Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Marine Collagen: A Scientific Exploration for Delaying Skin Aging

Abstract

Aging is closely associated with collagen degradation, impacting the structure and strength of the muscles, joints, bones, and skin. The continuous aging of the skin is a natural process that is influenced by extrinsic factors such as UV exposure, dietary patterns, smoking habits, and cosmetic supplements. Supplements that contain collagen can act as remedies that help restore vitality and youth to the skin, helping combat aging. Notably, collagen supplements enriched with essential amino acids such as proline and glycine, along with marine fish collagen, have become popular for their safety and effectiveness in mitigating the aging process. To compile the relevant literature on the anti-aging applications of marine collagen, a search and analysis of peer-reviewed papers was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase, covering publications from 1991 to 2024. From in vitro to in vivo experiments, the reviewed studies elucidate the anti-aging benefits of marine collagen, emphasizing its role in combating skin aging by minimizing oxidative stress, photodamage, and the appearance of wrinkles. Various bioactive marine peptides exhibit diverse anti-aging properties, including free radical scavenging, apoptosis inhibition, lifespan extension in various organisms, and protective effects in aging humans. Furthermore, the topical application of hyaluronic acid is discussed as a mechanism to increase collagen production and skin moisture, contributing to the anti-aging effects of collagen supplementation. The integration of bio-tissue engineering in marine collagen applications is also explored, highlighting its proven utility in skin healing and bone regeneration applications. However, limitations to the scope of its application exist. Thus, by delving into these nuanced considerations, this review contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the potential and challenges associated with marine collagen in the realm of anti-aging applications.

Keywords: anti-aging; antioxidant; biopeptide; bone regeneration; extracellular matrix (ECM); fish collagen; marine collagen; prevention; skin.

Figure 1

Illustrates the structural differences between younger and aging skin. In young human skin dermis, collagen fibrils are intact and normal in size (left) in contrast with reduced collagen fibrils in aged human skin dermis which leads to a reduction in cell size (right). The aging skin on the right shows a reduction and fragmentation of collagen fibers, broken elastic fibers, and diminished Hyaluronic Acid (red dots), leading to thinner fat layers and an overall loss of structural integrity and elasticity.

Figure 2

Serum levels of GSH-Px, SOD, and MDA in mice. Data from J.F. Ding et al. (2011). a = p < 0.05, b = p < 0.01 compared to control. c = p < 0.05, d = p < 0.01 compared to aging model. e = p < 0.05, f = p < 0.01 compared to positive.

Figure 3

Illustration of the CRISPR-Cas9 Mechanism for Skin Regeneration. This graphic outlines the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology for targeted gene editing in eukaryotic cells, specifically for skin regeneration. The process begins with the Cas9 protein forming a complex with a guide RNA that is complementary to a specific gene sequence associated with skin aging. This complex then locates and binds to the target DNA sequence, where Cas9 makes a precise cut. A new DNA sequence with the desired genetic information can then be inserted at the cut site for potential therapeutic purposes, such as reversing aging effects or repairing skin damage. This advanced molecular technique is also being applied to edit the genetic code of various organisms, encompassing eukaryotic cells similar to those in humans. Specifically, in the context of combating skin aging, this method allows for precise alterations to DNA sequences, facilitating the repair or reversal of age-related genetic changes in the skin. It might also offer a tool for curing genetically based diseases [46].

Figure 4

Illustrates biomedical applications and advantages of marine collagen compared to land animal-derived collagen.

Figure 5

Collagen found in the ECM. The ECM is a dynamic network of proteins and molecules that play a fundamental role in organizing and maintaining tissue structure and function. Components of the ECM include fibrillar proteins (i.e., collagen, elastin) which confer tensile strength and elasticity, adhesive glycoproteins (i.e., fibronectins, laminins) which mediate cell–ECM interactions critical for tissue organization and homeostasis, and proteoglycans (i.e., fibromodulin), which can have biologically active properties (i.e., growth factors) and mediate ECM assembly and organization [65]. Created in Biorender.com.

Figure 6

Schematic representation of E. amentacea seaweed body parts, and antioxidant activity of E. amentacea extracts in spectrophotometric tests.

Figure 7

Marine seaweed displays anti-aging properties. In (A,C), * p < 0.05; Tukey of EtOH apex vs. EtOH thallus’ respective concentrations, $ p < 0.05. In (B), * p < 0.05; Tukey of EtOH apex vs. EtOH thallus’ respective concentrations, $ p < 0.005. (A) ROS scavenging activity. (B) Fe (III)-reducing power assay compared to ascorbic acid (AA). (C) OH radical scavenging activity. (D) NO radical scavenging activity. Taken from Mirata et al. (2023) [66].

Figure 8

Potential utilization of marine by-products in anti-aging cosmetic preparations.