A Safe-by-Design Approach for the Synthesis of a Novel Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid with Improved Biological and Physical Properties

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polymer with unique biological properties that has gained in interest over the years, with applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biomedical fields; however, its widespread use has been limited by its short half-life. Therefore, a new cross-linked hyaluronic acid was designed and characterized using a natural and safe cross-linking agent, such as arginine methyl ester, which provided improved resistance to enzymatic action, as compared to the corresponding linear polymer. The antibacterial profile of the new derivative was shown to be effective against S. aureus and P. acnes, making it a promising candidate for use in cosmetic formulations and skin applications. Its effect on S. pneumoniae, combined with its excellent tolerability profile on lung cells, also makes this new product suitable for applications involving the respiratory tract.

Automated summary

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polymer with unique biological properties that has various applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biomedical fields; however, its short half-life has limited its widespread use. A new cross-linked hyaluronic acid was designed and characterized using a natural and safe cross-linking agent, arginine methyl ester, which showed improved resistance to enzymatic action compared to linear polymers. The new derivative demonstrated effective antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. acnes, making it a promising candidate for cosmetic formulations and skin applications, and its tolerability on lung cells suggests its suitability for respiratory tract applications.