Allantoin from Valuable Romanian Animal and Plant Sources with Promising Anti-Inflammatory Activity as a Nutricosmetic Ingredient

Development of a MS compatible HPLC-HILIC method for the analysis of allantoin and glycolic acid in snail slime and related dosage forms: Focus on the enantioseparation of allantoin

Glycolic acid and allantoin are known to be responsible, at least in part, for the main activities of snail slime, such as moisturizing, skin regeneration, antioxidant, soothing and anti-inflammatory. Accordingly, a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) method for the analysis of allantoin and glycolic acid in snail slime samples was developed by a conventional UV-Vis detector and the diol-type Luna® HILIC column. An optimized eluent made up of acetonitrile/water/methanol/formic acid (90:5:5:0.1 v/v/v/v) allowed the separation of the two investigated compounds from each other and from lactic acid and hydantoin used as internal standards. Being allantoin a chiral compound, an enantioselective HPLC protocol was also developed. The chiral analysis of allantoin was performed with the Lux® 3 μm i-Amilose-3 chiral stationary phase using the same mobile phase as for the achiral analysis. The chiral method was efficiently transferred to a HPLC system coupled to triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS/MS). HPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed the racemic nature of allantoin in the pure snail slime. The same profile was also observed in a prototype hydrogel prepared with snail slime. Moreover, the same method allowed to measure the amount of glycolic acid in the two investigated samples (pure snail slime and gel) and ascertain a valuable extraction recovery. The enantiomeric elution order (S)<(R) with the amylose-based phase was established coupling the results of experimental electronic circular dichroism analysis to time-dependent density functional theory simulations.

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDSCs), and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) isolation, characterization and the effectiveness of allantoin as bioactive molecule for dental regeneration

INTRODUCTION

Dental stem cells are valuable tools in regenerative medicine due to their pluripotency and self-renewal properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of allantoin (Al) on Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDSCs), and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) regarding cytotoxicity, proliferation, wound healing, and osteogenic differentiation.

METHODS

Human dental stem cells were isolated from three dental tissues using the explant culture method and cultured in DMEM-F12 medium supplemented with 15 % fetal bovine serum (FBS) and antibiotics. The cytotoxicity and proliferation of allantoin were assessed using the XTT cell viability assay at concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 5 mg/mL. Wound healing was evaluated through a scratch assay at 1 mg/mL, and osteogenic differentiation was assessed using Alizarin Red S staining at 0.5 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL.

RESULTS

Al exhibited no cytotoxic effects across the tested concentrations. It enhanced cell proliferation, particularly in SHEDSCs at 5 mg/mL. DPSCs also showed significant improvement in wound healing in the scratch assay. At 1 mg/mL, Al inhibited osteogenic differentiation in DPSCs and PDLSCs, as indicated by reduced mineralization.

CONCLUSION

Al shows potential as a non-cytotoxic agent for enhancing the proliferation of dental stem cells, especially SHEDSCs. However, its limited effect on wound healing of SHEDSCs and PDLSCs and inhibition of osteogenic differentiation at higher concentrations suggest that further optimization is required for its application in bone regeneration.

STATEMENT OF CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Evaluation of the effects of plant-based therapeutic compounds on various types of dental stem cells may have the potential to increase the success of stem cell-based therapies in clinical applications in regenerative dentistry.

Electricallymodified bacterial cellulose tailored with plant based green materials for infected wound healing applications

