In the cosmetics industry, it is easy to follow trends and join the market, but it is difficult to expand and lead the trends. In the field of recombinant collagen, it is easy to adopt a “copycat” approach, but it is difficult to establish a solid foundation for research and achieve breakthroughs.
Although the road ahead is challenging, there are always pioneers. Marubi, which has been deeply involved in cosmetics research and development for over 20 years, is gradually taking on the role of a leader and innovator, leading the deep application of recombinant collagen in the cosmetics industry.
On April 27th, the fourth Marubi Recombinant Collagen Scientific Forum, themed “Collagen Core Life,” successfully concluded in Guangzhou. During the forum, Marubi not only unveiled new research and development achievements in recombinant collagen but also officially declared the entry of Marubi’s research and application of recombinant collagen into the 2.0 era. As one of the leading players in the industry, Marubi initiated the formulation of industry standards for “Recombinant Soluble Collagen” and launched the “High-Quality Standards Initiative for Recombinant Collagen,” presenting a satisfactory report to the industry.
Marubi enters the Collagen 2.0 Era
As we age, the production of natural collagen in the human body decreases year by year, leading to a reduction in collagen concentration in the reticular dermis. This is one of the significant causes of skin aging.
Bernard Muriel, Marubi’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Chairman of the Scientific Committee, member of the French Academy of Sciences, and former Chairman of the French National Scientific Research Institute, mentioned that recombinant collagen integrates with the extracellular matrix, reconstructing the extracellular microenvironment, providing support to cells, and enabling cellular self-regulation. This helps in collagen regeneration and skin function reconstruction, resulting in anti-aging effects.
Due to these reasons, recombinant collagen has gradually been applied in the skincare field and become a star ingredient in the anti-aging industry. However, there are still two challenges in the current research and application of recombinant collagen: ensuring high-quality and stability of raw materials and achieving large-scale production.
In fact, recombinant collagen has already entered the era of synthetic biology. Improving the host cells through genetic engineering technology is an important direction for the future development of recombinant collagen. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, known as baker’s yeast, as a second-generation yeast expression system, is widely used in protein preparation and large-scale industrial production. The combination of these two factors becomes an important breakthrough for Marubi’s recombinant collagen technology iteration.
Therefore, Marubi’s answer lies in a brand new Saccharomyces cerevisiae expression system empowered by synthetic biology technology, while retaining the design of the classic dual collagen sequence.
“The synthesis technology and application of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have given recombinant collagen wings to soar, and Marubi has been working on this for over 20 years.” According to Lin Ying, Joint Chief Scientist of Marubi’s Recombinant Collagen, Professor at South China University of Technology, Ph.D. supervisor, and Director of Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, the introduction of synthetic biology into Saccharomyces cerevisiae research has transformed it from a “black box” to a “white box,” allowing for more precise preparation of products and the ability to produce high-quality recombinant collagen.
Through the collision between Saccharomyces cerevisiae research and synthetic biology technology, combined with Marubi’s patented “translation pause” technology, “Marubi Recombinant Dual Collagen 2.0” made its debut at this forum. This not only represents Marubi’s groundbreaking research achievement for the industry but also opens a new window for the research and application of recombinant collagen.
According to Xiong Sheng, Chief Scientist of Marubi’s Recombinant Collagen, the newly unveiled Marubi Recombinant Dual Collagen 2.0 has the same degree of hydroxylation of proline as natural collagen and has formed a triple helix and collagen fiber precursor. Compared to the 1.0 stage, it has a more stable, homogenous, higher activity, and higher efficiency structure, achieving comprehensive improvements in structural activity, transdermal activity, anti-aging activity, soothing activity, and moisturizing activity.
For example, third-party test results show that after using samples of Marubi Recombinant Dual Collagen 2.0 continuously for 14 days, the areas of nasolabial folds, crow’s feet, and under-eye wrinkles all significantly decreased. Skin elasticity, firmness, and radiance also significantly increased. Additionally, within 30 minutes of using Marubi Recombinant Dual Collagen 2.0, redness on the skin quickly fades, and after 14 days of use, facial redness visibly diminishes.
Marubi Recombinant Dual Collagen 2.0 is also one of the achievements of Marubi’s independent intellectual property system. Currently, Marubi has accumulated 26 patent applications related to recombinant collagen, a yeast cell library containing 44 different peptide chains of 28 collagen types, and a gene library of over 100 small molecule active collagen proteins.
It can be said that Marubi is at the forefront of research and development in the field of recombinant collagen. As Sun Huaiqing, Chairman and CEO of Marubi, stated, “In collagen anti-aging, Marubi is once again far ahead!”
Three Major Advancements: Marubi’s Comprehensive Product Iteration
Of course, no matter how cutting-edge the theoretical research is, it ultimately needs to be implemented in products to truly unleash the effectiveness of research and development. Marubi has always prioritized the integration of industry, academia, and research. Therefore, at this forum, Marubi unveiled the second-generation “Marubi Collagen Microneedles,” with recombinant dual collagen 2.0 as its core.
