PLoS ONE (Jan 2020)

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

  • Valentina Gentili,
  • Daria Bortolotti,
  • Mascia Benedusi,
  • Andrea Alogna,
  • Anna Fantinati,
  • Anna Guiotto,
  • Giulia Turrin,
  • Carlo Cervellati,
  • Claudio Trapella,
  • Roberta Rizzo,
  • Giuseppe Valacchi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229613
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 2
p. e0229613

Abstract

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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.