Journal of
eISSN: 2574-9943
Submit manuscript...
Research Article Volume 10 Issue 1
A co-bonding technology combining Maitake, a peptide complex, and rhamnose stimulates different skin collagens and partially restores age-associated alterations: results from in vitro assays and a 3D reconstructed skin model
Franck Juchaux, Thais Martinuzzi, Claire Deloche-Bensmaine, Lucie Guerin, Natalia Kovylkina
Received: December 19, 2025 | Published: January 21, 2026
Citation: Juchaux F, Martinuzzi T, Deloche-Bensmaine C, et al. A co-bonding technology combining Maitake, a peptide complex, and rhamnose stimulates different skin collagens and partially restores age-associated alterations: results from in vitro assays and a 3D reconstructed skin model. J Dermat Cosmetol. 2026;10(1):1-9. DOI: 10.15406/jdc.2026.10.00310
Abstract
Introduction: The loss of collagen during ageing is not only due to an imbalance between its synthesis and the degradation of collagen, but also due to a deficient mechanical stimulation. A novel combination of several molecules (co-bonding technology) combining Maitake, peptide complex and Rhamnose was developed to stimulate skin specific collagens and enhance its architectural integrity. In vitro assays and a 3D reconstructed human skin model evaluated the effect of a novel co-bonding technology on the collagen expression in human skin. Material and methods: The expression of 10 collagen gene markers and five collagen proteins (I, III, V , VI, and VII) was measured in fibroblasts treated with combinations of the three compounds using RT-qPCR, immunolabeling, and image analysis. A fullthickness human skin was then reconstructed using human dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes from an aged donor to assess the impact of the co-bonding technology on the overall skin structure. Results: Maitake significantly stimulated the gene expression of COL5A1, 6A1, 12A1, 15A1 and 16A1 (x1.28, x 1.34, x1.69, x1.51 and x1.57 respectively) as well as the protein expression of collagen III (+66%). The peptide complex significantly) stimulated the gene expression of COL1A1, 5A1, 6A1, 11A1, 12A1, 15A1 and 16A1 (x1.37, x 1.66, x1.39, x1.69, x2.01, x1.84 and x1.70 respectively) as well as the protein expression of collagen I, III, and VII (+94%, +193% and +221% respectively). Rhamnose significantly stimulated the gene expression of COL4A2, 5A1, 6A1, 12A1, 14A1, 15A1, 16A1, and 18A1 (x1.33, x 1.39, x1.39, x1.54, x1.26, x1.88, x1.51 and x2.74 respectively). Finally, the co-bonding technology combining all 3 actives clearly and significantly stimulated the protein expression of collagen I, III, V , VI and VII (+118%, +245%, +23%, +15% and +127% respectively) meaning that the 4 collagen families were stimulated, as 1 to 2 representatives from each family were positively modulated at the protein level. The use of a 3D model of reconstructed aged skin also made it possible to highlight that the effects of co-bonding technology were not limited to the stimulation of collagens but that it also reverse the morphological alterations linked to aging by stimulating the thickening of the epidermis (+23%) and the expression of desmoglein-3 and ZO-1 (+555% and +277% respectively), two markers of the barrier function. Conclusion: The co-bonding technology stimulates the gene expression of at least 11 cutaneous collagens, potentially helping to reverse the age phenotype and visible skin ageing signs.
Keywords: co-bonding, maitake, matrixyl©, rhamnose, collagens, skin
©2026 Juchaux, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.