Groups and Fluorescently Labeled Concanavalin

[0054] 29.5 g (26.6 nmol) of the cationic compound SG6 obtained according to the method described in Example 2 was dissolved in 20.0 l of triple distilled water to prepare a solution containing the cationic SG6.

[0055] In the meantime, 135 g (0.68 nmol) of concanavalin A-FITC (molecular weight of 102 kDa) was dissolved in 10.0 l of triple distilled water to prepare a solution containing anionic concanavalin A-FITC.

[0056] The solution containing anionic concanavalin A-FITC prepared above was slowly added dropwise to the solution containing the cationic SG6 and mixed, followed by stirring at 0 C. for about 30 minutes until the turbid mixed solution became clear. Then, the mixed solution was stored at 20 C. for freezing to obtain an ionic complex in which the cationic compound and fluorescently labeled concanavalin A were ionically bonded in a molar ratio of about 40:1.

EXAMPLE 6

Preparation of an Ionic Complex Comprising a Cationic Compound of a Sorbitol Backbone with 6 Guanidine Groups and Fluorescently Labeled Immunoglobulin

[0057] 29.5 g (26.6 nmol) of the cationic compound SG6 obtained according to the method described in Example 2 was dissolved in 20.0 l of triple distilled water to prepare a solution containing the cationic SG6.

[0058] In the meantime, 199 g (0.68 nmol) of immunoglobulin G-FITC (molecular weight of 150 kDa) was dissolved in 10.0 l of triple distilled water to prepare a solution containing anionic immunoglobulin G-FITC.

[0059] The solution containing anionic immunoglobulin G-FITC prepared above was slowly added dropwise to the solution containing the cationic SG6 and mixed, followed by stirring at 0 C. for about 30 minutes until the turbid mixed solution became clear. Then, the mixed solution was stored at 20 C. for freezing to obtain an ionic complex in which the cationic compound and fluorescently labeled immunoglobulin G were ionically bonded in a molar ratio of about 40:1.

TEST EXAMPLE 1

Measurement of the Cell Membrane Permeability

[0060] In order to confirm the cell membrane permeability of the ionic complexes prepared in the above Examples, the fluorescence emitted from the substrate GFP itself was measured with a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (Olympus FV1000).

[0061] First, HeLa cells (ATCC CCL-2) were cultured in DMEM (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium) containing 10% FBS as a culture medium in a dish plate. Next, a serum-free medium was added to the ionic complexes prepared in Examples 1 to 3 so that the final concentration of the GFP in the ionic complex became 1 M. The Hela cells were treated with the ionic complex and cultured for 1 hour at 37 C. Thereafter, the cells were washed with PBS 3 times, and the permeability through the cell membrane was immediately observed with a confocal microscope. In the meantime, the GFP only instead of the ionic complex was used for the control group.

[0062] An Ar laser (488 nm) was used for the excitation of the GFP, and the cells were observed at a magnification of 40 times. The results are shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, column A shows fluorescence images of the cells treated with the ionic complex, and column B shows morphological images (DIC) of the cells treated with the ionic complex.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, the cells treated with each ionic complex of Examples 1 to 3 of the present invention showed much stronger fluorescence signals than those of the control group treated with the GFP only.

[0064] In addition, the cell membrane permeability of the HeLa cells was observed by confocal microscopy using the ionic complexes prepared in Examples 4 to 6 prepared by the methods as described above, and the results are shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, column A shows fluorescence images of the cells treated with the ionic complex, and column B shows morphological images (DIC) of the cells treated with the ionic complex.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 2, the cells treated with each ionic complex of Examples 4 to 6 of the present invention showed strong fluorescence signals of the proteins that penetrated into the cells.

TEST EXAMPLE 2

Measurement of Penetration into the Mouse Skin and Distribution Therein

[0066] In order to confirm the permeability of the ionic complexes prepared in the above Examples into the mouse skin, the fluorescence emitted from the GFP substrate itself was measured with a two-photon laser scanning microscope (Leica).

[0067] First, the ionic complexes prepared in Examples 2 and 3 were each diluted with triple distilled water such that the final concentration of the GFP was 24.7 l. Thereafter, 15 l of the aqueous solution of the ionic complex was mixed with 50 l of PEG400 to prepare a sample solution having 15.4% by weight of the GFP.

[0068] After 7-week-old BALB/c nude mice were each anesthetized with gas, and 65 l of the sample solution prepared above was applied to an area of 1 cm1 cm on the skin of the hind leg femur. Then, they were left in anesthesia in a dark room for 3 hours. After 3 hours, the samples on the legs were washed with distilled water and 70% ethanol, and the mice were euthanized with carbon dioxide. Subsequently, the femoral skin tissue was peeled off, placed on a glass slide, and fixed with a cover slip. Each slide sample was observed for transdermal permeability with a two-photon laser microscope. A femtosecond laser (wavelength 900 nm) was used to excite the fluorescent material, and the subcutaneous layer was continuously photographed at a depth interval of 3 m from the skin surface. The images of representative specific depths (33 m and 63 m) were observed, and the results are shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, row A shows fluorescence photographs of the mouse skin observed from a depth of 33 m, and row B shows those observed at a depth of 63 m.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 3, it was confirmed that the ionic complexes of Examples 2 and 3 better penetrate the subcutaneous layer of the mouse as compared with the control group treated with the GFP only. In addition, as the depth of photographing was deepened, the amount of the proteins gradually decreased and the fluorescence intensity weakened. According to the results of transcutaneous penetration measured by a two-photon laser scanning microscopy, it was observed that the proteins with fluorescence penetrated to a depth of at least 63 m.

[0070] Further, the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescently labeled protein as a substrate using the ionic complexes prepared in Examples 4 to 6 as described above was measured with a two-photon laser scanning microscope (Leica). The results are shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, row A shows fluorescence photographs of the mouse skin observed from a depth of 33 m, and row B shows those observed at a depth of 63 m.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4, the ionic complexes of the proteins prepared in Examples 4 to 6 well penetrated into the subcutaneous layer of the mouse.

[0072] From the above results, it was confirmed that the ionic complexes prepared according to the present invention exhibit a high permeability into the cell membrane and the skin. In addition, it is difficult for proteins having very high molecular weights to be delivered into the subcutaneous layer from the skin surface by a conventional method. However, it was confirmed that such proteins, which are bonded with the cationic compound to thereby form a simple ionic complex according to the present invention, are well delivered into the skin layer and the dermal layer.

[0073] Accordingly, the ionic complex according to the present invention can be advantageously used for delivering a protein into a cell or the subcutaneous layer (i.e., the epidermis or the dermis).