The benefits of Hemocyanin in snail slime
We have known for several years now, following our studies in mass spectrometry and chromatography, that Hemocyanin is the protein mainly present in our snail slime extract.
And very recently we had the chance to pass our snail slime under the super powerful eye of an electron microscope which allowed us to directly see the hemocyanins present in our mucus.
You're probably wondering: what is it, and why is it so special?
What is Hemocyanin?
Unlike mammals, the color of the snail's oxygenated blood is not red but blue. It was Léon Fredericq who noticed that this was linked to the presence of copper within hemocyanin, the metalloprotein, which transports oxygen in the blood of snails but also octopuses, and more generally invertebrates. In mammals, this burden falls on hemoglobin, an iron-containing metalloprotein. Depending on whether it binds to iron or copper atoms, the oxygen molecule gives blood its red or blue color. Hemocyanin is the second most used oxygen transporter by living beings after hemoglobin. This protein is particularly widespread in a large number of arthropods and molluscs.
Oxygenation of the skin
“You look tired right now!” is a phrase that no one likes to hear. However, did you know that the lack of oxygen in the skin can contribute to this feeling of fatigue and lack of radiance? Indeed, without enough oxygen, our skin loses its natural vitality, which can lead to the early appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and make it look tired and dull. On the other hand, properly oxygenated skin appears more toned, revitalized and plump.
Oxygen is essential for our skin. Converted into energy within mitochondria, the energy plants of cells, it helps skin cells produce the necessary collagen and structural proteins.
Each breath contributes to the health of our skin, which uses 7% of the oxygen we inhale. Well-oxygenated skin is therefore better hydrated, more radiant and appears less dull.
Helitherapy in action
This is where hemocyanins, naturally present in snail slime, come into action. Their main function is to transport oxygen to the heart of cells. In the skin, the supply of oxygen to the skin cells is ensured by a fine network of capillaries located at the level of the epidermal cells. Hemocyanin offers the advantage of making its way through these very narrow vessels and helps to increase respiration thanks to the oxygen it transports. Scientific studies show that products containing hemocyanin can make skin visibly softer, more elastic, and even reduce signs of aging, like wrinkles.
In other words, it breathes life into our skin, stimulating cellular respiration and revitalizing each cell.
Rheological analyzes of our snail slime provide us with direct images of the hemocyanins present. With a hollow cylindrical structure, they can be clearly distinguished in the bluish reflections of the raw mucus that we collect. Only our method of manual mucus harvesting, respectful of the animal, makes it possible to obtain such a concentration of these essential proteins in skin regeneration.