In fact, as early as 2021, Marubi launched the first-generation “Marubi Collagen Microneedles.” The product used the most advanced patented human homologous chimeric recombinant dual collagen protein at that time, which could directly replenish type I contour collagen and type III plumping collagen, achieving a wrinkle-reducing effect in 10 days. Upon its release, it quickly topped the charts on major platforms and became a true flagship product for Marubi.
However, based on the advanced research and development of recombinant collagen protein in recent years, as well as a more comprehensive understanding of skin aging, Marubi has developed a more systematic solution for the “Marubi Collagen Microneedles” by starting with collagen systemized aging and the “collagen steady state” rigid characteristics.
According to Chen Jiayang, Deputy Director of Content Marketing at Marubi, the second-generation “Marubi Collagen Microneedles” has achieved three major advancements in collagen, anti-aging, and repair. In terms of collagen, the second-generation product utilizes the latest Marubi dual collagen 2.0 mentioned earlier. Based on the chimeric recombinant dual collagen, it employs a Saccharomyces cerevisiae system, which stabilizes the triple helix structure with a C-proline loop, enabling dual-channel transdermal delivery and direct involvement in human collagen fiber assembly, thereby achieving an elevated efficacy from the core ingredients.
In terms of anti-aging advancements, in addition to the foundation of Marubi dual collagen 2.0, the second-generation “Marubi Collagen Microneedles” also incorporates French Edelweiss extract, which acts as a natural collagen molecule lock, securing the collagen network. Additionally, the new product is formulated with three types of star peptide complexes, including Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Syn-Ake Peptide, and Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, targeting the prevention of expression lines from three major angles.
Third-party test results show that after using the product continuously for 14 days, there was a reduction of 41.83% in nasolabial folds, 42.54% in forehead wrinkles, 45.90% in frown lines, 33.66% in laugh lines, and 41.25% in crow’s feet.
In terms of repair advancements, the second-generation “Marubi Collagen Microneedles” not only includes Marubi’s self-developed patented ingredient, Bombax ceiba extract, but also combines natural complex plant extracts and ursodeoxycholic acid to target multiple points and reduce the release of inflammatory factors, providing soothing and calming effects. Third-party test results show that the product achieves a calming effect in just 15 minutes of use, and after 7 days, there is a significant reduction in skin exfoliation and redness.
Furthermore, at this forum, Marubi also simultaneously released the Marubi Collagen Microneedle Patches and Marubi Collagen Elastic Face Mask Cream, both centered around Marubi dual collagen 2.0. These products cater to both emergency relief and long-term care, creating a family of recombinant dual collagen products and providing users with a comprehensive anti-aging and repair solution.
Three Major Advancements: Marubi’s Comprehensive Product Iteration
Of course, no matter how cutting-edge the theoretical research is, it ultimately needs to be implemented in products to truly unleash the effectiveness of research and development. Marubi has always prioritized the integration of industry, academia, and research. Therefore, at this forum, Marubi unveiled the second-generation “Marubi Collagen Microneedles,” with recombinant dual collagen 2.0 as its core.
In fact, as early as 2021, Marubi launched the first-generation “Marubi Collagen Microneedles.” The product used the most advanced patented human homologous chimeric recombinant dual collagen protein at that time, which could directly replenish type I contour collagen and type III plumping collagen, achieving a wrinkle-reducing effect in 10 days. Upon its release, it quickly topped the charts on major platforms and became a true flagship product for Marubi.
However, based on the advanced research and development of recombinant collagen protein in recent years, as well as a more comprehensive understanding of skin aging, Marubi has developed a more systematic solution for the “Marubi Collagen Microneedles” by starting with collagen systemized aging and the “collagen steady state” rigid characteristics.
According to Chen Jiayang, Deputy Director of Content Marketing at Marubi, the second-generation “Marubi Collagen Microneedles” has achieved three major advancements in collagen, anti-aging, and repair. In terms of collagen, the second-generation product utilizes the latest Marubi dual collagen 2.0 mentioned earlier. Based on the chimeric recombinant dual collagen, it employs a Saccharomyces cerevisiae system, which stabilizes the triple helix structure with a C-proline loop, enabling dual-channel transdermal delivery and direct involvement in human collagen fiber assembly, thereby achieving an elevated efficacy from the core ingredients.
In terms of anti-aging advancements, in addition to the foundation of Marubi dual collagen 2.0, the second-generation “Marubi Collagen Microneedles” also incorporates French Edelweiss extract, which acts as a natural collagen molecule lock, securing the collagen network. Additionally, the new product is formulated with three types of star peptide complexes, including Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Syn-Ake Peptide, and Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, targeting the prevention of expression lines from three major angles.
