Why not all PDRN actives tell the same story

A star ingredient in regenerative skincare, PDRN is nevertheless not a standardized active ingredient. Origin, molecular size, DNA base composition... behind the same name lie molecules with very different properties.

PDRN (PolyDeoxyRiboNucleotides), DNA fragments known for their regenerative effects, have become a key ingredient in serums and "skin booster" treatments, alongside hyaluronic acid and peptides.

72% of PDRN is of animal origin

Historically, PDRN was extracted from animal sources, particularly salmon sperm.

Non-animal-derived versions have only emerged very recently, obtained from algae, plants, bacteria, or yeast. This evolution responds to two market expectations: greater naturality and a controlled environmental footprint, without compromising the biological benefits of PDRN.

This is precisely the approach explored by our PDRN PHYCOPEPTIDE, derived from Chlorella vulgaris, a green microalga cultivated in bioreactors a "vegetal" PDRN.

The impact of PDRN molecular weight on the skin

As with hyaluronic acid, PDRN is available in several molecular sizes, expressed in kilodaltons (kDa). On the market, fragments generally range from 50 to 1,500 kDa. This parameter is not insignificant: the lower the molecular weight, the better the skin penetration.

Our PDRN PHYCOPEPTIDE is significantly below this standard range, with fragments smaller than 50 kDa.

The DNA Profile of PDRN: a still poorly documented signature

This is where the difference between PDRNs becomes most interesting, and most rarely measured. Unlike molecular weight, which is relatively easy to measure, the AT/GC base profile requires more advanced sequencing, which explains why it remains poorly documented in most technical data sheets on the market.

- Adenine (A) / Thymine (T), referred to as an AT pair
- Guanine (G) / Cytosine (C), referred to as a GC pair

A "standard" PDRN, derived from universal DNA sequencing, displays a relatively homogeneous distribution of approximately 60% GC bases and 40% AT bases.

Sequencing of PDRN extracted from Chlorella vulgaris reveals a completely different profile: instead of a single population, two complementary populations of DNA sequences are observed:

- one AT-rich population (65% AT / 35% GC)³
- one GC-rich population (65% GC / 35% AT)³

Our PDRN PHYCOPEPTIDE therefore has a unique DNA signature, significantly different from the standard profile.

Where does this dual signature come from?

The explanation becomes logical once you know it: a plant cell such as Chlorella vulgaris contains two distinct genomes.

- The nuclear genome, whose composition is predominantly GC-rich.
- The chloroplast genome, the organelle responsible for photosynthesis, has its own DNA, which is structurally AT-rich.

How does AT/GC composition influence skin efficacy?

AT-rich sequences stimulate regeneration. The adenine base (A) is closely related to adenosine, a molecule known to activate the A2A receptor, which is involved in cellular regeneration processes.

GC-rich sequences activate collagen synthesis. A predominance of GC bases has been associated with the activation of enhancer regions involved in collagen synthesis.

A PDRN with a "classic" profile (60% GC / 40% AT) also theoretically activates these two pathways. The difference lies in the intensity.

Beyond PDRN: Synergies

A Chlorella extract contains more than just PDRN. It also contains 2,434 phycopeptides with distinct sequences, bringing together all the amino acids found in collagen fibers. This provides a direct contribution to collagen synthesis, complementing the action of PDRN on gene expression.

Key takeaways

1. Origin (animal or non-animal: not all sources have the same properties)
2. Molecular weight, which influences its ability to penetrate the skin.
3. DNA profile (AT/GC ratio), which determines the intensity of its biological mode of action.
4. Associated compounds / synergies within the extract (such as phycopeptides in our PDRN PHYCOPEPTIDE)

^{1. https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/pdrn-skincare-market}

^{2. Nguyen TH, Wang SL, Nguyen VB. Recent advances on polydeoxyribonucleotide extraction and its novel application in cosmeceuticals. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141813024078607)}

^{3. CODIF R&D}