Effective treatment of infected wounds remains a challenge due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The development of advanced materials with strong antimicrobial properties is necessary to address this issue. In this study, a unique composite of electrically modified bacterial cellulose (EBC) with allantoin (ABC) and zein was developed by dipping diffusion method. Morphological structural analysis revealed a uniform distribution of zein and aligned fibers, confirming the synthesis of the ABC-Zein composite. The formation of ABC-Zein was further confirmed by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), which displayed additional peaks corresponding to EBC, indicating the incorporation of zein into ABC. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of ABC-Zein demonstrated a similar crystalline structure with EBC. The ABC-Zein showed mechanical integrity (tensile strength: 1.15 ± 0.21 MPa), thermal stability (degradation temperature: 290 °C), porous structure (porosity: 40.23 ± 0.21 %), and hydrophilic (water contact angle: 53.3 ± 5.3°) properties. Furthermore, the antimicrobial agent terpinen-4-ol (T4O), derived from tea tree oil, was incorporated into the ABC-Zein composite. Biological studies confirmed the antimicrobial efficacy (Staphylococcus aureus inhibition: 88.5 ± 7.19 %) and biocompatible (cell viability: 84.95 ± 5.6 %, hemolysis: 4.479 ± 0.39 %) nature of the T4O-ABC-Zein composite. The combined effects of the aligned fiber structure, zein protein, and antimicrobial T4O significantly enhanced infected wound healing by day 7, promoting inflammatory response, granular tissue formation, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis. By day 14, T4O-ABC-Zein facilitated complete wound healing, with reepithelization, collagen I deposition, and downregulation of CD 31, Ki67, and α-SMA. Overall, the innovative T4O-ABC-Zein composite, with an aligned fiber structure, improved biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties, holds significant potential for the treatment of infected wounds.

Fabrication of Bioactive Helix aspersa Extract-Loaded Chitosan-Based Bilayer Wound Dressings for Skin Tissue Regeneration

In recent years, there has been a notable shift toward exploring plant and animal extracts for the fabrication of tissue engineering structures that seamlessly integrate with the human body, providing both biological compatibility and physical reinforcement. In this particular investigation, we synthesized bilayer wound dressings by incorporating snail (Helix aspersa) secretions, comprising mucus and slime, into chitosan matrices via lyophilization and electrospinning methodologies. A nanofiber layer was integrated on top of the porous structure to mimic the epidermal layer for keratinocyte activity as well as acting as an antibacterial barrier against possible infection, whereas a porous structure was designed to mimic the dermal microenvironment for fibroblast activity. Comprehensive assessments encompassing physical characterization, antimicrobial efficacy, in vitro bioactivity, and wound healing potential were conducted on these bilayer dressings. Our findings revealed that the mucus and slime extract loading significantly altered the morphology in terms of nanofiber diameter and average pore size. Snail extracts loaded on a nanofiber layer of bilayer dressings showed slight antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli. An in vitro release study of slime extract loaded in the nanofiber layer indicated that both groups 1 and 2 showed a burst release up to 6 h, and a sustained release was observed up to 96 h for group 1, whereas slime extract release from group 2 continued up to 72 h. In vitro bioactivity assays unveiled the favorable impact of mucus and slime extracts on NIH/3T3 fibroblast and HS2 keratinocyte cell attachment, proliferation, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Furthermore, our investigations utilizing the in vitro scratch assay showcased the proliferative and migratory effects of mucus and slime extracts on skin cells. Collectively, our results underscore the promising prospects of bioactive snail secretion-loaded chitosan constructs for facilitating skin regeneration and advancing wound healing therapies.

Genus Monanthotaxis: a review on distribution, ethnomedicinal uses and phytochemistry

This article reviews the geographical distribution, ethnomedicinal applications, and phytochemistry of the genus Monanthotaxis Baill, tribe Uvariae of the family Annonaceae. The reviewed works of literature were collected from various electronic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, The International Plant Names Index (IPNI), and Research Gate. During this review, ninety-eight species of the genus Monanthotaxis were found to be widely distributed in tropical Africa. Some of those species are used in folkloric medicine by various communities to manage diseases and disease conditions such as fever, vomiting, headache, stomach-ache, malaria, helminthiasis, and hysteria. In the past 44 years (1979 to 2023), one hundred and nineteen secondary metabolites with different biomedical potentials have been reported from this genus. The reported compounds are categorised into flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, polyoxygenated cyclohexane, and cyclohexene derivatives, benzyl derivatives, cinnamic acid derivatives, and stilbenoids. Most of the reported compounds showed an array of bioactivities corroborating the use of some members of the genus in folkloric medicine.

