Our Business Eggshell Membrane × Science

From Egg to Chick: Research began by focusing on the secret of how eggshell membrane creates chick life.

We began joint research on eggshell membrane in 2007,and it has now been 17 years.
 Reflecting on the early days of our research, could you share your impressions when we first started this industry-academia collaboration?

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• Dr. Atomi.

  The joint research with ALMADO began in 2007. Initially, it started with a proposal from ALMADO to the professors at the University of Tokyo, expressing their interest in studying the potential benefits of eggshell membrane.
  At that time, the field of considering health through cutting-edge science was still in its infancy. However, I remember being intrigued by the challenge of exploring healthcare from the perspective of the cells that form the foundation of the body.
  THowever, initially, I wondered, "Why eggshell membrane?" But after meeting with Founder Hasebe, my perspective changed.
  The hypothesis about Type III collagen and the eggshell membrane was very intriguing. Founder Hasebe's simple question, "Why does a chick hatch from an egg? And why do folk remedies suggest that applying eggshell membrane to a wound helps it heal nicely? Could there be a secret power in the eggshell membrane?" was quite convincing. I found it genuinely interesting and captivating. This is partly because the eggshell membrane has a meshwork structure, which is similar to the structure of skeletal muscle that I have studied for many years. This thin membrane, known as the basement membrane, has a thickness of just 0.1 micrometers and resembles the structure of the eggshell membrane.
  For example, current research on stem cells shows that they continue to live and function when attached to the basement membrane of muscles. Given my background in such research, I thought that placing stem cells on the meshwork structure of the eggshell membrane might yield similar results. Although this idea was initially difficult for others to understand.
  

  We humans are made up of 37 trillion cells and the extracellular matrix that the cells secrete, and the cells themselves secrete collagen and other substances. Cells have a basic structure, and it has been discovered that Eggshell Membrane have a similar structure. If you think about it, for a chick to hatch from an egg, it must be at an incredible level, since the egg must be kept in the same condition as inside its mother's womb.
  So I looked into Eggshell Membrane and found that even though it's only 0.07mm thick, it has a three-layer structure that allows oxygen to pass through while blocking moisture containing nutrients, blocks ultraviolet rays, and has antibacterial and antiviral properties. That's why chicks hatch. I thought this was an amazing substance. How do we preserve our species? It's filled with the wisdom that has been acquired and evolved over a long period of time.
  The power of Eggshell Membrane was subsequently demonstrated in a study of 30 women who applied a lotion and cream containing hydrolyzed Eggshell Membrane. There was a statistically significant increase in skin moisture content after two weeks, and elasticity after three months. That was the moment when I really felt the potential of Eggshell Membrane.

Eggshell Membrane Promotes Type III Collagen Production, Preserving Youth.
A Globally Valuable Discovery

What specific properties of the eggshell membrane are you focusing on, and what kind of research are you conducting?

Dr. Atomi.

We are primarily researching the regenerative properties of cells. In our studies, we discovered that the eggshell membrane enhances the expression of genes known as the "Rejuvenation Trio": Type III collagen, decorin, and MMP2. 
The basic premise is that cells maintain life by continuously undergoing turnover. Interestingly, cells die if they don't have work to do. When a cell is deemed unnecessary by the body, apoptosis, a programmed cell death that helps maintain a better state for the organism, occurs.
The process of "aging," which many people are interested in, progresses as the turnover of proteins within cells slows down.
One of the "Rejuvenation Trio," Type III collagen, is said to play a role in promoting the turnover of the extracellular matrix, which is essential for maintaining the body's homeostasis.
We considered that if the eggshell membrane has the same functions as Type III collagen, it could potentially lead to rejuvenation. Unlike typical supplements, which merely provide nutrients that cells passively absorb, the eggshell membrane can activate cells, encouraging them to produce substances like Type III collagen on their own. To investigate this, we created a simulated environment similar to the actual conditions of dermal cells and studied how fibroblasts from human skin, when bound to the eggshell membrane, induced various genes.
Typically, petri dishes are treated to allow cells to adhere to them, which isn't suitable for our experiments. To address this, we coated the petri dishes with a special polymer and then attached hydrolyzed eggshell membrane, which had been developed to be water-soluble. On this surface, we placed human fibroblasts and observed the gene expression related to the extracellular matrix.
In fact, many researchers focus on cell proliferation, observing gene expression in conditions where cells densely cover the entire surface of the petri dish. However, if you look at cross-sectional images of the skin, you will see that in the dermis, cells are actually spaced apart from each other.
By replicating the state where cells are spaced apart, we observed gene expression and confirmed the expression of three key genes, including Type III collagen in the extracellular matrix, associated with "rejuvenation." This finding highlighted the importance of conducting experiments that accurately mimic the conditions of cells within our body.

