PEGylated Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

• PEGylated Hyaluronic Acid

PEGylated hyaluronic acid (HA) has multiple PEG polymer side chains attached to the backbone of the HA polymerization. PEGylated hyaluronic acid has good cytocompatibility and is a biodegradable macromolecule. Nanocarriers based on PEGylated hyaluronic acid can be used for targeted cancer therapy. Hyaluronic acid is found in tissues, joints and membrane structures of living organisms. As a marker for certain cancers, hyaluronic acid has therapeutic benefits for certain diseases. Hyaluronic acid-PEG conjugated derivatives are also used for surface modification of drugs and materials. BOC Sciences, as a leading biotechnology company, is committed to providing high-quality PEG copolymers and related products to support scientific progress and innovation.

Fig. 1. Preparation and characterization of the PEGylated hyaluronic acid conjugate (Journal of Controlled Release. 2017, 267: 181-190).

Properties of PEGylated Hyaluronic Acid

• Water Retention. By binding hyaluronic acid, PEGylated hyaluronic acid retains the water retention properties of hyaluronic acid and can provide long-lasting moisturization in dermal fillers and skin care products.
• Viscosity and Adhesion. PEGylated hyaluronic acid facilitates the attachment and retention of the copolymer on the surface of the target tissue or cell due to the viscosity present in hyaluronic acid.
• Modulation of Release. The hyaluronic acid in PEGylated hyaluronic acid can form a hydrogel network, and by modulating the structure and porosity of the hydrogel, the rate and duration of drug release can be controlled.

Mode of Combination of PEG and Hyaluronic Acid

1. Self-assembly - PEG and hyaluronic acid can form aggregates or nanoparticles through self-assembly. Polyethylene glycol and hyaluronic acid molecules can form bonds through non-covalent interactions such as electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding.

2. Biosynthesis - By using specific enzyme catalysis, PEG and hyaluronic acid can be combined by enzymes in cells.

3. Cross-linking reactions - Through crosslinking agents, PEG and hyaluronic acid form a crosslinked polymer network. There are two types of cross-linking agents: chemical and photosensitizing.

Applications of PEGylated Hyaluronic Acid

Dermal Fillers

The use of PEGylated hyaluronic acid as a dermal filler is widespread in dermatology and cosmetology. Among the benefits of these fillers is that they can diminish wrinkles, fill in depressions, and increase skin hydration and elasticity. In general, PEG-HA fillers are long-lasting and cause few allergic reactions.

Ophthalmic Products

In artificial tears, PEGylated hyaluronic acid provides lubrication and moisturization to help alleviate symptoms of dry eye. Further, PEG hyaluronic acid can be used to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic drugs delivered to the ocular surface using ophthalmic drug delivery systems.

Tissue Engineering

PEGylated hyaluronic acid hydrogels provide a biocompatible scaffold that aids in cell attachment, proliferation and tissue regeneration. The water retention properties of hyaluronic acid can improve the cell growth environment and promote successful tissue engineering.

Cosmetic Active Ingredients

PEGylated hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant and skin care ingredient to provide long-lasting moisturization, improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, PEGylated hyaluronic acid improves the texture and stability of cosmetic products.

BOC Sciences can provide technical support and expertise to help customers with PEGylated hyaluronic acid applications. If you are interested in our products, please keep in touch with us.

Reference

1. Shin, J.M. et al. A PEGylated hyaluronic acid conjugate for targeted cancer immunotherapy. Journal of Controlled Release. 2017, 267: 181-190.