Method development for acetyl octapeptide-3 analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Background Acetyl octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) is an antiaging peptide that is more effective than acetyl hexapeptide-3, which is more stable than botulinum toxin and effectively relieves facial wrinkles. Products containing SNAP-8 such as patch are producing, but analytical method has not been reported to determination of SNAP-8. Method Mobile phase, collision energy, and desolvation line temperature were optimized, and mass spectral data set for SNAP-8 was newly constructed by liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Results The developed method showed good linearity ( r ≥ 0.9971) with limit of quantification of 0.0125 ng/mL, repeatability (% relative standard deviation = 0.02 to 0.12) and accuracy (% relative error = − 1.68 to 1.44) under optimal conditions. This method was successfully applied to a biodegradable microneedle patch loaded with SNAP-8. Conclusion The present method for the quantification of SNAP-8 may be useful for quality control in the cosmetic fields.