# Physalia physalis—A Source of Bioactive Collagen for the Cosmetic Industry

## TL;DR

This study explores collagen from the jellyfish Physalia physalis as a sustainable and effective ingredient for cosmetics, showing it supports skin cell growth and reduces inflammation.

## Contribution

The study introduces Physalia physalis as a novel marine source of bioactive collagen with cosmetic potential.

## Key findings

- P. physalis collagen peptides increased keratinocyte migration and showed cytocompatibility with skin cells.
- The peptides reduced TNF-α by 38% and increased IL-10 by 29% in inflammatory models.
- A stable bioactive serum formulation using P. physalis collagen peptides was successfully developed.

## Abstract

Collagen, the most abundant structural protein in animals, is fundamental for tissue integrity and regeneration. Conventional mammalian sources face limitations related to sustainability, safety, and ethical concerns, underscoring the need for alternative biomaterials. Marine organisms, particularly jellyfish, offer a promising eco-friendly collagen source. In this study, collagen and collagen-derived peptides were extracted from the cnidarian Physalia physalis and biochemically characterized. Circular dichroism demonstrated partial loss of triple-helix structure, while SDS-PAGE revealed type I collagen related α-chains together with low-molecular-weight fragments. The hydrolyzed collagen fractions exhibited keratinocyte and fibroblast cytocompatibility and increased keratinocyte migration. Moreover, P. physalis-derived peptides modulated inflammatory cytokine release in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages reducing tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α by 38% and increasing interleukin (IL)-10 by 29%. Based on these results, a stable bioactive serum formulation incorporating P. physalis collagen peptides was developed. Overall, this work demonstrates that bioactive peptides from P. physalis possess immunomodulatory and regenerative potential and represent a promising new marine resource for cosmetic applications.