N-Hydroxysuccinimide

DescriptionN-hydroxysuccinimide is a synthetic ingredient used in cosmetics as an ester to soften and condition skin. It's also a reagent, a substance used to trigger a reaction that leads to a new substance, such as peptides and polymers.N-Hydroxysuccinimide is used in cosmetics and beauty products as an ester often seen in eye creams. N-hydroxysuccinimide activates the elimination of blood originated pigments responsible for dark color and inflammation that causes under eye circles. "Infra-orbital shadows are due to the accumulation of hemoglobin and its coloured degradation products - biliverdin, bilirubin and iron - in the dermis and epidermis ... N-hydroxysuccinimide renders the iron soluble for natural elimination" (source).

UsesReagent for preparation of active esters of amino acids.

UsesN-Hydroxysuccinimide is used for improved amidations in the carbodiimide method. It is also used to activate a carboxyl group and reacts with amine to form amide. It is involved in the preparation of N-hydroxymaleimide-styrene copolymer. Further, it finds use in analytical chemistry. As an additive, it is used in the carbodiimide method for improved amidations and peptide couplings.

UsesN-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) is often used to assist carbodiimide-mediated peptide coupling by forming an active ester intermediate via condensation of the surface carboxyl group and NHS. The NHS-reactive ester intermediate is susceptible to nucleophilic attack by primary amines and results in the formation of stable amide bonds between the biomaterial surface and the N-terminus of the peptide.