HelixComplex snail mucus as a potential technology against O3 induced skin damage

Mucus form H. aspersa muller has been reported to have several therapeutic proprieties, such as antimicrobial activity, skin protection and wound repair. In this study, we have analyzed H. aspersa mucus (Helixcomplex) bio-adhesive efficacy and its defensive properties against the ozone (O3) (0.5 ppm for 2 hours) exposure in human keratinocytes and reconstructed human epidermis models. Cytotoxicity, tissue morphology and cytokine levels were determined. We confirmed HelixComplex regenerative and bio-adhesive properties, the latter possibly via the characteristic mucopolysaccharide composition. In addition, HelixComplex was able to protect from O3 exposure by preventing oxidative damage and the consequent pro-inflammatory response in both 2D and 3D models. Based on this study, it is possible to suggest HelixComplex as a potentially new protective technology against pollution induced skin damage.

庭园蜗牛（Helix aspersa Müller）的粘液据报道具有多种治疗特性，包括抗菌活性、皮肤防护与伤口修复。本研究针对庭园蜗牛粘液（HelixComplex）的生物粘附效能，及其在人角质形成细胞与重建人表皮模型中针对臭氧（O₃，浓度0.5 ppm、暴露2小时）暴露的防护性能展开分析。本研究检测了细胞毒性、组织形态与细胞因子水平，证实了HelixComplex的修复与生物粘附特性，其中生物粘附特性的作用机制可能与其特征性粘多糖组成相关。此外，HelixComplex可在二维（2D）与三维（3D）模型中通过阻断氧化损伤及其引发的促炎反应，实现臭氧暴露防护。基于本研究结果，HelixComplex有望成为一种新型的污染诱导皮肤损伤防护技术。