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Sasikumar SC, Goswami U, Raichur AM. 3D Bioprinting with Visible Light Cross-Linkable Mucin-Hyaluronic Acid Composite Bioink for Lung Tissue Engineering. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:5411-5422. [PMID: 38996006 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
3D printing can revolutionize personalized medicine by allowing cost-effective, customized tissue-engineering constructs. However, the limited availability and diversity of biopolymeric hydrogels restrict the variety and applications of bioinks. In this study, we introduce a composite bioink for 3D bioprinting, combining a photo-cross-linkable derivative of Mucin (Mu) called Methacrylated Mucin (MuMA) and Hyaluronic acid (HA). The less explored Mucin is responsible for the hydrogel nature of mucus and holds the potential to be used as a bioink material because of its plethora of features. HA, a crucial extracellular matrix component, is mucoadhesive and enhances ink viscosity and printability. Photo-cross-linking with 405 nm light stabilizes the printed scaffolds without damaging cells. Rheological tests reveal shear-thinning behavior, aiding cell protection during printing and improved MuMA bioink viscosity by adding HA. The printed structures exhibited porous behavior conducive to nutrient transport and cell migration. After 4 weeks in phosphate-buffered saline, the scaffolds retain 70% of their mass, highlighting stability. Biocompatibility tests with lung epithelial cells (L-132) confirm cell attachment and growth, suggesting suitability for lung tissue engineering. It is envisioned that the versatility of bioink could lead to significant advancements in lung tissue engineering and various other biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruthi C Sasikumar
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
| | - Upashi Goswami
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
| | - Ashok M Raichur
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
- Institute for Nanoscience and Water Sustainability, University of South Africa, the Science Campus, Florida Park, 1710 Roodepoort, Johannesburg 1735, South Africa
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Seo J, Jeong C, Choi WJ, Park JHY, Lee CH, Lee KW. Photoprotective activities of Capsosiphon fulvescens in UVB-induced SKH-1 mice and human keratinocytes. J Food Sci 2024; 89:5150-5163. [PMID: 38992886 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.17246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Capsosiphon fulvescens (CF) is a green alga widely consumed in East Asian countries, particularly in Korea. It has a rich composition of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, and bioactive compounds, which contribute to its multiple therapeutic properties. Its application ranges from acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent to supporting the skin system. Despite these benefits of CF, the effects and mechanisms of action related to photoaging of the skin have not yet been elucidated. To investigate the photoprotective effects of CF against photoaging, both animal (SKH-1 mouse) and cell models (HaCaT cell line) were used in this study. As a result, administering the CF extract over a period of 10 weeks, which included times of Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure, significantly reduced erythema and various UVB-induced skin changes, such as wrinkle formation, and the thickening of the epidermis and dermis, as well as alterations in the length and depth of wrinkles. Furthermore, our investigation into CF extract's antiwrinkle properties revealed its efficacy in enhancing skin hydration and collagen content, counteracting the collagen depletion and moisture loss induced by UVB radiation. Also, the fact that the levels of p-ERK, p-p38, and p-JNK proteins went down shows that the CF extract might have a controlling effect on the MAPK signaling pathways. Our findings suggest that CF holds significant potential for preventing photoaging, providing a foundation for the development of functional foods or botanical drugs targeting skin aging and related skin disorders. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research proved that Capsosiphon fulvescen, a green alga widely consumed in East Asian countries, provides photoprotective activities against UV-induced skin aging. Therefore, Capsosiphon fulvescen can be utilized as functional foods or botanical drugs targeting skin aging and related skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Seo
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanhyeok Jeong
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Jo Choi
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Chang Hyung Lee
- Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Won Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Institutes of Green Bio Science & Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Center for Food and Bio convergence, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Li Z, Song Y, Ling Y, Liu Y, Yi J, Hao L, Zhu J, Kang Q, Huang J, Lu J. Structural characterization of a glycoprotein from white jade snails (Achatina Fulica) and its wound healing activity. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130161. [PMID: 38367791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Snail mucus is rich in proteins and polysaccharides, which has been proved to promote wound healing in mice in our previous research. The aim of this study was to investigate the effective component in snail mucus that can exert the wound healing potential and its structural characterization. Here, the glycoprotein from the snail mucus (SM1S) was obtained by DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow and Sephacryl S-300 columns. The structural characteristics of SM1S were investigated via chromatographic techniques, periodic acid oxidation, FT-IR spectroscopy and NMR spectroscopy. Results showed that SM1S was a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 3.8 kDa (83.23 %), consists of mannose, glucuronic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose, arabinose, fucose at a ratio of 13.180:4.875:1043.173:7.552:1:3.501:2.058. In addition, the periodic acid oxidation and NMR analysis showed that SM1S contained 1,6-glycosidic bonds, and might also contain 1 → 4 and 1 → 2 glycosidic or 1 → 3 glycosidic bonds. Furthermore, the migration experiment of human skin fibroblasts in vitro suggested that SM1S had a good effect to accelerate the scratch healing of cells. This study suggested that SM1S may be a prospective candidate as a natural wound dressing for the development of snail mucus products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yiming Song
