Hyaluronan-Inorganic Nanohybrid Materials for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Nanomaterials, including gold, silver, and magnetic nanoparticles, carbon, and mesoporous materials, possess unique physiochemical and biological properties, thus offering promising applications in biomedicine, such as in drug delivery, biosensing, molecular imaging, and therapy. Recent advances in nanotechnology have improved the features and properties of nanomaterials. However, these nanomaterials are potentially cytotoxic and demonstrate a lack of cell-specific function. Thus, they have been functionalized with various polymers, especially polysaccharides, to reduce toxicity and improve biocompatibility and stability under physiological conditions. In particular, nanomaterials have been widely functionalized with hyaluronan (HA) to enhance their distribution in specific cells and tissues. This review highlights the most recent advances on HA-functionalized nanomaterials for biotechnological and biomedical applications, as nanocarriers in drug delivery, contrast agents in molecular imaging, and diagnostic agents in cancer therapy. A critical evaluation of barriers affecting the use of HA-functionalized nanomaterials is also discussed, and insights into the outlook of the field are explored.

NIR Stimulus-Responsive PdPt Bimetallic Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery and Chemo-Photothermal Therapy

“…HA not only acted as gatekeepers of the NPs but also ensured tumor cell targeting by binding with CD44 overexpressed solid tumors [ 23 ]. In addition, enzyme-responsive drug release would further occur after the degradation of HA by hyaluronidase abundant in tumor region [ 23 , 28 , 29 ]. Importantly, the negative charges of NPs after coating with HA-SH could also prolong the blood circulation time due to reduced interactions with blood components [ 41 ].…”

“…Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural high molecular weight glycosaminoglycan found in the extracellular matrix and synovial fluids of the body [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44), a cell surface glycoprotein expressed on multiple tumor cells, acts as a principal transmembrane adhesion receptor for HA [ 25 , 26 , 27 ].…”

“…The specific binding of HA with CD44 overexpressed solid tumors provides HA-coating NPs with actively targeting capability. Hyaluronidase that is abundant in tumor regions further degrades HA to realize tumor-responsive drug release [ 23 , 28 , 29 ]. Moreover, HA also has high thermal stability [ 30 ], the characteristic of HA renders it an excellent candidate to cover NPs for PTT.…”

Bioinspired Nanocomposites: Functional Materials for Sustainable Greener Technologies

“…Biomacromolecules or biopolymers bearing functional moieties representing highly specific catalytic properties, for example enzymes, present significant role in the production of nanobiocomposites aiming to produce nanohybrid materials with required characteristics. In nanobiocomposites that are based on enzymes, the inorganic portion is considered as the protective matrix for the immobilization of macromolecules and imparts multifunctionality to the nanohybrid matrix [14,15]. The production of inorganic hybrid enzymes is an alternative way toward enzyme immobilization, which is a useful method for the development of enzymatic reactors and biosensors.…”

Development of MIP-based QCM Sensors for Determination of Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

“…This water absorption capacity helps important biological functions (eg. supplying of food, removing of residues) of cells that have not direct blood supply such as cartilage cells [9][10][11]. Due to its' shape and structure protection capability where injected without deformation for a long time, HA serves as the most preferable filling material.…”