Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) is a synthetic peptide widely used in anti-wrinkle cosmetic formulations. Its “basic ingredients” refer to the amino acids that form the peptide chain.
1. Amino-Acid Composition (Basic Ingredients)
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) is an octapeptide (8 amino acids) derived from the N-terminal end of the neuronal protein SNAP-25, which participates in the SNARE complex involved in neurotransmitter release.
Amino acids in Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8)
The peptide sequence is:
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH₂
| Position | Amino Acid | Abbreviation | Role |
| 1 | Glutamic acid | Glu (E) | Provides negative charge and solubility |
| 2 | Glutamic acid | Glu (E) | Improves stability |
| 3 | Methionine | Met (M) | Contributes to peptide conformation |
| 4 | Glutamine | Gln (Q) | Hydrogen-bond formation |
| 5 | Arginine | Arg (R) | Positively charged residue |
| 6 | Arginine | Arg (R) | Enhances interaction with proteins |
| 7 | Alanine | Ala (A) | Structural support |
| 8 | Aspartic acid | Asp (D) | Adds negative charge and polarity |
Terminal modifications
- Acetyl group (Ac-) at the N-terminus
- Amide group (-NH₂) at the C-terminus
These modifications increase stability and resistance to enzymatic degradation in topical formulations.
2. Chemical Components of the Molecule
Therefore, the basic chemical ingredients of Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) include:
- Eight amino acids (Glu, Met, Gln, Arg, Ala, Asp)
- Acetyl group (CH₃CO-) at the N-terminal
- Amide group (-NH₂) at the C-terminal
- Peptide bonds linking the amino acids
3. Molecular Characteristics
- Type: Synthetic biomimetic peptide
- Peptide length: 8 amino acids
- Approx. molecular weight: ~1075 Da
- Function: Mimics part of SNAP-25 to interfere with neurotransmitter release and reduce wrinkle-causing muscle contraction.
In summary:
The basic ingredients of Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) are eight specific amino acids forming an acetylated octapeptide derived from SNAP-25, chemically modified with N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation to enhance stability in cosmetic formulations.
If you want, I can also explain its full chemical structure, molecular formula, and physicochemical properties, which are usually included in research papers about Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8).