Core Viewpoint - Huaxi Biological asserts that claims exempt from scientific verification are inherently pseudoscientific, emphasizing the necessity of measurable and verifiable scientific methods in the industry [1][2]. Group 1: Huaxi Biological's Position - Huaxi Biological argues that the absence of standardized testing methods does not negate the existence of scientific methods for validation, using their product "Runbaiyan" as an example of verifiable testing results for recombinant collagen [2][5]. - The company highlights the use of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) as a reliable method to accurately measure recombinant collagen content, claiming it effectively avoids complex matrix interference [5][12]. Group 2: Response from Juzhi Biological - Juzhi Biological acknowledged the limitations of their existing quality standards and testing methods in a statement, indicating a need for continuous optimization to meet industry advancements [6][9]. - The company plans to collaborate with research institutions to enhance the qualitative and quantitative detection methods for recombinant collagen in cosmetics, aiming for greater transparency and industry standardization [9][10]. Group 3: Testing Method Controversy - The debate over testing methods arose when beauty blogger Dazui Doctor (Hao Yu) questioned the recombinant collagen content in a product, using a high-precision HPLC amino acid quantification method, which Juzhi Biological claimed was not included in industry standards [10][11]. - Experts noted that both HPLC amino acid quantification and HPLC-HRMS methods have their unique applications and challenges, particularly in detecting low concentrations of collagen in complex cosmetic formulations [12][13].

Core Viewpoint - The cosmetics market is entering a scientific skincare era, with technological strength becoming a focal point for consumers. Ingredient innovation driven by new consumer demands is a growing trend. Synthetic biology technology is providing new directions for raw material innovation, particularly in recombinant collagen, where consumers prioritize both efficacy and safety [1][7]. Group 1: Industry Trends and Developments - The demand for effective and safe products has led to an increased focus on ingredient testing as a crucial quality control measure. However, there is currently no unified national standard for testing recombinant collagen, prompting discussions on how to scientifically and accurately conduct authoritative testing [1][5]. - A seminar on "Detection Methods for Recombinant Collagen in Complex Matrices" was held, featuring experts from various institutions who discussed the challenges of separation and purification, the development of high-sensitivity detection methods, and the establishment of standardized testing systems [2][3]. Group 2: Technical Challenges and Methodologies - The detection of recombinant collagen in cosmetics is more complex than in medical devices or biological samples due to the presence of various interfering components such as plant extracts, proteins, polysaccharides, and surfactants. This complexity can weaken collagen signals and complicate quantitative detection [4][6]. - Current standardized detection methods primarily target pure protein samples, and their application to complex matrices requires careful consideration of matrix effects and the development of sample pre-treatment methods [6][7]. Group 3: Future Directions and Standardization Efforts - There is a lack of unified detection standards for recombinant collagen in cosmetics, despite existing standards in pharmaceuticals and agriculture. The complexity of the matrices involved makes it challenging to establish a standardized detection method [7][8]. - Experts suggest that before a national standard is established, existing standards can be referenced for testing, and methodological validation for complex matrix handling should be conducted [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The cosmetics market is entering a scientific skincare era, with technological strength becoming a focal point for consumers. Ingredient innovation driven by new consumer demands is a growing trend. Synthetic biology technology provides new directions for raw material innovation, particularly in the context of recombinant collagen, where consumers prioritize both efficacy and safety [1][8]. Group 1: Detection Methods and Challenges - The detection of recombinant collagen in complex matrices is more complicated than in medical dressings and biological samples due to the presence of various interfering components in cosmetics, such as plant extracts, proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, surfactants, and pigments [5][7]. - Current standardized detection methods primarily target pure protein samples, necessitating research and validation of sample pretreatment methods to account for matrix effects when applied to complex matrices [7][9]. - Various detection methods exist, including Kjeldahl nitrogen method, biuret method, Coomassie brilliant blue method, Folin phenol method, BCA method, and characteristic peptide method. Each method has its own characteristics and applicable scenarios, emphasizing the need for method validation based on different matrices [5][9]. Group 2: Standardization and Industry Development - There is currently no unified national standard for the detection of recombinant collagen in cosmetics, despite multiple standards established in the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors [9]. - The complexity of establishing a standard for recombinant collagen detection arises from factors such as product dosage form, matrix type, matrix composition, potential reactants, and the stability of detection targets [9]. - Before a national standard is established, existing standards like YY/T 1849-2022 and YY/T 1947-2025 can be referenced for method validation in complex matrices [9].

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the alleged fraud of the collagen essence product from Giant Biological (02367.HK) continues to escalate, with significant focus on the testing methods used to validate the claims made by Dr. Hao Yu, who has accused the product of containing only 0.0177% of recombinant collagen [1][3][5]. Group 1: Allegations and Responses - Dr. Hao Yu claims that the key component "glycine" is missing from the collagen essence, raising doubts about the product's authenticity [3]. - Giant Biological has issued a statement denying the allegations, asserting that their internal testing shows collagen content greater than 0.1%, contradicting Dr. Hao's findings [5][6]. - The company emphasizes adherence to regulatory standards and claims that all products undergo rigorous quality control processes [6][8]. Group 2: Testing Methods - The testing methods used by Dr. Hao Yu have been questioned by Giant Biological, which argues that the methods are not recognized by industry standards and lack proper validation [1][10]. - Dr. Hao Yu defends his use of high-precision HPLC amino acid quantification method, stating it is widely accepted internationally and has been validated for accuracy [1][10]. - Giant Biological has committed to obtaining third-party testing results to further validate their claims, indicating that they are awaiting the results from multiple authoritative testing agencies [2][8]. Group 3: Industry Context - The lack of established industry standards for measuring recombinant collagen content in cosmetics has been highlighted as a significant issue in this controversy [10]. - Dr. Hao Yu's background in organic chemistry and experience in the cosmetics industry lend credibility to his claims, although he asserts that there is no competitive motive behind his allegations [11][14]. - The ongoing debate raises questions about product quality and consumer trust in the cosmetic industry, particularly regarding the accuracy of ingredient labeling [16].

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing dispute regarding the detection methods for recombinant collagen in cosmetics has raised significant concerns about the reliability of testing methods used by the company, Juzhi Biotechnology, and the implications for consumer trust [1][4]. Group 1: Detection Methods - Juzhi Biotechnology referenced the "Detection Methods for Recombinant Collagen Content" from the Chinese medical industry standard YY/T 1947-2025, which includes two main types of detection methods [1][2]. - The first method is the "mass spectrometry method," which is primarily used for tissue regeneration materials and is not suitable for complex cosmetic formulations due to potential interference from other ingredients [2][3]. - The second method includes six techniques, with the Kjeldahl method being the most likely choice for Juzhi Biotechnology, despite its limitations in accurately assessing specific proteins in complex formulations [2][3]. Group 2: Product Withdrawal and Consumer Trust - Juzhi Biotechnology's product, Human-Like Recombinant Collagen Essence, has been removed from major sales channels, raising questions about the company's testing results [4]. - The claim that testing for recombinant collagen content requires raw materials from Juzhi is misleading, as the product itself can be purchased for independent testing [4][5]. - The company's practice of not selling raw materials externally may pose risks, as it limits independent verification and peer review of their recombinant collagen [4][5]. Group 3: Questions and Concerns - There are significant concerns regarding the independence of any future sample testing if Juzhi Biotechnology provides the samples themselves, as this could lead to questions about the integrity of the results [5]. - Two critical questions remain unanswered by Juzhi Biotechnology: the absence of the core amino acid glycine in the tests and the potential misrepresentation of dipeptides as "mini collagen" [5].