Interview with Dr. Yao Liu, Managing Director of Salnova Nutritec & Ingredients
Dr. Yao Liu,
Managing Director of Salnova Nutritec & Ingredients
You launched T-EGF for a new skin care routine at in-Cos in Amsterdam. Why can this be called a breakthrough new generation EGF for skin care?
T-EGF is a breakthrough as it is a fusion between the transdermal peptide with EGF. This fusion peptide significantly enhances transdermal delivery compared to using EGF alone. It offers a novel approach for skincare applications. Besides, T-EGF is produced through synthetic biology methodology. The process is efficient, ecofriendly and sustainable. Our T-EGF is not only Halal and vegan certified but also Cosmos approved. This is a remarkable achievement and empowers our customers to include T-EGF in their new product lines, that are not only of high efficacy but also aligned with the growing demand for clean, ethical, and scientifically advanced beauty solutions. By combining proven performance with responsible production, T-EGF enables brands to meet consumer expectations for transparency, sustainability, and visible results – making it an ideal ingredient for next-gen skincare innovations.
How does the TAIYUE® peptide chaperon specifically interact with EGF at the molecular level to enhance its permeation through the stratum corneum?
The transdermal peptide alters the tight junctions between cells, thereby increasing the intercellular gaps. The transdermal peptide reversibly promotes the expression of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase β subunit and influences the cellular localization of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase β subunit. This reversible process ensures that the skin penetration facilitated by the T motif is transient and self-limiting. Further exposure of skin to T-EGF does not increase the penetration or accumulation of the molecule. This specific mode of action minimizes the risk of overexposure or unintended systemic effects. T-EGF allows effective delivery without compromising skin integrity or causing long-term disruption to the skin barrier.
What formulation parameters (e.g., vehicle composition, pH, excipients) have you optimized to maintain both peptide and EGF stability during storage and upon skin application?
To enhance the stability of T-EGF during storage, we refined key formulation parameters of the carrier powder to help preserve the structural integrity and bioactivity of the sensitive peptides over time. Through a series of iterative tests and careful adjustments to component ratios, dosing levels, and processing conditions, we developed a carrier system that significantly improves product stability. As a result, the shelf life of the formulation at room temperature has been extended from just a few weeks to nearly a full year. In terms of excipients, ingredients such as trehalose and mannitol are commonly recognized and widely utilized in the cosmetics sector due to their compatibility and functional properties, particularly in supporting moisture retention and structural protection in delicate formulations. These are important considerations during the reformulation process of the stable commercial version of T-EGF.
Which in vitro or ex vivo models have you used to quantify transdermal delivery efficiency, and how do those results correlate with functional activity (e.g., receptor phosphorylation, cell proliferation) of the delivered EGF?
Franz diffusion cell model demonstrated that T-EGF exhibited enhanced permeation efficiency over 16 hours, indicating that the transdermal peptide significantly improved the transdermal capability of EGF through an active mechanism. BALB/c 3T3 cells were used to assess the bioactivity of T-EGF. Cell proliferation was measured via MTT assay. ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels were analyzed by Western blotting. Cell migration was evaluated using a scratch assay. The results revealed that T-EGF significantly enhanced cell proliferation, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and scratch healing capacity, demonstrating that the attachment of the transdermal peptide as a fusion partner to the EGF terminus did not compromise EGF functionality.
These findings indicate that T-EGF not only improves transdermal efficiency but also retains biological activity comparable to the native EGF, thereby validating its dual advantages in transdermal delivery and functional performance.
What preclinical safety and pharmacokinetic data support the progression of the TAIYUE® EGF system into clinical trials, and how do you plan to address potential immunogenicity from repeated topical administration?
T-EGF demonstrates a highly favorable safety profile supported by its rapid degradation in systemic circulation and its targeted, localized action in the skin. The mode of action of the transdermal peptide is transient. In the very first study, scientists have demonstrated that this peptide facilitates skin permeation of the model molecules in a few minutes while longer exposure leads to decrease of permeated molecules in circulation. Further supporting the safety of T-EGF is the numerous studies on EGF, which is swiftly broken down by plasma protease. This rapid clearance significantly reduces the potential for systemic accumulation, even under conditions of repeated administration.
Furthermore, T-EGF exhibits excellent thermal stability and prolonged activity at the site of application, where it remains effective in the skin without being degraded by skin-specific proteases. This localized persistence ensures sustained therapeutic benefits while minimizing systemic exposure. Importantly, the resistance to degradation by skin enzymes also contributes to a lower risk of eliciting immune responses, as it avoids the release of peptide fragments that might otherwise trigger immunogenicity.
In short, the administered T-EGF is almost fully consumed locally through receptor-mediated uptake and biological activity, resulting in minimal systemic exposure and supporting its safe profile for repeated use.
What commercial or clinical indications do you foresee as your highest‐impact targets over the next 5 years?
We have early evidence that T-EGF stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of hair follicle cells. It is also known that EGF supports the transition of hair follicles into the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and helps maintain their activity by activating key signaling pathways that are known to enhance cellular metabolism, survival, and regeneration, which are essential for robust and sustained hair production. Furthermore, EGF supports epidermal repair and regeneration, creating a favorable environment for hair follicle development. However, clinical evidence is lacking and EGF doesn’t penetrate the scalp skin barrier on its own. Our current research focuses on optimizing the topical application of T-EGF (Transdermal EGF) to enhance bioavailability and effectiveness in stimulating hair regrowth by EGF. This includes investigating the system, dosing, and timing that best facilitates T-EGF delivery, and ultimately maximizing its therapeutic potential for treating hair loss and promoting scalp vitality.
Salnova is the exclusive licensee for the international branding and business development of TAIYUE® T-EGF, a specialty skincare active from Longsheng Biotech.
Website: www.taiyue-tegf.com
General contact: info@taiyue-tegf.com
