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[Newsletter No.30] The Key to Skin Regeneration Found in Microalgae: Blue PDRN
CBD-CHM Newsletter Vol. 30
The Key to Skin Regeneration Found in Microalgae: Blue PDRN
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) has successfully commercialized a technology to produce non-animal-derived PDRN1) from microalgae Chlorella, and announced the launch of a new cosmetic product developed by Amorepacific using this ingredient.
Since 2023, MOF has been spearheading the Marine Biomaterial Formulation Technology Development Project (2023-2024) to develop standard processing technologies for marine biological resources with high industrial value, aiming to bring them into commercial use.
With its efficacy in enhancing skin regeneration and wound healing, PDRN as a key material has been widely applied in various industries such as biopharmaceuticals, functional cosmetics, and medical devices. However, over 90% of PDRN used in Korea is imported, promoting the need to localize production for a more sustainable bioindustry.
The project was conducted through public-private collaboration between Amorepacific R&I center and Morechem Co., Ltd, resulting in the development of a process to extract high-content, low-molecular-weight PDRN from Chlorella. The extracted material, named 'Blue PDRN'2), was found to promote skin cell proliferation and migration, and enhance collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, thereby contributing to skin regeneration and wound healing.
Amorepacific confirmed that the skin regeneration effects of 'Blue PDRN' were comparable to those of salmon-derived PDRN in artificial skin, and applied for a patent on the production technology. The technology was awarded the New Excellent Technology (NET) certification in December 2024 and received a Ministerial Commendation from the MOF.
This breakthrough is considered a meaningful step forward, moving from conventional animal-derived PDRN production using sources like salmon and trout to a sustainable, scalable non-animal-based production.
Furthermore, amid the global expansion of the vegan cosmetics market3) and increasing competition in the development of non-animal-based cosmetic ingredients, Korea is expected to position itself as a market leader.
1)
Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is a type of DNA fragment, primarily extracted from salmon sperm. It has been developed for the purpose of skin regeneration, wound healing, exfoliation, wrinkle improvement, skin brightening, hair growth promotion, and hair loss prevention.
2)
The new product formulated with Blue PDRN contains 92.3% of PDRN H.A. TM LIPOSOME that combines PDRN and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) within liposomes. It helps regenerate damaged skin.
3)
According to Fortune Business Insights (June 2025), the vegan cosmetics market is projected to reach 46 trillion KRW by 2032 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.85%.
