Ethanolic extract of the Antarctic isolate Sphingomonas sp. UV9 as a potential skin healer

Abstract

The skin-healing process is critical to physical, aesthetic, and psychological well-being. Although several treatments are available to promote healing, their effectiveness is often limited, highlighting the ongoing need for new solutions. Currently, some Antarctic biomolecules with potential cosmetic applications for skin care have been reported. However, there is little research on the use of Antarctic bacteria to promote wound closure. In this study, we evaluated the potential of an ethanolic extract from the Antarctic isolate Sphingomonas sp. (ExUV9) as a skin-healing agent. In vitro assays using the HaCaT keratinocyte cell line and a plug-based scratch model showed that ExUV9 exhibited dose-dependent wound-healing activity and stimulated cell proliferation and migration processes. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that exposure to evaluated doses of ExUV9 neither compromised cell viability nor increased micronucleus formation frequency, while significantly reducing ɣH2Ax labeling compared to basal levels. In addition, the ABTS assay showed that ExUV9 possesses antioxidant capacity. To assess its in vivo efficacy, the effects of ExUV9 on skin repair were also evaluated using a rat excisional wound model. This assay indicated improved wound closure after 8 days of treatment with ExUV9. Our results suggest that ExUV9 represents a promising candidate for its use as a therapeutic skin-healing agent.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Heliyon, 2026 · DOI ↗