Chelating properties of Tripeptide-9 Citrulline

Tripeptide-9 Citrulline (INCI name) is a peptide with skin care properties, used for cosmetic applications. In order to elucidate its mechanism of action in the chemical pathways that involve metal ions, its ability to complex such ions was investigated using spectrophotometrical, electrochemical and electrophoretical techniques. The obtained results using Cu(II) as metal ion were consistent with the formation of a complex between Tripeptide-9 Citrulline and Cu(II). Cyclic voltammetry revealed a significant change in the electrochemical potentials. In-vitro electrophoretic studies served as a proof of concept that Tripeptide-9 Citrulline may protect DNA from radical degradation induced by the Fenton reaction.