Wound healing effects of biogenic gold nanoparticles synthesized using red wine extracts

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized using three red wine extracts (RW-Es); by varying temperature, pH, concentrations of RW-Es and gold salt. The RW-AuNPs were characterized by UV-vis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and the Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Their stability was evaluated in water, foetal bovine serum (FBS), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) by UV-Vis. The effect of the RW-Es and RW-AuNPs on KMST-6 cell cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay; and their wound healing effects were monitored by scratch assay. RW-AuNPs synthesis was observed by colour change, and confirmed by UV-Vis spectrum, with an absorption peak around 550 nm. The hydrodynamic sizes of the RW-AuNPs ranged between 10 and 100 nm. Polyphenols, carboxylic acids, and amino acids are some of functional groups in the RW-Es that were involved in the reduction of RW-AuNPs. The RW-AuNPs were stable in test solutions and showed no cytotoxicity to the KMST-6 cells up to 72 h. AuNPs synthesized from Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon enhanced proliferation of KMST-6 cells and showed potential as wound healing agents. Further studies are required to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the potential wound-healing effect of the RW-AuNPs.

Development and characterization of an emulgel based on a snail slime useful for dermatological applications

Snail slime is an interesting material for effective dermatological use (e.g. wounds). Its properties are stricly connected to the origin. In this paper a snail slime, deriving from the species Helix aspersa Muller and obtained from a company, was deeply characterized and then properly formulated. The slime, obtained by Donatella Veroni method, was firstly submitted to NMR analysis in order to evaluate the chemical composition. The main molecules found are glycolate and allantoin, well known for their activities in wound healing promotion. In vitro experiments performed on keratinocytes, revealed the snail slime ability to promote cellular well-being. Moreover, the microbiological analysis showed high activity against many strains involved in wounds infections such as gram+ (e.g. S. aureus, S. pyogenes), gram- (e.g. P. aeruginosa, E. coli) and the yeast C. albicans. The effect on skin elasticity was evaluated as well by the instrument Cutometer® dualMPA580. The snail slime was then formulated as hydrophilic gel, using a combination of corn starch and sodium hyaluronate as polymers, then used as external water phase of an O/W emulgel. The formulation is physically stable and easily spreadable and demonstrated antimicrobial activity as observed for slime alone, suggesting its suitability to be used for wound treatment.

NIR-Responsive injectable hydrogel cross-linked by homobifunctional PEG for photo-hyperthermia of melanoma, antibacterial wound healing, and preventing post-operative adhesion

Current therapeutic approaches for skin cancer face significant challenges, including wound infection, delayed skin regeneration, and tumor recurrence. To overcome these challenges, an injectable adhesive near-infrared (NIR)-responsive hydrogel with time-dependent enhancement in viscosity is developed for combined melanoma therapy and antibacterial wound healing acceleration. The multifunctional hydrogel is prepared through the chemical crosslinking between poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid) and gelatin, followed by the incorporation of CuO nanosheets and allantoin. The synergistic inherent antibacterial potential of CuO nanosheets, the regenerative and smoothing effect of allantoin, the extracellular matrix-mimicking effect of gelatin, and the desirable swelling behavior of the hydrogel results in fast wound recovery after photothermal ablation of the tumor. Additionally, the hydrogel can serve as an alternative to sutures owing to its tissue adhesiveness ability, which can further render it the merits for accelerated repair of abdominal lesions while acting as a biocompatible barrier to prevent peritoneal adhesion.

