High molecular weight plant heteropolysaccharides stimulate fibroblasts but inhibit keratinocytes

Xanthan Gum–Konjac Glucomannan Blend Hydrogel for Wound Healing

“…The results obtained in the MTT assay ( Figure 6A) showed that fibroblast cell viability was not compromised during the 24 h and 72 h that cells were in contact with XG/KGM hydrogels. Such results were expected since the biocompatibility of XG and KGM-based hydrogels was previously reported in the literature [55][56][57].…”

“…The migration of fibroblast cells was measured using an image analysis software after 3 h, 6 h, 9 h, 12 h and 24 h and compared to 0 h. Through the analysis of the results presented in Figure 7, it is possible to see that the 1%_XG/KGM_(50/50), 2%_XG/KGM_(50/50) and 2%_XG/KGM_(60/40) hydrogels promoted full cover of the wound site after 12 h, whereas the wound area was filled only after 24 h for the control group. Even more, 1%_XG/KGM_(60/40) promoted an improved and quick wound closure in comparison to all formulations, which occurred after 6 h. available on fibroblast membranes, stimulating their activity and proliferation [55,60]. Further, Al-Ghazzewi et al also reported that the mannose-rich carbohydrates (such XG) enhance the wound healing process [61].…”

“…Such results highlight that the products resulting from XG/KGM polysaccharide degradation (e.g., residues of glucose, mannose, glucuronic acid and glucomannan) encourage cell migration. Indeed, according to Shahbuddin et al, the glucomannan interacts with growth factor receptors available on fibroblast membranes, stimulating their activity and proliferation [55,60]. Further, Al-Ghazzewi et al also reported that the mannose-rich carbohydrates (such XG) enhance the wound healing process [61].…”

Role of Glucomannans in Immunology

“…In particular, glucomannans have been reported to promote accumulation of (at the wound site) fibroblasts and stimulate the production of collagen (19, 59, 60). Shahbuddin et al (61) reported that konjac glucomannan has the ability to stimulate/induce fibroblast metabolites and the migration of both fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The glucomannan molecules also stimulate fibroblast growth factor and the activity and proliferation of the regenerative cells, which in turn improve collagen production and secretion, leading to accelerated wound improvement (16).…”

“…They also promote accumulation of fibroblasts and stimulate the production of collagen in skin wounds (19,59,61).…”