Gomes, AnaBessa, Lucinda J.Fernandes, IvaAguiar, LuísaFerraz, RicardoMonteiro, CláudiaMartins, M. Cristina L.Mateus, NunoGameiro, PaulaTeixeira, CátiaGomes, Paula2022-12-132022-12-132022-08-11Gomes, A., Bessa, L. J., Fernandes, I., Aguiar, L., Ferraz, R., Monteiro, C., Martins, M. C. L., Mateus, N., Gameiro, P., Teixeira, C., & Gomes, P. (2022). Boosting Cosmeceutical Peptides: Coupling Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids to Pentapeptide-4 Originates New Leads with Antimicrobial and Collagenesis-Inducing Activities. Microbiology Spectrum, 10(4), e02291-02221. https://doi.org/doi:10.1128/spectrum.02291-21http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/21190Following our previous reports on dual-action antibacterial and collagenesis-inducing hybrid peptide constructs based on “pentapeptide-4” (PP4, with amino acid sequence KTTKS), whose N-palmitoyl derivative is the well-known cosmeceutical ingredient Matrixyl, herein we disclose novel ionic liquid/PP4 conjugates (IL-KTTKS). These conjugates present potent activity against either antibiotic-susceptible strains or multidrug resistant clinical isolates of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species belonging to the so-called “ESKAPE” group of pathogens. Noteworthy, their antibacterial activity is preserved in simulated wound fluid, which anticipates an effective action in the setting of a real wound bed. Moreover, their collagenesis-inducing effects in vitro are comparable to or stronger than those of Matrixyl. Altogether, IL-KTTKS exert a triple antibacterial, antifungal, and collagenesis-inducing action in vitro. These findings provide solid grounds for us to advance IL-KTTKS conjugates as promising leads for future development of topical treatments for complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTI). Further studies are envisaged to incorporate IL-conjugates into suitable nanoformulations, to reduce toxicity and/or improve resistance to proteolytic degradation.engAntibacterialAntifungalCollagenesis-inductionCosmeceutical peptidesIonic liquidMatrixylAntimicrobial activityCollagen boostingPentapeptide-4journal articlehttps://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.02291-212165-0497