Sodium Hyaluronate

HMW hyaluronic acid (HA) is anti-inflammatory, anti-elastase, and barrier-protective. Low-molecular fragments produced during inflammation are pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic. In disorders of the upper-airways, randomized controlled trials showed that HMW HA, given by nebulization or intranasally, improved mucociliary clearance, reduced biofilm formation, and decreased post-operative healing time after functional endoscopic sinus surgery with excellent tolerability.
In COPD, experimental and clinical evidence suggests cigarette smoke reduces pulmonary HA levels. In animals and humans, treatment with exogenous aerosolized 0.01% HMW HA reduced urinary and sputum isodesmosine without any adverse events. In cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis, four prospective studies found that combining 0.1% HMW HA with 7% hypertonic saline solution improved tolerability (reduced cough, throat irritation and salty taste) without affecting its ability to increase sputum expectoration.

Fig. 1 Effects of short-fragment hyaluronic acid (HA) on a lung injury. (Máiz Carro L.; et al. 2020)

Wang X et al. created a self-powered "all-in-one" wound dressing by laminating a HA-based supercapacitor onto an electroactive hydrogel. PGM electrolyte and PEDOT:PSS-doped Conductive-PGM electrodes were cross-linked via freeze-thaw cycles, yielding 0.34 MPa strength, 380% swelling and 21 mF per square centimeter capacitance with 97% retention after 500 cycles. The charged device delivered 30 μA per square centimeter ES directly to the wound without external cables.
In vitro, the dressing showed <5% hemolysis, 20 mm S. aureus inhibition and 90% NIH3T3 viability. Under ES, fibroblast proliferation rose to 270%. ES-treated wounds on murine full-thickness defects healed by day 16 compared to non-ES or gauze controls which remained open. Histological analysis showed thicker granulation tissue formation, increased neovessel density and more hair follicles in ES group mice. This confirms HA release from the ES and ES promotes accelerated healing synergistically.

Fig. 2 Preparation, design, and working mechanism of a HA-based supercapacitor. (Wang X.; et al. 2023)