Dr. Shimizu.

Subsequently, when hydrolyzed eggshell membrane was applied to the skin of hairless mice, there was a significant increase in the expression of the same set of genes. This demonstrated the powerful potential of natural materials. 
The discovery that the eggshell membrane could lead to beauty, health, and longevity was a significant breakthrough of global importance.

Dr. Atomi.

Incidentally, Type III collagen, one of the "Rejuvenation Trio," is present in about 20% of a baby's skin, but this decreases to around 10% in adults. Additionally, aging leads to a reduction in the papillary layer, which is located on the outer part of the dermal structure. It was also found that eggshell membrane can increase this papillary layer.

Dr. Shimizu.

The papillary layer is where capillaries should be well-developed, as cells require nutrients carried by the bloodstream for growth; without capillaries, they die. If capillaries are not well-developed, the overall homeostasis of the skin deteriorates. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent the degradation of the papillary layer, which can occur due to aging or prolonged exposure to UV radiation. The eggshell membrane can help care for the papillary layer and maintain a vibrant, healthy state of the skin.

Enhancing the Body's Natural Strength: The Greatest Appeal of Eggshell Membrane.

Could you tell us about the remarkable qualities of the eggshell membrane that you've discovered through your research?

• Dr. Atomi.

  Supplements containing ingredients believed to be beneficial for beauty and health have long existed, but consuming them doesn't necessarily mean they will function directly in the body. In contrast, eggshell membrane works by acting on cells to promote a better state, which is a different approach. It's about drawing out the body's inherent abilities. It supports people in their desire to become healthier and maintain a good condition by empowering their cells. Eggshell membrane has a unique appeal that comes from its natural origin.

  Dr. Shimizu.

  Eggshell membrane has already been demonstrated to be effective in a wide range of areas, starting with improving skin elasticity and extending to benefits for the liver, intestines, and lipid metabolism. 
  The eggshell membrane helps express and activate Type III collagen and decorin, which decrease with age and smoking, thereby contributing to health and beauty.
  The power of the eggshell membrane has been passed down through human history. For instance, it is mentioned in the "Compendium of Materia Medica," a Chinese pharmacopoeia written in the 16th century. In Japan, it has long been known that applying eggshell membrane to wounds can aid in healing, a practice common even at the folk level, such as in sumo stables. While advanced technology has allowed us to validate these effects, there are still many areas under study. In our daily experiments, we continue to be excited by the vast potential hidden within the eggshell membrane.

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I've heard that both Dr. Atomi and Dr. Shimizu use products containing eggshell membrane. 
As regular users, could you share your experiences and thoughts on the benefits of eggshell membrane?

Dr. Atomi.

When attending gatherings of people who use these products, everyone seems very energetic. They walk so briskly!
In human clinical studies, in addition to improving skin elasticity, an enhancement in physical function has also been demonstrated. Since the experiments included participants ranging from their 20s to their 60s, it's reasonable to believe that these benefits can be observed across all age groups.
I personally feel that my skin's elasticity has significantly improved.

Ms. Jozaki

In our cosmetics, we are continually working to reduce the distinctive odor of eggshell membrane, which is a common concern among users. The higher the concentration of eggshell membrane, the stronger the odor tends to be, but we've received increasing feedback that the smell has become less noticeable. Additionally, by refining our hydrolysis methods, we have been able to increase the amino acid content in the products.

Dr. Atomi.

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Dr. Atomi.

As for me personally, I truly feel the benefits, so a little bit of odor doesn't bother me. The effectiveness of the products is much more appealing. I can confidently say that there is no substitute for them. 
Because these products help me feel so energetic, I believe I can continue my research until I'm 120 years old.

Dr. Shimizu.

I believe Japan is at the forefront of eggshell membrane research globally. It's truly a "Hinomaru supplement," representing Japan's innovation in this field.