DEVELOPMENT OF SILVER–SNAIL MUCUS NANOSYSTEM AND ITS INCORPORATION INTO A MULTIFUNCTIONAL BURN-HEALING CREAM-GEL

Abstract

In recent years, nanotechnology, nanomaterials have been increasingly integrated into dermatological and cosmetic formulations.

Purpose of the work. To develop a silver nanosystem through an eco-friendly one-step reduction of silver nitrate using lyophilized Cornu aspersum mucus as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent, and to incorporate the obtained nanosystem into a multifunctional burn-healing cream-gel.

Methodology. The AgNPs–mucus nanosystem was synthesized by mixing aqueous solutions of silver nitrate and mucus reconstituted in water under stirring at 37–40 °C for 1.5 h, followed by incubation at room temperature under natural light for 48 h. The formation of metal nanoparticles was confirmed by the visual color shift and spectroscopically with the detection of SPR peak at 450 nm. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by the agar disk diffusion method against test strains E. coli, B. subtilis, and C. albicans. The obtained nanosystem was incorporated into a cream-gel base formulated with dexpanthenol, allantoin, lidocaine, and vitamin E, and a detailed technological flow scheme for the manufacturing process was developed

Scientific novelty. C. aspersum mucus was employed as a dual-function biogenic agent, enabling green synthesis and stabilization of silver nanoparticles, which were further utilized as an active component of a burn-healing cream-gel. The resulting cream-gel combines the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and regenerative effects of snail mucus with the well-known antibacterial activity of nanosilver.

Conclusions. The developed AgNPs-mucilage system demonstrated high antimicrobial efficacy, especially against Gram-positive bacteria and pathogenic dredges, and the gel composition has stability and skin-protective properties, making it suitable for the treatment of burns.