Metallothionein (MT) is a class of metal-binding proteins ubiquitous in organisms.
Metallothioneins are low-molecular-weight proteins with metal-binding capabilities and high inducibility. They are short peptides rich in cysteine and have a high affinity for various heavy metals. They are proteins with low molecular weight and extremely high cysteine residue and metal content. The metals they bind to are mainly cadmium, copper, and zinc, widely found in various organisms from microorganisms to humans, and their structure is highly conserved.
MT's important physiological function lies in its status as one of the most effective free radical scavengers known to date. Its ability to scavenge free radicals (·OH) is approximately several thousand times that of SOD, and its ability to scavenge oxygen free radicals (·O) is about 25 times that of glutathione (GSH), and it also possesses strong antioxidant activity.
Due to MT's unique chemical structure, the metals within it exhibit kinetic instability, and the thiol groups have a nucleophilic tendency, making MT readily interact with certain electrophilic substances, especially certain free radicals.
Metallothionein (MT): A Rising Star in Cosmetics
Metallothionein (MT) is a bioactive protein extracted from animal bodies. Rich in amino acids and cysteine, it can bind to various metal ions. Possessing powerful cosmetic benefits, it has become a rising star in the cosmetics industry.
MT's Cosmetic Benefits: A "Guardian of Beauty" for Working Professionals
1. Antioxidant and Anti-aging: Working professionals often face immense pressure and irregular lifestyles, leading to the accumulation of free radicals and accelerated skin aging. MT is a "superhero" in the antioxidant world; its antioxidant capacity is thousands of times stronger than superoxide dismutase (SOD), effectively scavenging free radicals and delaying skin aging, allowing you to maintain youthful vitality in the workplace.
2. Micronutrient Supplementation and Skin Health Promotion: MT is rich in trace elements such as zinc, iron, and copper, which are crucial for skin health. Supplementing with MT can promote skin cell metabolism, improve skin nutrition and metabolic function, resulting in healthier, more radiant skin.
3. Repairs Damaged Cells and Enhances Skin Immunity
MT not only scavenge free radicals but also repairs damaged skin cells and enhances skin immunity. It plays a significant role in repairing common skin problems among working professionals, such as allergies, dermatitis, and sunburn. It also helps prevent UV damage to the skin, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
4. Improves Dry Skin and Enhances Skin Elasticity
MT promotes skin cell metabolism, increases the skin's moisture retention capacity, and improves dryness and roughness. It also stimulates collagen synthesis, improving skin elasticity and firmness, keeping your skin hydrated and smooth even under high-intensity work conditions.
Compared to the traditional antioxidant SOD, MT has the following significant advantages:
1,Stronger Free Radical Scavenging Capacity: MT can scavenge not only superoxide anions (.O2) but also hydroxyl radicals (.OH), while SOD can only scavenge the former. This means that MT is more comprehensive and powerful in terms of antioxidant effects.
2,Longer Half-Life: MT has a half-life of up to 2 years, while SOD's half-life is only 60 seconds. This means that MT can exert its effects in the skin for a longer period.
3,Higher stability: MT retains its activity even after heating at 85℃ for 10 minutes, while SOD is inactivated at 60℃. This makes MT more suitable for use in cosmetics and skincare products.
4,Better absorption: With a molecular weight of only around 6000, MT is more easily absorbed by the skin than SOD, allowing it to exert its effects more efficiently.
5,Stronger anti-radiation ability: MT's anti-ionizing radiation ability is far higher than SOD, effectively preventing UV damage to the skin.
MT Cosmetics: The Future Trend of Beauty and Skincare
With people's pursuit of health and natural products, MT cosmetics are becoming a popular choice in the beauty and skincare field. It not only beautifies the skin but also prevents and treats various skin problems. Currently, countries such as the United States and Japan have launched cosmetics and drugs containing MT. These products not only protect the skin from heavy metal and UV damage but also improve the overall health of the skin.
In China, MT research has also received high attention from the government and has been included in several national-level scientific research projects. With in-depth research and technological advancements, MT cosmetics will undoubtedly be more widely used in the beauty and skincare field.
In the future, we will continue to launch more cutting-edge biotechnology raw materials and solutions, contributing more wisdom and strength to the development of the cosmetics industry.
If you are interested in the above raw materials/formulas or have other sample requests, please feel free to contact us.