Improving skin elasticity and combating aging through the development of synthetic DNA technology: this is the path taken by Trautec, an innovation-driven company specializing in synthetic biology, with platforms for biosynthesis and medical device transformation. The company presented its work at the Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients (PCHi 2026) conference, held in Hangzhou, China, from March 18 to 20.
Among Trautec’s proposals is tFNA (Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acid), a synthetically produced DNA nanostructure positioned as a stable, skin-permeable alternative to animal-derived nucleic acids. Produced using synthetic biology methods, it offers improved stability, sustainability, and scalability, with potential applications in cellular repair, antioxidation, autophagy regulation, and advanced anti-aging skincare.
HPC Today, a media partner of the international event, took the opportunity to discuss Trautec’s innovations with Dr. Lu Yumei, Product Manager.
“It mainly focuses on improving skin elasticity, with a particular emphasis on collagen. The core tetrahedron (tFNA) consists of four meticulously designed oligonucleotide chains that form a closed tetrahedral structure through complementary base pairing, providing unique structural advantages. Therefore, it can effectively penetrate the dermis, which is essential for improving skin elasticity. It is primarily used for anti-aging and anti-wrinkle applications. Traditional collagen is usually obtained from animals, which can be harmful to the environment and may also carry viruses, posing risks to human health. Our technology produces it using synthetic DNA, making it highly compatible with the human body”.
Trautec focuses on the research and production of recombinant collagen biomaterials, proteins, nucleic acid-based drugs, food ingredients, and medical devices, achieving breakthroughs in the large-scale industrialization of recombinant collagen types I, II, III, and XVII, as well as small-molecule collagen yeast strains. Among the company’s main challenges are reducing environmental impact and eliminating the risk of viral transmission.
“We are currently mainly focused on collagen, but in the future we aim to go beyond this -explains Lu Yumei-. We are working on tFNA and other types of collagen that can be used not only in cosmetics but also in medical applications. In China, refined collagen is already widely accepted, whereas in Europe and North America it is still less established. This represents a major challenge for us, and we are working to address it”.
“We have developed a DNA structure with unique properties that allows for more effective observation at scale compared to other DNA structures. Many cosmetic ingredients are difficult to analyze at scale, but this structure makes it easier. It can also help protect DNA from damage and significantly improve anti-aging performance”, concludes Dr. Lu Yumei in his interview with HPC Today.
Interview with Lu Yumei, Product Manager Trautec