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yunying Ling
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yingxin Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Juanjuan Yi
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
| | - Limin Hao
- Systems Engineering Institute, Academy of Military Sciences PLA China, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Jiaqing Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Qiaozhen Kang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Jinyong Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Jike Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
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Singh N, Brown AN, Gold MH. Snail extract for skin: A review of uses, projections, and limitations. J Cosmet Dermatol 2024; 23:1113-1121. [PMID: 38429932 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Snail mucin is becoming increasingly popular for its wide range of ingredients and potential benefits. Snail extract's widespread appearance in cosmetic formulations encourages an investigation into the medical and cosmetic benefits. AIMS This study aims to explore current literature on the variety of snail mucin applications. Specifically, we present a review of the uses, global market estimates and projects, and limitations to snail mucin. METHODS A literature search was conducted on PubMed reviewing snail mucin and their application in medical and dermatologic fields examining their uses. Economic reports were also investigated for Global Market estimates. RESULTS The therapeutic use of snail mucin in medical fields has been studied as antimicrobial agents, drug delivery vehicles, antitumor agents, wound healing agents, and biomaterial coatings among others. Additionally, the use in cosmetic fields includes antiaging, hydrating, anti-acne, scarring, and hyperpigmentation treatments. It is important to highlight that most studies conducted were preclinical or small clinical studies, stressing the need for additional large-scale clinical trials to support these claims. Investigations into the global market found estimates ranging from $457 million to $1.2 billion with upward projections in the upcoming decade. Limitations include ethical habitats for collection, allergy investigation, and missing clinical studies. CONCLUSIONS The findings presented here emphasize the expanding uses of snail mucin and its ingredients alongside a growing market cosmetic industry should consider. We also emphasize the need for appropriate clinical trials into the stated benefits of snail mucin to ensure consumer safety and ethical extraction of mucin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nupur Singh
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Angela N Brown
- Gold Skin Care Center, Tennessee Clinical Research Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Michael H Gold
- Gold Skin Care Center, Tennessee Clinical Research Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Moon SK, Jeong EJ, Tonog G, Jin CM, Lee JS, Kim H. Comprehensive workflow encompassing discovery, verification, and quantification of indicator peptide in snail mucin using LC-quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Food Res Int 2024; 180:114054. [PMID: 38395548 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Peptidomics analysis was conducted using high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (MS2) to determine the peptide profile of snail-derived mucin extract (SM). The study was also aimed to identify an indicator peptide and validate a quantification method for this peptide. The peptide profiling and identification were conducted using discovery-based peptidomics analysis employing data-dependent acquisition, whereas the selected peptides were verified and quantified using parallel reaction monitoring acquisition. Among the 16 identified peptides, the selected octapeptide (TEAPLNPK) was quantified via precursor ion ionization (m/z 435.2400), followed by quantification of the corresponding quantifier ion fragment (m/z 639.3824) using MS2. The quantification method was optimized and validated in terms of specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and limit of detection/quantification. The validated method accurately quantified the TEAPLNPK content in the SM as 7.5 ± 0.2 μg/g. Our study not only identifies an indicator peptide from SM but also introduces a novel validation method, involving precursor ion ionization and quantification of specific fragments. Our findings may serve as a comprehensive workflow for the monitoring, selection, and quantification of indicator peptides from diverse food resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Kwon Moon
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodong-daero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong 17546, South Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Jeong
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea; BK21 FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Genevieve Tonog
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodong-daero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong 17546, South Korea
| | - Cheng-Min Jin
- Analysis and Research Department, NeuroVIS, Inc., 593-8 Dongtangiheung-ro, Hwaseong 18469, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Seok Lee
- Age at Labs Inc., 55, Digital-ro 32-gil, Guro-gu, Seoul 08379, South Korea
| | - Hoon Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodong-daero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong 17546, South Korea.
