Harnessing Helix aspersa mucins as an innovative gelling agent for the synthesis of Punica granatum peel extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs-M) with enhanced biological properties

Valorizing natural waste materials is crucial for sustainable biomedical innovation. This study explores a nanomedicine approach using waste from shrimp shells, pomegranate peels, and snail mucus to produce mucinstabilized chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs-M) as delivery systems for Punica granatum peel extract (PgPE). Chitosan was derived from shrimp shells, while mucins from Helix aspersa snail slime served as a bio-stabilizer and crosslinking agent, creating CSNPs-M through an eco-friendly synthesis. Characterization confirmed CSNPs-M are spherical (54–98 nm) with a zeta potential of − 35.5 mV. The encapsulation efficiency is about 79 %, indicating effective loading of the Punica granatum peel extract within the CSNPs-M nanoparticles. Antioxidant capacity, tested by ABTS scavenging activity, showed that CSNPs-M achieved 89 % inhibition, close to free PgPE (93 %), indicating preserved extract activity. CSNPs-M also exhibited antimicrobial activity against several bacteria and fungi. The antiproliferative activity was evaluated by monitoring cell growth after 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation with CSNPs-M in human colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2), showing that CSNPs-M at a 1: 50 dilution significantly reduced cell proliferation (p 〈0,0001) without any cytotoxic effects. This study addresses a critical need for eco-friendly nanocarriers with preserved bioactivity, presenting CSNPsM as a promising platform for delivering therapeutic compounds in biomedical applications.