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

This study explores the development of bilayer wound dressings using snail (<i>Helix aspersa</i>) secretions integrated into chitosan matrices to enhance skin tissue regeneration. The dressings feature a nanofiber layer for keratinocyte activity and antibacterial protection, and a porous structure for fibroblast activity. The incorporation of snail extracts altered the morphology of the dressings and demonstrated slight antimicrobial activity against <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i>. In vitro studies showed a burst release of slime extract up to 6 hours, with sustained release up to 96 hours for one group. The extracts positively influenced fibroblast and keratinocyte cell attachment, proliferation, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and promoted cell proliferation and migration in scratch assays. These findings highlight the potential of snail secretion-loaded chitosan constructs in enhancing skin regeneration and wound healing.