Antioxidant and anti-aging potential of collagen peptide conjugated with ionic liquid.

• Density functional theory proves that LAA IL is connected by hydrogen bonds and can exist stably. • 5D LAA-Collagen peptide can penetrate the stratum corneum to the dermis and epidermis layers. • 5D-LAA collagen peptide can promote skin permeability. • 5D LAA-Collagen peptide has a good antioxidant capacity, increases skin hydration, and induces collagen production. • 5D LAA-Collagen peptide has improved the skin barrier function and delayed cell aging and death. Lactobionic acid-arginine (LAA) ionic liquid was prepared using an ion-exchange method. The LAA ionic liquid and five kinds of different molecular weights of collagen can self-assemble into spherical 5D LAA-Collagen peptides in solution. The 5D LAA-Collagen peptide has a small particle size, good stability, and biocompatibility, and can transdermally deliver collagen with different molecular weights to the epidermis and dermis through the skin. The activity and expression of IL-1β, MMP-1, and TNF-α decreased after adding 5D LAA-Collagen peptide. 5D LAA-Collagen peptide can inhibit MAPKs phosphorylation, activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, increase the protein expression of Nrf2, and inhibit the high protein expression of Keapl to play an anti-aging role in multiple ways. The 5D LAA-Collagen peptide has a good antioxidant ability, can delay cell aging and death, and can reduce the length and number of facial wrinkles, fine facial lines, and texture to achieve an anti-wrinkle effect. Therefore, 5D LAA-Collagen peptide has potential applications in the field of cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]