Shinsegae International has collaborated with Sungkyunkwan University to develop regenerative cosmetics using microalgae-derived exosome technology. The company applied this technology to its cosmetic brands, Yunjac and VIDIVICI, and will launch these products this year. The microalgae-derived exosomes found in Euglena gracilis are being considered as an alternative to human-derived exosomes used in skin care treatments. Human-derived ingredients are difficult to use as cosmetic materials due to strict regulations regarding cosmetic safety standards. The researchers found that the exosomes displayed remarkable wound-healing properties and skin cell proliferation to produce collagen, protein expressions such as cytokeratin 10 (K10) and cytokeratin 14 (K14), and antioxidant activity. Shinsegae International has optimized the beta-glucan content and particle size to develop a new non-animal exosome raw material with excellent skin regeneration effects. The company has applied for patents under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PTC) for this technology and is continuing its research to find other ways to apply this technology.
Shinsegae International Develops Regenerative Cosmetics with Microalgae-derived Exosome Technology
Shinsegae International, in collaboration with Sungkyunkwan University, has developed regenerative cosmetics using microalgae-derived exosome technology. The technology has been applied to its cosmetic brands, Yunjac and VIDIVICI, and is expected to be launched this year.
The research focused on finding a replacement for human-derived exosomes used in skin care treatments, which are derived from human stem cells. The company discovered a replacement within a microalgae species, Euglena gracilis, which is capable of being cultivated in large quantities without the risk of viral infection.
The researchers highlighted that the exosomes displayed remarkable wound-healing properties. The fibroblasts treated with the exosomes showed a 20% increase in collagen production compared to those treated with beta-glucan alone. Additionally, there was an increase in protein expressions such as cytokeratin 10 (K10) and cytokeratin 14 (K14).
According to Shinsegae International, Euglena gracilis contains 59 different nutrients, including vitamins and amino acids, and is known to contain a large amount of beta-glucan. As such, it has properties such as immunity enhancement, skin regeneration, as well as antioxidant activity. The company has optimized the beta-glucan content and particle size to develop a new non-animal exosome raw material with excellent skin regeneration effects.
The company believes that these microalgae-derived exosomes, extracellular vesicles (EVs), would be a good alternative to current exosomes used in skin care treatments. The production yields are low, controlling contamination and maintaining purity are difficult with human-derived exosomes, which hinders commercialization. Additionally, human-derived ingredients are difficult to use as cosmetic materials due to strict regulations regarding cosmetic safety standards.
Shinsegae International has applied for domestic patents and international patents under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PTC) for this technology. The company will continue its research and study how it could be applied in other ways.
Microalgae-derived Exosome Technology to Enable Design of New Types of EVs
Shinsegae International’s microalgae-derived exosome technology is expected to be applied to other cells, enabling the design of new types of extracellular vesicles (EVs) applicable for skin treatments and care in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
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