The Role of the Conformational Profile of Polysaccharides on Skin Penetration: The Case of Hyaluronan and Its Sulfates

The literature data suggest the capacity of biomacromolecules to permeate the human skin, even though such a transdermal permeation appears to be governed by physicochemical parameters which are significantly different compared to those ruling the skin permeation of small molecules. On these grounds...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemistry & biodiversity 2014-04, Vol.11 (4), p.551-561
Main Authors: Cilurzo, Francesco, Vistoli, Giulio, Gennari, Chiara G. M., Selmin, Francesca, Gardoni, Fabrizio, Franzè, Silvia, Campisi, Monica, Minghetti, Paola
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Administration, Cutaneous
Carbohydrate Conformation
Computer Simulation
Epidermis - drug effects
Humans
Hyaluronan
Hyaluronic Acid - administration & dosage
Hyaluronic Acid - chemistry
Hyaluronic Acid - pharmacokinetics
Microscopy, Confocal
Molecular dynamics
Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Molecular Weight
Radius of gyration
Skin - drug effects
Skin care products
Skin permeation
Studies
Sulfates
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Summary:The literature data suggest the capacity of biomacromolecules to permeate the human skin, even though such a transdermal permeation appears to be governed by physicochemical parameters which are significantly different compared to those ruling the skin permeation of small molecules. On these grounds, the present study was undertaken to investigate the in vitro diffusion properties through the human epidermis of hyaluronic acid and their sulfates. Low‐ and medium‐molecular‐weight hyaluronic acids and the corresponding derivatives at two degrees of sulfation were then tested. In vitro studies evidenced that the sulfated polymers permeate better than the corresponding hyaluronic acid, despite their vastly greater polarity, while the observed permeation markedly decreases when increasing the polymer's molecular weight regardless of the sulfation degree. Using a fluorescent‐labeled polysaccharide, it was also evidenced that hyaluronans have a great affinity for corneocytes and likely cross the stratum corneum mainly through a transcellular route. The molecular‐dynamics study revealed how the observed permeations for the investigated polysaccharides can be rationalized by monitoring their conformational profiles, since the permeation was found to be directly related to their capacity to assume extended and flexible conformations.
ISSN:1612-1872
1612-1880
DOI:10.1002/cbdv.201300130