Characterization of mucins, glycosaminoglycans, and bioactive compounds in Helix aspersa’s slime by spectroscopic and biochemical analysis

Snail slime (SS), a secretion produced by Helix aspersa, is a complex biological matrix rich in macromolecules has gained considerable interest due to its biologically relevant components and potential applications in medicine, cosmetics, and biotechnology. This study focuses on the chemical characterization of SS, comparing stabilized commercial slime with preservatives to a non-stabilized natural, preservative-free variant. Advanced analytical techniques, such as Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Solid-Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, and Thermal analysis were employed to identify key metabolites and bioactive compounds. Moreover, quantitative assays were performed to evaluate the antioxidant, metal chelation and enzyme inhibition activities. Analytical techniques identified mucins, glycosaminoglycans, antimicrobial peptides, and antioxidants, with variations in composition influenced by processing methods. Quantitative assays revealed that SS possesses strong antioxidant properties, significant metal chelation capacity, and inhibitory activity against cholinesterases, tyrosinase, amylase, and glucosidase. Cellular assays further demonstrated its non-toxic nature and capacity to enhance dermal fibroblast viability. Furthermore, the stabilized commercially used SS has better composition, stability and activities compared to non-stabilized SS. Additionally, this is the first direct comparison of stabilized and non-stabilized SS, using multimethod analytical approach, and correlation of chemical composition with bioactivity. These findings underscore SS's complex composition and potential in biomedical and cosmetic applications, particularly in wound healing, antimicrobial, antioxidants, anti-aging formulations, and enzyme inhibitory therapies.