Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is a biological compound made up of DNA fragments derived from marine-origin tissues, such as salmon. It is known for its tissue regenerative and reparative properties and is used in various medical and cosmetic treatments to promote skin healing, improve the appearance of scars, and stimulate cellular regeneration.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

The production of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), a complex of DNA fragments used in regenerative medicine and cosmetics for its tissue repair and regeneration properties, follows a biotechnological process that involves the extraction and purification of DNA from natural sources. Here is a detailed overview of the process.

• Selection of DNA Source. DNA is extracted from natural sources, commonly from salmon or trout tissues, which are rich in DNA. These sources are selected for their high quality and abundance of genetic material.
• DNA Extraction. DNA is extracted from the tissues using chemical or enzymatic methods that break down cell membranes and release DNA. This process may include the use of detergents, enzymes like lysozyme, and treatments with saline or alkaline solutions to purify the DNA.
• Enzymatic Hydrolysis. The extracted DNA is then subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis to break it down into smaller fragments, generating a mixture of polydeoxyribonucleotides. Specific enzymes, such as DNases, are used to control the size of the resulting fragments.
• Purification. The PDRN fragments are purified to remove proteins, lipids, and other residual cellular components. This may include techniques such as ion exchange chromatography, filtration, and dialysis.
• Quality Control. The purified PDRN undergoes rigorous quality control checks to verify purity, composition, and the absence of contaminants. These tests can include gel electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and microbiological tests.

Form and Color. Polydeoxyribonucleotide appears as a white or almost white, fine, and hygroscopic powder.

What it is for and where

Aesthetic medicine. PDRN is used in anti-aging treatments to reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and stimulate collagen production, contributing to a more youthful and regenerated appearance of the skin.

Cosmetics. Included in serums, creams, and specific treatments, PDRN is prized for its ability to improve hydration, texture, and the overall appearance of the skin.

Studies

Scientific research supports the use of PDRN for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, with numerous studies demonstrating its benefits in skin care and regenerative medicine.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide improved burn wound healing through increased epithelial proliferation and maturation of the extracellular matrix (1), furthermore, by exploiting the noninvasive gelling property of alginate, PDRN promoted the formation of new blood vessels (2) and can be considered a viable alternative to corticosteroids in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (3).

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Bitto A, Galeano M, Squadrito F, Minutoli L, Polito F, Dye JF, Clayton EA, Calò M, Venuti FS, Vaccaro M, Altavilla D. Polydeoxyribonucleotide improves angiogenesis and wound healing in experimental thermal injury. Crit Care Med. 2008 May;36(5):1594-602. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e318170ab5c. PMID: 18434887.

Abstract. Objective: Polydeoxyribonucleotide contains a mixture of nucleotides and interacts with adenosine receptors, stimulating vascular endothelial growth factor expression and wound healing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of polydeoxyribonucleotide on experimental burn wounds....Conclusions: Our study suggests that polydeoxyribonucleotide may be an effective therapeutic approach to improve clinical outcomes after thermal injury.

(2) Shin DY, Park JU, Choi MH, Kim S, Kim HE, Jeong SH. Polydeoxyribonucleotide-delivering therapeutic hydrogel for diabetic wound healing. Sci Rep. 2020 Oct 8;10(1):16811. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-74004-0.

Abstract. Patients with diabetes experience delayed wound healing because of the uncontrolled glucose level in their bloodstream, which leads to impaired function of white blood cells, poor circulation, decreased production and repair of new blood vessels. Treatment using polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which is a DNA extracted from the sperm cells of salmon, has been introduced to accelerate the healing process of diabetic wounds. To accelerate the wound-healing process, sustained delivery of PDRN is critical. In this study, taking advantage of the non-invasive gelation property of alginate, PDRN was loaded inside the hydrogel (Alg-PDRN). The release behavior of PDRN was altered by controlling the crosslinking density of the Alg hydrogel. The amount of PDRN was the greatest inside the hydrogel with the highest crosslinking density because of the decreased diffusion. However, there was an optimal degree of crosslinking for the effective release of PDRN. In vitro studies using human dermal fibroblasts and diabetes mellitus fibroblasts and an in ovo chorioallantoic membrane assay confirmed that the Alg-PDRN hydrogel effectively induced cell proliferation and expression of angiogenic growth factors and promoted new blood vessel formation. Its effectiveness for accelerated diabetic wound healing was also confirmed in an in-vivo animal experiment using a diabetic mouse model.

(3) Huh J, Shim KS, Cho HJ, Lee BJ, Park D. Polydeoxyribonucleotide injection in the treatment of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: Retrospective preliminary study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Oct;98(41):e17522. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000017522. 

Abstract. Background: Corticosteroid injection is beneficial in treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) due to its anti-inflammatory effects. However, its side effects limit widespread usage. Recently, several studies have found that polydeoxyribonucleotide offers anti-inflammatory capabilities with fewer side effects, making it an ideal alternative. Nevertheless, there has been no study on its effectiveness in patients with CTS. Therefore, we evaluate the effectiveness of polydeoxyribonucleotide in patients with CTS. Based on the criteria, 30 patients with CTS who received two-consecutive polydeoxyribonucleotide injections (with a week interval) were initially included....Conclusion: In conclusion, although more research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of polydeoxyribonucleotide in patients with CTS, the findings here suggest that polydeoxyribonucleotide may be a viable alternative to corticosteroids in patients with CTS.