The research on Phyaluronic®

🌿 From Sea to Skin: The Journey of Phyaluronic®

At PhycoHealth, our passion for marine ecology led us to explore the potential of seaweed, specifically Ulva species 84. This green seaweed thrives in the intertidal zones, enduring fluctuating conditions of salinity and moisture. Our research unveiled a unique polysaccharide, SXRG84, within this seaweed, which we've trademarked as Phyaluronic®. 

What's in a name?
Well, hyaluronic acid is now a familiar name, but it really means "glassy sugar", and the true name (nomenclature) of the molecule is more like glucuronoglucosaminoglycan or, to be precise, β-(1→4)-D-glucuronic acid–β-(1→3)-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. So similar to hyaluronic, we really could not come out with our first plant-based alternative, calling it something as complex as that. So we trademarked Phyaluronic®, because then we can all understand where the molecules fits in the world of skincare. "Phy" - being in the context of Phyco for algae and seaweed, and "aluronic" being the type of "glassy sugar" that hyaluronic is. So really Phyaluronic® means "seaweed glassy sugar".

Phyaluronic®, PhycoTrix, PhycoTide, and SXRG84—come from our cultivated green seaweed, Ulva species 84. What makes this seaweed so extraordinary is the natural structure of its gel-like matrix that mimics the structure and function of mammalian tissue gels like hyaluronic acid—but it’s entirely plant-based and sustainably cultivated. 

• SXRG84 is the scientific name for the unique polymer we extract from our seaweed. It forms the base of our bioactive skincare and ingestible products.
• Phyaluronic® is our trademarked name for SXRG84. It positions this seaweed extract as a natural, high-performance alternative to animal-derived hyaluronic acid.
• PhycoTide refers to a version of the extract that retains more of the naturally occurring peptides and antioxidants, offering additional skin-repairing and anti-inflammatory benefits. Think of it as the "nourishing" or "revitalizing" variant.
• PhycoTrix is a more refined version with very low protein content (<1%), making it ultra-hydrating and ideal for sensitive skin or post-treatment recovery.

• SXRG84 = the base molecule - you will see this ins our published scientific literature.
• Phyaluronic® = the umbrella name/trademark
• PhycoTide = peptide-rich version for repair
• PhycoTrix = purified version for deep hydration and sensitive skin

These molecules are rare in the plant world because of their sulfated sugar backbone—an architecture usually seen in animal connective tissue. Their ability to communicate, adhere, and support cellular repair makes them uniquely bioactive and suitable for both topical and ingestible use in skin and gut health.

🔬 Scientific Milestones

1. Hydration Powerhouse

In 2019, our PhD student, J. Chen, conducted groundbreaking research demonstrating the exceptional water-holding capacity of SXRG84. The study revealed that SXRG84 could absorb up to 8000% of its weight in water, highlighting its potential as a superior hydrating agent in skincare formulations. When translated into an effect in skin, our research student L. Kang showed that the volume of a skin scaffold mimic with Collagen could swell to a far greater volume (40% greater) with Phyaluronic (SXRG84) than without it.

2. Enhancing Skin Structure

Further research by Kang et al. in 2018 and Chen et al. in 2021 explored the impact of SXRG84 on skin proteins. The studies showed that SXRG84 stimulates the production of collagen, elastin, and fibronectin, essential proteins for skin elasticity and strength, but also appeared to help in guiding the skin cell alignment within a directional tissue structure (ECLCU far right shows stronger and longer lasting skin cell structures whenPhyalurinic is involved). A trait we are pursuing in the feat of addressing non-scarred and functional skin repair.

3. Anti-Inflammatory and Non-Toxic

McCauley et al. in 2018 conducted in vitro studies confirming that SXRG84 is non-toxic to human skin cells and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. These findings support the safety and efficacy of SXRG84 in topical applications, offering a soothing effect on the skin.

4. Gut-Skin Axis and Internal Benefits

Our clinical trial, led by Roach et al. in 2023, investigated the effects of orally consumed SXRG84 on individuals with inflammatory skin conditions. The study demonstrated that SXRG84 supplementation led to a reduction in systemic inflammation markers and improved skin health in a subset group, highlighting the connection between gut health and skin condition.

5. A Crowning Glory

The function of our Phyaluronic was so similar to that of human tissue molecules, that with the addition of skin cells - we were able to create a full, complex skin scaffold structure, with thriving cells. This is a most exciting frontier for being able to undertake research on human skin without harming humans or animals, as well as for replacing wounded tissue. Not only that, the presence of Phyaluronic in a collgen rich scaffold was five times more resitant to collagen degrading enzym, collagenase after 4 hours of enzyme bombardment.

6. A Stable Case - resisting multiple enzymes

Not only did Phyaluronic® create a hydrated, adhesive, low immune stimulatory environment for skin, it resisted diverse challenges from enzymes such as hyaluronidase and a patent has been created in relation to this stability compared to hyaluronic acid for medical applications. It also helped to protect the collagenase in skin structures compared to controls without it. This stability and protective effect is one of the reasons we consider that Phyaluronic® has a longer life both in tissue for clincial applications, and on tissue for topical applications.

7. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing

Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid, often derived from animal sources, Phyaluronic® is extracted from sustainably cultivated Ulva species 84. Our cultivation practices ensure minimal environmental impact, and the extraction process avoids the use of harsh chemicals, aligning with our commitment to ethical and eco-friendly skincare solutions.

✨ Embracing Nature's Wisdom

Our journey from marine ecology to skincare innovation underscores the incredible potential of seaweed-derived compounds. Phyaluronic® represents a fusion of nature and science, offering a sustainable, effective, and ethical approach to skin health. By harnessing the power of the ocean, we're not only enhancing skin vitality but also contributing to the preservation of marine ecosystems.

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If you want to delve in to the actual research then you can find a thread of knowledge in these publications of peer reviewed science:

• 3D bioprinting dermal-like structures using species-specific ulvanBiomater. Sci. 2021 | Journal article DOI: 10.1039/D0BM01784A

• Fibrinogen, collagen, and transferrin adsorption to poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-xylorhamno-uronic glycan composite conducting polymer biomaterials for wound healing applicationsBiointerphases 2021 | Journal article DOI: 10.1116/6.0000708

• Development of rhamnose-rich hydrogels based on sulfated xylorhamno-uronic acid for wound healing applicationBiomaterials Science 2019 | Journal article DOI: 10.1039/c9bm00480g

• Fabrication and In Vitro Characterization of Electrochemically Compacted Collagen/Sulfated Xylorhamnoglycuronan Matrix for Wound Healing ApplicationsPolymers 2018-04 | Journal article DOI: 10.3390/polym10040415

• Controlling seaweed biology, physiology and metabolic traits in production for commercially relevant bioactives in glycobiologyAdvances in Botanical Research 2014 | Book DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-408062-1.00008-1

• Effects of nutrients and processing on the nutritionally important metabolites of Ulva sp. (Chlorophyta).Algal Research 35: 586-594. 2018 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2018.09.016

• Selecting Australian marine macroalgae based on the fatty acid composition and anti-inflammatory activity." Journal of Applied Phycology: 1-11. 2015 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10811-014-0465-5