Exploring the Pharmacological Potential of Lithospermum officinale L.: A Review of Phytochemicals and Ethnomedicinal Uses

Exploring phytochemicals from ethnomedicinal plants for pharmacological applications is a promising research area. By studying ethnomedicine, researchers can identify plants used for centuries to treat ailments and investigate their phytochemicals. Consequently, phytochemicals can be isolated, characterized, and tested for pharmacological activities, leading to new drug development. This research also helps preserve traditional knowledge and biodiversity. Lithospermum officinale L., found in Eurasia, Argentina (South), Colombia, and the United States, is valued for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. The current review emphasizes L. officinale L. as a significant reservoir of bioactive phytochemicals, with alkaloids, quinones, glucosides, phenolics, flavonoids, and lipids identified as the principal metabolites. It also unveils the unexplored potential of this plant for future research endeavors. Continued research on L. officinale L. can unlock its full potential, providing insights into its medicinal uses and contributing to biodiversity preservation.

Single-Walled (Magnetic) Carbon Nanotubes in a Pectin Matrix in the Design of an Allantoin Delivery System

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) outperform other materials due to their high conductivity, large specific surface area, and chemical resistance. They have numerous biomedical applications, including the magnetization of the SWCNT (mSWCNT). The drug loading and release properties of see-through pectin hydrogels doped with SWCNTs and mSWCNTs were evaluated in this study. The active molecule in the hydrogel structure is allantoin, and calcium chloride serves as a cross-linker. In addition to mixing, absorption, and swelling techniques, drug loading into carbon nanotubes was also been studied. To characterize the films, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, surface contact angle measurements, and opacity analysis were carried out. Apart from these, a rheological analysis was also carried out to examine the flow properties of the hydrogels. The study was also expanded to include N-(9-fluorenyl methoxycarbonyl)glycine-coated SWCNTs and mSWCNTs as additives to evaluate the efficiency of the drug-loading approach. Although the CNT additive was used at a 1:1000 weight ratio, it had a significant impact on the hydrogel properties. This effect, which was first observed in the thermal properties, was confirmed in rheological analyses by increasing solution viscosity. Additionally, rheological analysis and drug release profiles show that the type of additive causes a change in the matrix structure. According to TGA findings, even though SWCNTs and mSWCNTs were not coated more than 5%, the coating had a significant effect on drug release control. In addition to all findings, cell viability tests revealed that hydrogels with various additives could be used for visual wound monitoring, hyperthermia treatment, and allantoin release in wound treatment applications.

Extraction, structure, pharmacological activities and applications of polysaccharides and proteins isolated from snail mucus

Snail mucus had medical applications for wound healing as early as ancient Greece and the late Han Dynasty (China). A literature search found 165 modern research papers discussing the extraction methods, chemical compositions, pharmacological activities, and applications of snail mucus. Thus, this review summarized the research progress on the extraction, structure, pharmacological activities, and applications of polysaccharides and proteins isolated from snail mucus. The extraction methods of snail mucus include natural secretion and stimulation with blunt force, spray, electricity, un-shelling, ultrasonic-assisted, and ozone-assisted. As a natural product, snail mucus mainly comprises two polysaccharides (glycosaminoglycan, dextran), seven glycoproteins (mucin, lectin), various antibacterial peptides, allantoin, glycolic acid, etc. It has pharmacological activities that encourage cell migration and proliferation, and promote angiogenesis and have antibacterial, anti-oxidative and anticancer properties. The mechanism of snail mucus' chemicals performing antibacterial and wound-healing was proposed. Snail mucus is a promising bioactive product with multiple medical applications and has great potential in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Therefore, this review provides a valuable reference for researching and developing snail mucus.