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Zhu K, Zhang Z, Li G, Sun J, Gu T, Ain NU, Zhang X, Li D. Extraction, structure, pharmacological activities and applications of polysaccharides and proteins isolated from snail mucus. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 258:128878. [PMID: 38141709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Snail mucus had medical applications for wound healing as early as ancient Greece and the late Han Dynasty (China). A literature search found 165 modern research papers discussing the extraction methods, chemical compositions, pharmacological activities, and applications of snail mucus. Thus, this review summarized the research progress on the extraction, structure, pharmacological activities, and applications of polysaccharides and proteins isolated from snail mucus. The extraction methods of snail mucus include natural secretion and stimulation with blunt force, spray, electricity, un-shelling, ultrasonic-assisted, and ozone-assisted. As a natural product, snail mucus mainly comprises two polysaccharides (glycosaminoglycan, dextran), seven glycoproteins (mucin, lectin), various antibacterial peptides, allantoin, glycolic acid, etc. It has pharmacological activities that encourage cell migration and proliferation, and promote angiogenesis and have antibacterial, anti-oxidative and anticancer properties. The mechanism of snail mucus' chemicals performing antibacterial and wound-healing was proposed. Snail mucus is a promising bioactive product with multiple medical applications and has great potential in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Therefore, this review provides a valuable reference for researching and developing snail mucus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehan Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Zhiyi Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Guanqiang Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Jiangcen Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Tianyi Gu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Noor Ul Ain
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Xicheng Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China.
| | - Duxin Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China.
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Kim H, Jeong EJ, Park C, Lee JS, Kim WJ, Yu KW, Suh HJ, Ahn Y, Moon SK. Modulation of gut microbiota ecosystem by a glucan-rich snail mucin heteropolysaccharide attenuates loperamide-induced constipation. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126560. [PMID: 37640190 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of oral administration of snail-derived mucin extract (SM) on ameliorating constipation symptoms of loperamide-induced constipated rats (n = 6). The analytical results indicated that SM mainly contains a glucan-rich snail mucin heteropolysaccharide with high molecular weights (108.5-267.9 kDa), comprising primarily of glucose (64.9 %) and galactose (22.4 %) with some deoxyhexoses (5.0 %) and hexosamines (4.9 %). Daily SM administration at doses of 10-40 mg/kg/day to the loperamide-induced constipated rats significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated the deterioration in fecal parameters, such as numbers and weight of feces, fecal water contents, and gastrointestinal transit ratio. The histomorphometric results showed that the loperamide-induced decreases in the thickness of mucosal and muscularis mucosae layers as well as the distribution of mucin and c-KIT-positive areas were significantly (p < 0.05) improved via SM consumption at all doses tested. SM administration at all doses significantly increased the expression of genes encoding tryptophan hydroxylases (TPH1 and TPH2; p < 0.05), tight junction molecules (OCLN, CLDN1, and TJP1; p < 0.05), and mucin (MUC2 and MUC4; p < 0.05), but significantly decreased the aquaporin-encoding genes (AQP3 and AQP8; p < 0.05). Gut microbial community analysis indicated that SM administration could modulate loperamide-induced dysbiosis by increasing the phyla Actinobacteria (11.72-12.64 % at 10-40 mg/kg doses; p < 0.05) and Firmicutes (79.33 % and 74.24 % at 20 and 40 mg/kg doses; p < 0.05) and decreasing the phyla Bacteroidetes (5.98-12.47 % at 10-40 mg/kg doses; p < 0.05) and Verrucomicrobia (2.21 % and 2.78 % at 20 and 40 mg/kg doses; p < 0.05), suggesting that SM administration is effective in ameliorating constipation by controlling gut microbial communities. These findings can be utilized as fundamental data for developing novel functional materials using SM to prevent or treat constipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoon Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodong-daero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong 17546, South Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Jeong
