Nanoforming Hyaluronan-Based Thermoresponsive Hydrogels: Optimized and Tunable Functionality in Osteoarthritis Management

Hyaluronic acid (HA) constitutes a versatile chemical framework for the development of osteoarthritis pain treatment by means of injection in the joints, so-called viscosupplementation. Without appropriate physico-chemical tuning, such preparations are inherently hindered by prompt in vivo degradation, mediated by hyaluronidases and oxidative stress. To prolong hydrogel residence time and confer optimized product functionality, novel thermoresponsive nanoforming HA derivatives were proposed and characterized. Combined use of sulfo-dibenzocyclooctyne-PEG4-amine linkers and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) in green chemistry process enabled the synthesis of HA-based polymers, with in situ obtention of appropriate viscoelastic properties. Spontaneous and reversible thermoformation of nanoparticles above 30 degrees C was experimentally confirmed. Lead formulations were compared to a commercially available HA-based product and shown significantly better in vitro resistance to enzymatic and oxidative degradation, required half the injection force with optimal viscoelastic hydrogel properties in equine synovial fluids. Results highlighted the vast potential of appropriately engineered HA-based systems as next-generation long-acting viscosupplementation products for osteoarthritic patients.

Automated summary

This study proposes the use of thermoresponsive nanoforming hyaluronic acid derivatives for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain through injection in the joints. By adding specific chemicals, the residence time of the hydrogel in the body can be prolonged and it exhibits improved resistance to degradation and optimal viscoelastic properties. The results demonstrate the significant potential of these engineered hyaluronic acid derivatives as next-generation long-acting viscosupplementation products for osteoarthritic patients.