Lipopeptide Biosurfactant from Acinetobacter junii B6: A Promising Natural Surfactant for Promoting Angiogenesis

Abstract

Lipopeptide biosurfactants (LPBs) display unique properties with widespread therapeutic applications. Recently, the wound healing activity of LPBs has received more attention. However, few investigations have focused on the healing mechanisms of these compounds, particularly those that are associated with the angiogenic pathways. Therefore, the current study aimed at investigating the effect of a natural LPB produced by Acinetobacter. junii B6 on the angiogenic potential of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The proliferation, migration, and three-dimensional tube forming potential of HUVECs were examined after treatment with LPB. By using western blotting, the expression of angiogenic-related genes such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were also measured. LPB demonstrated no significant proliferative or cytotoxic effect on HUVECs at the concentrations lower than 600 µg/mL. Moreover, LPB at a concentration of 300 µg/mL caused a significant increase in the rates of migration and tube formation of HUVECs. LPB also enhanced the protein expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF in HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. The present results suggest that LPB might be considered a potential wound healing agent by modifying some angiogenic factors.