Biopolymer- and Natural Fiber-Based Biomimetic Tissues to Realize Smart Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals Using an Innovative Approach

More sustainable and smart cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals are necessary due to the ecological transition. In this study, a pullulan-based water solution containing chitin nanofibril-nano-lignin (CN-LG) complexes that encapsulate fish collagen polypeptide, allantoin and nicotinamide was electrospun onto a nonwoven substrate made of bamboo fibers to obtain a smart nanostructured bilayer system for releasing active molecules onto the skin or other body tissues. Infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize the composition of the bilayer system before and after rapid washing of the sample with distilled water and liquids mimicking physiological fluids. The viability of keratinocytes was studied as well as the antioxidant activity, protective activity towards UV light, metalloproteinase release of aged fibroblasts and the inhibitor activity against collagen degradation. Immunomodulatory tests were performed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of the bilayer system as well as its indirect antimicrobial activity. The results indicate that the bilayer system can be used in the production of innovative sustainable cosmeceuticals. In general, the adopted strategy can be extended to several smart treatments for fast release that can be commercialized as solid products, thus avoiding the use of preservatives and water.

Cytotoxicity Test of Active Compounds Natural Ingredients of Snail Mucus (Achatina fulica) Against BHK-21 Fibroblast Cells

Snails are unpleasant yet beneficial. Rural people have used one to treat illnesses like toothache for years. We will test snail's mucus Achatina fulica's cytotoxic activity against Baby Hamster Kidney (BHK-21) fibroblast cells at 12.5%, 25%, 50%, 100% and its resistance to Phorpyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, E. Faecalis, and S. aureus using Microtetrazolium (MTT) assay. The test and comparison solution was incubated with 5x103/100 l cells in 96-well plates. 5 mg/mL MTT completed the solution's incubation. ELISA readers measured purple color intensity. The formula transformed absorbance data at 595 nm into percent alive cells. ELISA readers read data. ANOVA, parametric Kolmogorov-Smirnov data normality test were performed. The cytotoxicity statistical test shows the following results: 12.5 % (0.76875 ±0.01117), 25% (0.49350 ±0.004796), 50% (0.30250 ±0.006658) and 100% (0.171 ±0.10488). The lowest cytotoxicity of Achatina fulica snail mucus is 12.5% with an average of 0.768. Achatina fulica snail mucus resists Phorpyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, E. Faecalis, and S. aureus at 12.5%.

New Smart Bioactive and Biomimetic Chitosan-Based Hydrogels for Wounds Care Management

Wound management represents a continuous challenge for health systems worldwide, considering the growing incidence of wound-related comorbidities, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and autoimmune diseases. In this context, hydrogels are considered viable options since they mimic the skin structure and promote autolysis and growth factor synthesis. Unfortunately, hydrogels are associated with several drawbacks, such as low mechanical strength and the potential toxicity of byproducts released after crosslinking reactions. To overcome these aspects, in this study new smart chitosan (CS)-based hydrogels were developed, using oxidized chitosan (oxCS) and hyaluronic acid (oxHA) as nontoxic crosslinkers. Three active product ingredients (APIs) (fusidic acid, allantoin, and coenzyme Q10), with proven biological effects, were considered for inclusion in the 3D polymer matrix. Therefore, six API-CS-oxCS/oxHA hydrogels were obtained. The presence of dynamic imino bonds in the hydrogels' structure, which supports their self-healing and self-adapting properties, was confirmed by spectral methods. The hydrogels were characterized by SEM, swelling degree, pH, and the internal organization of the 3D matrix was studied by rheological behavior. Moreover, the cytotoxicity degree and the antimicrobial effects were also investigated. In conclusion, the developed API-CS-oxCS/oxHA hydrogels have real potential as smart materials in wound management, based on their self-healing and self-adapting properties, as well as on the benefits of APIs.