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea; BK21 FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Chunwoong Park
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea; BK21 FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Seok Lee
- Age at Labs Inc., 55, Digital-ro 32-gil, Guro-gu, Seoul 08379, South Korea
| | - Woo Jung Kim
- Biocenter, Gyeonggido Business and Science Accelerator, Suwon 16229, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Won Yu
- Major in Food & Nutrition, Korea National University of Transportation, 61 Daehak-ro, Jeungpyeong 27909, South Korea
| | - Hyung Joo Suh
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Yejin Ahn
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea.
| | - Sung-Kwon Moon
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodong-daero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong 17546, South Korea.
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Liegertová M, Malý J. Gastropod Mucus: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Biological Activities, Applications, and Strategic Priorities. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5567-5579. [PMID: 37751898 PMCID: PMC10566510 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial gastropod mucus exhibits multifunctional attributes, enabling diverse applications. This comprehensive review integrates insights across biomedicine, biotechnology, and intellectual property to elucidate the bioactivities, physicochemical properties, and ecological roles of snail and slug mucus. Following an overview of mucus functional roles in gastropods, promising applications are highlighted in wound healing, antimicrobials, biomaterials, and cosmetics, alongside key challenges. An analysis of global patent trends reveals surging innovation efforts to leverage gastropod mucus. Strategic priorities include bioprospecting natural diversity, optimizing stabilization systems, recombinant biosynthesis, and fostering collaboration to translate promising potentials sustainably into impactful technologies. Ultimately, harnessing the remarkable multifunctionality of gastropod mucus holds immense opportunities for transformative innovations in biomedicine, biotechnology, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Liegertová
- Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology,
Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně
University in Ústí nad Labem, Pasteurova 3632/15, Ústí nad Labem 400 96, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Malý
- Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology,
Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně
University in Ústí nad Labem, Pasteurova 3632/15, Ústí nad Labem 400 96, Czech Republic
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Edible Snail Production in Europe. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202732. [PMID: 36290118 PMCID: PMC9597773 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Edible snails are a good source of easily digestible nutrients. They are easy to breed and their farming is more environmentally friendly than traditional livestock: they need little space, use less feed per kg of growth, and emit significantly less greenhouse gases. This review aims to present the most important issues related to the breeding of edible snails in European conditions: their importance, maintaining systems, the value of meat and caviar, and the feed used during the animals’ rearing and fattening period. Abstract The human population is growing; food production is becoming insufficient, and the growing awareness of the negative impact of traditional animal husbandry on the environment means that the search for alternative methods of providing animal protein is continuously underway. The breeding of edible snails seems to be a promising option. The most popular species of edible snails in Europe include the brown garden snail Cornu aspersum (Müller, 1774) (previously divided into two subspecies: Cornu aspersum aspersum (Müller, 1774) and Cornu aspersum maxima (Taylor, 1883)), as well as the Roman Snail—Helix pomatia Linnaeus, 1758. These animals are highly productive, require relatively little space, are easy to breed and their maintenance does not require large financial outlays. This review focuses on the prospects of food snail farming in Europe. It discusses the living conditions, the nutritional value of the snails’ meat, and the way of feeding the animals, paying particular attention to issues still not scientifically resolved, such as the need for micro and macro elements, as well as fat and carbohydrates.
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