Investigation of multifaceted wound healing effect of exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced from probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GD2 as in vitro and in ovo

Skin wounds may threaten quality of life and cause serious complications. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lyophilized exopolysaccharide (L-EPS) obtained from the probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GD2 on various stages of wound healing. The results revealed that L-EPS accelerated in vitro wound healing and increased COL1A1 in L929 cells. L-EPS affected the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway by increasing the expression of the TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 genes. L-EPS also exerted anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and iNOS in TNF-α-induced fibroblasts. Additionally, L-EPS demonstrated fibroproliferative effect on both healthy and TNF-α-induced fibroblasts. Furthermore, L-EPS was found to have a proangiogenic effect in ovo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. This study presents the first-ever characterization of the multifaceted effects of L-EPS derived from the probiotic strain L. plantarum GD2 on wound healing. Our findings highlight the potential of L-EPS as effective agent for wound healing and suggest possible application in the development of wound healing biomaterials. By elucidating the mechanism of action of L-EPS in wound healing, this research may provide new perspectives for advanced treatment strategies in the field of wound care.