An in vitro study recently published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Medicine provides cell-based evidence for the beneficial effects of exposure to collagen peptides on the skin’s collagen content and on the molecules that provide skin firmness and elasticity. This may support the hypothesis that collagen peptides are biological messengers for maintaining extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and skin regeneration. 

Unraveling anti-aging dermal cell mechanisms 

Collagen is one of the major proteins of the skin and it is particularly important for the skin’s strength and resilience. Skin aging is a natural process that is characterized by the decrease and fragmentation of collagen in the dermis. A previously conducted double-blind clinical study carried out at the Cosderma Institute in France over a period of 56 days has already proven the positive effects of the oral intake of 5-10 g/day of SOLUGEL® collagen peptides on skin anti-aging. However, the underlying mechanisms of senescence-associated molecules synthesized by collagen-exposed cells remain unclear. 

The effect of collagen peptides on cell behavior 

In a recent in vitro study conducted by Bionos Biotech*, the mechanisms associated with collagen, elastin, and versican in human dermal fibroblasts were investigated after exposure to collagen peptides. The effects of different concentrations of collagen peptides on cell viability and metabolism were analyzed and this resulted in the following findings: 

• SOLUGEL® collagen peptides increased the expression of the collagen (COL1A1), elastin (ELN), and versican (VCAN) genes in human dermal fibroblasts (p<0.005). 
• Higher collagen expression was detected by confocal microscopy in the dermal fibroblast culture after treatment with the collagen peptides (p<0.005). 
• The exposure to collagen peptides in dermal cells affects the skin’s collagen content and the molecules that provide firmness and elasticity. 

Implications and conclusion 

These data provide scientific, cell-based evidence for the potential beneficial effects of the exposure of collagen peptides on skin-firming and anti-aging properties, which suggests that they may trigger the cell signaling and gene expressions to maintain the structure of the dermis and ECM. 

Expert insight 

Dr. Reyhan Nergiz Unal, Health & Nutrition Science Lead at PB Leiner and co-author of the study: “This novel data shows that SOLUGEL® triggers the fibroblasts to produce skin anti-aging molecules. The study proves that collagen is a biological messenger, which means that exposure to collagen changes the dermal cell behavior to provide firmness and elasticity, and also increases collagen production. Moreover, collagen positively changes gene expressions, which results in skin cells producing more anti-aging molecules.” 

*This study was conducted by Bionos Biotech and funded by PB Leiner, part of Tessenderlo Group, which also provided the tested product: SOLUGEL® collagen peptides. 

About SOLUGEL® collagen peptides 

SOLUGEL®, one of PB Leiner’s product brands, can provide support for healthy joints and bones, skin health and beauty from within, weight management, and physical performance in a wide range of foods, beverages, and supplements. Obtained from natural animal sources, it is a highly digestible pure protein that is perfectly soluble and neutral in taste and flavor. 

Dierckx S, Patrizi M, Merino M, González S, José LM, Nergiz-Unal R. Collagen peptides affect collagen synthesis and the expression of collagen, elastin, and versican genes in cultured human dermal fibroblasts. Front Med Sec Dermatology 2024;11. 

About PB Leiner 

PB Leiner is an established global gelatin and collagen solutions manufacturer. With production sites in Asia, Europe, and North and South America, PB Leiner supplies its customers with high-quality solutions for the food, health & nutrition, and pharmaceutical markets. PB Leiner employs approximately 1,200 people and is part of Tessenderlo Group. 

Tessenderlo Group (Euronext: TESB) is a global industrial group that focuses on agriculture, valorizing bio-residuals, machinery, mechanical engineering, electronics, energy, and industrial solutions for water management. Its belief that “Every Molecule Counts” is at the heart of the strategy of the group: Tessenderlo Group continually strives to valorize its products and processes to the maximum and to add value to everything it does. For more information about Tessenderlo Group, please visit www.tessenderlo.com.