Ha Young Park a , Min Ho Kang a , Guewha Lee b , Jin Woo Kim a,c,*

a Department of Food Science, Sunmoon University, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea

b Hu evergreen Pharm Inc., Incheon, Republic of Korea

c Center for Next-Generation Semiconductor Technology, Sun Moon University, Chungnam, Republic of Korea

ARTICLE INFO

Keywords: Ginseng non-edible callus  Extracellular vesicle  Skin regeneration  Collagen synthesis  Proliferation

1 . ABSTRACT

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of ginseng non-edible callus-derived extracellular vesicle (GNEV) on skin regeneration, particularly focusing on its impact on proliferation and migration in human dermal fibroblast (HDF).

Methods: GNEV was isolated from ginseng non-edible callus using sequential filtration and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The extracellular vesicle was characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). HDF was treated with various concentrations of GNEV, and cell viability, proliferation, and migration were assessed using MTT and scratch wound healing assays. Gene expression related to collagen synthesis (TGF-β, SMAD-2, SMAD-3, COL1A1) was measured using RT-PCR.

Results: Treatment of HDF with GNEV resulted in a significant 2.5-fold increase in cell migration compared to the non-treated group. Furthermore, GNEV demonstrated the upregulation of collagen synthesis genes, specifically TGF-β, SMAD-2, SMAD-3, and COL1A1, by 41.7 %, 59.4 %, 60.2 %, and 21.8 %, respectively. These findings indicated that GNEV activates the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway, showcasing its potential to induce skin

Conclusions: In conclusion, GNEV exhibits a notable ability to enhance skin regeneration through its stimulatory effects on cell migration and the upregulation of key collagen synthesis genes. The activation of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway further suggests the potential of GNEV as a promising candidate for drug delivery systems in the fields of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, opening avenues for further research and application in skincare and dermatology