Exopolysaccharide from the yeast Papiliotrema terrestris PT22AV for skin wound healing

INTRODUCTION: Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are high-value functional biomaterials mainly produced by bacteria and fungi, with nutraceutical, therapeutic and industrial potentials. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to characterize and assess the biological properties of the EPS produced by the yeast Papiliotrema terrestris PT22AV. METHODS: After extracting the yeast's DNA and its molecular identification, the EPS from P. terrestris PT22AV strain was extracted and its physicochemical properties (structural, morphological, monosaccharide composition and molecular weight) were characterized. The EPS's in vitro biological activities and in vivo wound healing potential were also evaluated. RESULTS: The obtained EPS was water-soluble and revealed an average molecular weight (M(w)) of 202 kDa. Mannose and glucose with 97% and 3% molar percentages, respectively, constituted the EPS. In vitro antibacterial activity analysis of the extracted EPS exhibited antibacterial activity (>80%) against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis at a concentration of 2 mg/mL. The EPS showed cytocompatibility against the human fibroblast and macrophage cell lines and the animal studies showed a dose-dependent wound healing capacity of the EPS with higher wound closure at 10 mg/mL compared to negative and positive control after 14 days. CONCLUSION: The EPS from P. terrestris PT22AV could serve as a promising source of biocompatible macromolecules with potential for skin wound healing.