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®. 

• 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 sceintific literature.
• Phyaluronic® = the umbrella name/trademark
• PhycoTide = peptide-rich version for repair
• PhycoTrix = purified version for deep hydration and sensitive skin

🔬 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.

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. Moreover, SXRG84 exhibited resistance to degradation by skin enzymes, suggesting its role in maintaining a stable skin scaffold.

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, 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, that allowed the cells to thrive, align and create a full thickness skin in a petri dish. This is a most exciting frontier for being able to unndertake research on human skin without harming humans or animals, as well as for replacing wounded tissue.

6. 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