Anti-microbial, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-cancer Potentials of Eobaniavermiculata (Müller, 1774) Mucin-conjugated Gold Nanoparticles

Background: Terrestrial snails produce slime with antimicrobial properties used in skincare products. Mucin, derived from snail mucus, has biomedical applications like wound healing and anti-cancer purposes. Mucins are glycosylated proteins used in fields like biotechnology. The Helix complex in mucin provides antibacterial and therapeutic benefits, including skin protection and wound repair. Snail mucin has anti-tumor activity against melanoma cells. Gold nanoparticles explored for drug delivery and wound healing. Objective: Research on mucin from E. vermiculata aims to assess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer potentials for skincare and wound healing. Methodology: Slime was collected from snails and extracted to obtain mucin fraction. Gold nanoparticles were activated and incubated with mucin protein. The hydrodynamic diameter and zeta-potential of the nanoparticles were determined. A protein acrylamide gel was prepared to elucidate mucin conjugation. In vitro tests were conducted using different extracts and proteins to evaluate denaturation. A cytotoxicity assay using hemolysis and Vero cell line was performed to assess cellular toxicity. The anticancer activity of conjugated mucin on HepG2 cell line was evaluated. MIC were determined for various substances using bacterial isolates. The antimicrobial effect was examined on different Gram-negative bacteria. The minimum growth inhibitory concentration of ceftriaxone in free and nanostructure forms was determined using the broth dilution method. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the results of the study.Results: The absorption and IR spectra indicated protein binding to AuNPs, confirmed by the presence of specific peaks related to peptides and amino acids. SDS-PAGE analysis verified the conjugation of mucin to AuNPs. Cytotoxicity evaluation showed minimal effects on membrane stabilization and hemolysis, with no cytotoxicity against normal kidney cells but significant anti-proliferative effects on liver cancer cells. Antimicrobial testing revealed improved efficacy against E.coli with conjugated mucin, while gold nanoparticles also exhibited antimicrobial effects. Conclusion: E. vermiculata mucin-AuNPs have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer effects.