article · International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Chronological skin ageing involves cellular senescence and collagen degradation, with the molecular regulator miR-34a serving as a key mediator. To address this, snail mucus from Helix aspersa was characterised and formulated into liposomes to improve topical delivery and user acceptability. The resulting nano-sized formulation exhibited high encapsulation efficiency, improved spreadability, and enhanced skin retention. When evaluated in aged mice, the liposomal mucus significantly increased the deposition of total protein and allantoin in the epidermis and dermis compared to unencapsulated mucus. Both free and liposomal mucus treatments produced marked anti-ageing benefits, evidenced by improved skin structure, increased moisture, reduced wrinkle severity, and enhanced collagen deposition. These therapeutic effects were linked to the modulation of the miR-34a-5p-driven senescence hub, demonstrating that liposomal encapsulation improves the delivery and efficacy of snail mucus.
Skin ageing causes tissue breakdown and cellular decline, resulting in wrinkles, dryness, and reduced elasticity. By encapsulating natural snail mucus within liposomes, this research demonstrates a practical way to enhance the penetration of beneficial biological compounds into skin layers, addressing the underlying genetic and cellular mechanisms of senescence rather than merely offering superficial hydration.
This work supports the development of targeted, topical cosmeceutical formulations for anti-ageing applications. The primary beneficiaries would be personal care brands and cosmetic manufacturers seeking scientifically validated natural ingredients. As the formulation has been demonstrated in preclinical animal studies rather than human trials, the technology sits at an applied research stage and requires clinical safety and efficacy testing before real-world adoption.
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Chronological skin aging is a complex biological process characterized by progressive collagen degradation and cellular senescence. Among the molecular regulators implicated in these hallmarks, miR-34a has emerged as a critical mediator linking inflammation and senescence pathways. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the anti-aging potential of Helix aspersa snail mucus, with particular emphasis on its modulation of miR-34a-associated molecular mechanisms, and to explore liposomal encapsulation as a strategy to improve its topical performance and user acceptability. Snail mucus was collected and characterized using LC–ESI–QTOF–MS/MS, while its antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH and FRAP assays. Afterward, mucus-loaded liposomes were developed and optimized. Aged mice were assigned to control aged, Lipo, free mucus, and Lipo-mucus groups, alongside a young control group. Anti-aging efficacy was evaluated through wrinkle grading, skin moisture determination, histological examination, and collagen assessment by Masson’s trichome staining. miR-34a-5p, its target genes, and related aging-associated genes were also determined, followed by upstream regulatory network prediction using X2Kweb. The optimized formulation exhibited nanoscale particle size, high encapsulation efficiency, enhanced skin retention, and improved spreadability. Compared with free mucus, Lipo-mucus significantly increased the epidermal and dermal deposition of total protein and allantoin. Both treatments exerted remarkable anti-aging effects, evidenced by improved skin architecture and enhanced collagen deposition. These effects were associated with modulation of the miR-34a-5p-driven senescence hub. Collectively, liposomal encapsulation enhanced the cutaneous delivery, cosmetic properties, and anti-aging efficacy of H. aspersa mucus, supporting its potential as a mechanism-based cosmeceutical intervention for chronological skin aging.
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DOI: 10.3390/ijms27177729
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