Novel comprehensive characterization of PELLAMAR sapropelic extract and implications for therapeutic applications

Abstract The therapeutic value of natural sapropels from Romanian lakes has been known since Dacian-Roman times, and they have been used to treat a variety of disorders. Although PELLAMAR products are rooted in medical therapeutic tradition and have been used in balneotherapy for decades, the therapeutic mud extract has never been characterized by modern techniques. This novel study aimed to provide a comprehensive characterization of the PELLAMAR therapeutic mud extract. Core analytical and physicochemical methods used for characterization of PELLAMAR sapropelic mud extract were performed using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Raman Spectroscopy (RS) for molecular composition, and Thermogravimetric Analysis, Derivative Thermogravimetry, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TGA/DTG/DSC) for thermal stability. These methods provide a comprehensive multi-modal assessment of sapropelic muds. FT-IR analysis demonstrates a mineral-dominated composition characterized by a broad envelope near 1090 cm⁻¹ arising from overlapping Si–O stretching of quartz and sulfate ν₃ stretching of gypsum, carbonate bands (~ 1317 cm⁻¹) consistent with calcite, and sulfate ν₁ stretching (~ 990 cm⁻¹) together with ν₄ bending (~ 611 cm⁻¹) confirming the presence of gypsum (CaSO₄·2 H₂O). Broad O–H stretching bands (3857–3473 cm⁻¹) and H–O–H bending (~ 1657 cm⁻¹) reflect significant hydration and a colloidal matrix. Minor contributions from organic functional groups suggest the presence of humic substances, supporting a mixed organic–mineral structure typical of sapropelic materials. Raman spectra indicate that the sapropelic mud extract contains a heterogeneous organic–mineral matrix, characterized by strong silicate, sulfate, and carbonate bands, with a smaller but detectable organic contribution reflected in O–H/H₂O and aliphatic C–H-associated features. Strong bands in the 2900–3000 cm⁻¹ region indicate abundant aliphatic C–H groups consistent with lipid-rich organic matter, whereas the 3634–3706 cm⁻¹ bands are consistent with hydroxylated humic structures. In addition, carotenoids, aromatic carbon structures, kerogen-like material, and alkynes or related unsaturated compounds are found. TGA/DTG/DSC analysis is consistent with the presence of a rich mineral phase that confers heat retention and thermal stability. This study, to our knowledge, provides the first modern multimodal spectroscopic and thermal characterization of the PELLAMAR sapropelic mud extract. The findings support a hydrated, mineral-dominated organo-mineral matrix with preserved organic signatures and provide a physicochemical basis for further investigation of its potential pelotherapeutic and cosmeceutical applications. Quantitative mineralogical, thermophysical, chemical, safety, and clinical studies are required to establish specific functional and therapeutic performance.