High-Content Aloe vera Based Hydrogels: Physicochemical and Pharmaceutical Properties

The present research focuses on the physicochemical and pharmacotechnical properties of new hydrogels obtained using allantoin, xanthan gum, salicylic acid and different concentrations of Aloe vera (5, 10, 20% w/v in solution; 38, 56, 71 wt% in dry gels). The thermal behavior of Aloe vera composite hydrogels was studied using DSC and TG/DTG analyses. The chemical structure was investigated using different characterization methods (XRD, FTIR and Raman spectroscopies) and the morphology of the hydrogels was studied SEM and AFM microscopy. Pharmacotechnical evaluation on tensile strength and elongation, moisture content, swelling and spreadability was also completed. Physical evaluation confirmed that the appearance of the prepared Aloe vera based hydrogels was homogeneous and the color varied from pale beige to deep opaque beige with increasing Aloe vera concentration. All other evaluation parameters, e.g., pH, viscosity, spreadability and consistency were found to be adequate in all hydrogel formulations. SEM and AFM images show that the structure of the hydrogels condensed into homogeneous polymeric solids with the addition of Aloe vera, in accordance with the decrease in peak intensities observed via XRD analysis. These results suggest interactions between the hydrogel matrix and Aloe vera as observed via FTIR and TG/DTG and DSC analyses. Considering that Aloe vera content higher than 10% (w/v) did not stimulate further interactions, this formulation (FA-10) can be used for further biomedical applications.

Investigation of wound healing efficiency of multifunctional eudragit/soy protein isolate electrospun nanofiber incorporated with ZnO loaded halloysite nanotubes and allantoin

One significant aspect of the current therapeutic agents employed in wound healing involves the engineering of nano polymeric scaffolds to mimic the properties of extracellular matrix (ECM). The present work aimed to prepare and evaluate Eudragit® L100 (EU) nanofibers in combination with soy protein isolate (SPI). Allantoin (Ala) with a 2 wt% was encapsulated as a model drug renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. Moreover, the synthesized ZnO-halloysite nanotubes (ZHNTs) with different concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 wt% were incorporated into the EU/SPI/Ala nanofiber as a reinforcing filler and a remarkable antibacterial agent. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed that by increasing the weight percentage of SPI from 1 % to 2.5 %, the average diameter of nanofibers decreased from 132.3 ± 51.3 nm to 126.7 ± 47.2 nm. It was 223.5 ± 95.6 nm for nanofibers containing 5 wt% ZHNTs (the optimal sample). The evaluation of in vitro release kinetics of Ala for 24 h, showed a burst release during the first 2 h and a sustained release during the subsequent times. Moreover, the structure, crystallinity, and thermal stability of synthesized nanofibers were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. In vitro degradation and mechanical characteristics of these nanofibers were studied. Furthermore, the capability of the nanofibers for cell proliferation was revealed through the MTT test and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images of cell attachment. The antimicrobial activity of EU/SPI/Ala/ZHNTs showed that this sample with high ZHNTs content (5 w%t) had the most remarkable antibacterial activity against S. aureus. The results revealed that EU/SPI/Ala/ZHNTs mats could be promising potential wound dressings.

New Insights into the Antioxidant Compounds of Achenes and Sprouted Buckwheat Cultivated in the Republic of Moldova

It is well known that both Fagopyrum esculentum species, buckwheat achenes and buckwheat germs, contain flavonoids, and that they can be considered functional foods. In the present study we have analyzed the total content of polyphenols (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC), as well as the antioxidant activity of buckwheat ahcenes originating from the Balti region, Republic of Moldova, and also of the buckwheat sprouts over seven days of germination. The content of phytochemicals in achenes and germinated buckwheat after three and seven days was determined by HPLC–MS analysis. Using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, we recorded an increase in TPC of 360%, and of 436% in TFC after seven days of buckwheat ahcene germination. We aimed to investigate the free radical scavenging properties of methanolic extracts from ahcenes and sprouted buckwheat. We identified and quantified flavonoids and lignans such as rutin, orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, quercetin, quercitrin, isorhamnetin, lutein, apigenin, catechins, coumestrol—which have countless beneficial effects on human health—using HPLC–MS. FTIR analysis also revealed the accumulation of phenolic compounds during germination. This is the first study on the identification and quantification of phytochemicals from buckwheat achenes and sprouts from the Balti region of the Republic of Moldova.