Collagen α-Tocopherulate for Topical Applications: Preparation, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation

The aim of this work was to synthesize collagen α-tocopherulate for topical treatments. Collagen is a natural polymer largely applied to enhance wound repair, and α-tocopherol is a known antioxidant used for the treatment of various skin diseases. Linking the two through covalent bonds could improve α-tocopherol transport and metabolic stability, reduce the rate of degradation, and ensure a longer persistence than free antioxidant. The new biopolymer was prepared by a solid-phase synthesis employing a carboxypolystyrene resin. Its antioxidant activity in rat liver microsomal membranes was also evaluated. The obtained collagen-based biomaterial represents a new prodrug of α-tocopherol that could be used for various biomedical applications.