Third-party test results show that after using the product continuously for 14 days, there was a reduction of 41.83% in nasolabial folds, 42.54% in forehead wrinkles, 45.90% in frown lines, 33.66% in laugh lines, and 41.25% in crow’s feet.
In terms of repair advancements, the second-generation “Marubi Collagen Microneedles” not only includes Marubi’s self-developed patented ingredient, Bombax ceiba extract, but also combines natural complex plant extracts and ursodeoxycholic acid to target multiple points and reduce the release of inflammatory factors, providing soothing and calming effects. Third-party test results show that the product achieves a calming effect in just 15 minutes of use, and after 7 days, there is a significant reduction in skin exfoliation and redness.
Furthermore, at this forum, Marubi also simultaneously released the Marubi Collagen Microneedle Patches and Marubi Collagen Elastic Face Mask Cream, both centered around Marubi dual collagen 2.0. These products cater to both emergency relief and long-term care, creating a family of recombinant dual collagen products and providing users with a comprehensive anti-aging and repair solution.
Leading the Industry Standard Development, Marubi Enters a New Era
When a company has achieved considerable success in its products and research and development, the next step is inevitably to look towards a broader direction, which involves collaborating with industry-leading companies and organizations to establish a healthier and more scientific industry standard.
Professor Tan Jianhua, a senior engineer at the National Cosmetics Quality Inspection and Testing Center and the Guangzhou Institute of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Testing, mentioned that due to the lack of unified standards, the application of recombinant collagen in the cosmetics field still carries many uncontrollable safety risks, such as quality and safety issues, substandard products, lack of transparency in information, and inconsistent product batches. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a unified national industry standard.
In fact, Marubi has always been at the forefront of leading industry standardization. As early as the Second Recombinant Collagen Forum, Marubi officially initiated the standardization of recombinant collagen in five major directions: skincare, medicine, food, cosmetics ingredients, and efficacy evaluation methods. This year, Marubi participated in the formulation of five group standards: “General Requirements for Collagen Skincare Products,” “Determination Method for Bioavailability of Oral Collagen,” “Quality Requirements for Medical Collagen Products,” “Efficacy Evaluation Method for Recombinant Collagen Raw Materials,” and “Recombinant Collagen in Cosmetics.” These standards were officially released, showcasing Marubi’s role as a “pioneer” and delivering a perfect answer to the industry.
This year, Marubi has once again launched a new round of standardization processes. At this forum, Marubi, together with the China Biotechnology Fermentation Industry Association and the National Cosmetics Quality Inspection and Testing Center (Guangzhou), initiated the formulation of the national industry standard for “Recombinant Soluble Collagen.”
CHAILEEDO learned on-site that the industry standard will define the terminology and definitions of recombinant soluble collagen, establish safety requirements, and provide detailed specifications for product classification, technical requirements, inspection rules, labeling, packaging, transportation, storage requirements, and corresponding experimental methods.
Tan Jianhua, Deputy Director of the Chemical Inspection Department of the National Cosmetics Quality Inspection and Testing Center (Guangzhou), commented, “The industry standard for ‘Recombinant Soluble Collagen’ led by Marubi fills the gap in national standards and promotes the healthy and sustainable development of the market, solidifying China’s leading position in recombinant collagen.”
The initiation of industry standards not only means that recombinant soluble collagen will have standards to follow but also promotes innovative transformation in the industry structure as well as the market’s healthy and sustainable development.
In addition, at this forum, Marubi proposed the “High-Quality Standard Initiative for Recombinant Collagen,” advocating that in addition to meeting the requirements of “Recombinant Soluble Collagen,” recombinant collagen should also undergo verification in five aspects: collagen sequence, functional structure, transdermal absorption, human efficacy, and industrialization.
According to Guo Zhaowan, Deputy General Manager of Marubi’s Biotechnology Research and Development, in terms of sequence, it is necessary to ensure that recombinant collagen matches the sequence of human collagen protein. Regarding functional structure, it is important to ensure that recombinant collagen has protein higher-order structures above the tertiary level. For transdermal absorption, it should be confirmed that recombinant collagen is well accepted by the skin. Human efficacy certification should require third-party human efficacy evaluation reports, demonstrating the real efficacy on the skin. Lastly, in terms of industrialization, it should be ensured that recombinant collagen is produced through stable processes and large-scale production, with stable quality within the shelf life and good quality control.
“Marubi Biotechnology calls on the entire industry to align with the five high-quality standards for recombinant collagen raw materials, standardize the production and application of recombinant collagen, and jointly propel the development of the recombinant collagen industry into a new era.” Sun Huaiqing made this appeal on-site.
Today, the Marubi Recombinant Collagen Forum has entered its fourth edition. With Marubi’s research and application of recombinant collagen entering the 2.0 era, this not only marks another milestone in Marubi’s deepening involvement in the anti-aging field but also signifies that Marubi will continue to bring forth new achievements and products, injecting new momentum into the industry’s development.
