The human body produces at least one liter of mucus daily, serving different functions such as protecting tissues, removing particles, and preventing infections. Animals, such as snails, also produce various types of mucus for different purposes.
Snail mucus has been used in skincare for centuries. In ancient Greece, the famous doctor Hippocrates wrote about snail mucus and proposed its use against protocols. Today, the industry of snail beauty products is worth around $4 billion.
What is a Snail Mucus?
Snail mucus is a complex mixture of enzymes, trace minerals, proteins, and peptides produced externally and internally. The externally made gelatinous substance makes the familiar slime trails and acts as glue and lubricant.
Snails secrete different types of mucus according to their specific needs. The snail's foot secures the adhesive mucus to help the shelled gastropod stick to surfaces. The snail's foot also produces lubricating mucus, which helps it glide along surfaces. A third type of mucus is secreted on its back, protecting against predators.
Composition of Snail Mucus
While previous studies have investigated the individual components contained in mucus, little is known about their overall composition. It is still a mystery how their compositional differences are related to their substantially different properties. To address this challenge, scientists from the Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center of the University of New York conducted a comparative analysis of the three types of mucus produced by snails.
In this study, Adam B. Braunschweig and his colleagues analyzed the secretions of a common garden snail (Cornu aspersum). The research team examined multiple components from each type of mucus, including glycans, proteins, and ions. The mechanical properties of the slimy secretions were also determined.
The analysis revealed 71 proteins, 18 previously unknown and for which functions could not be designated through database searches. It was found that each mucus contains 40% to 50% extracellular matrix proteins, which include 11 different collagens.
According to the research team, the major difference between the three types of mucus is their calcium ion concentrations. The ions are known for promoting crosslinking of the mucus. Braunschweig confirmed that the stiff barrier and the adhesive mucus are full of calcium, while the lubricating mucus has the lowest concentration of calcium and proteins. This type of secretion only keeps the calcium out, allowing the proteins to slide along each other and lubricate very well.
In an interview with National Public Radio journalist Ailsa Chang, slime scientist Antonio Cerullo from the City University of New York discussed examining snail mucus's molecular composition. His team focused on the profile of Cornu aspersum, a snail species used in cosmetic products and eaten as escargot.
Cerullo and his team identified macromolecular components of mucus hydrogel and a previously unreported class of protein called Conserved Anterior Mollusk Proteins (CAMPs).
From the result of their study, Cerullo made a huge map containing the proteins that make up the mucus hydrogel, the sugars attached to these proteins, and the kinds of salts that connect the biomolecular network. According to the experts, their discoveries provide better insights into using the mucus and creating new materials inspired by these secretions.
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