Effects on peptide binding affinity for TNFα by PEGylation and conjugation to hyaluronic acid

Conformation of the Poly(ethylene Glycol) Chains in DiPEGylated Hemoglobin Specifically Probed by SANS: Correlation with PEG Length and in Vivo Efficiency

Cell-free hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers have long been proposed as blood substitutes but their clinical use remains tricky due to problems of inefficiency and/or toxicity. Conjugation of Hb with the biocompatible polymer poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) greatly improved their performance. However, physiological data suggested a polymer molecular weight (Mw) threshold of about 10 kDa, beyond which the grafting of two PEG chains no longer improves efficiency and nontoxicity of diPEG/Hb conjugates. We used small-angle neutron scattering and contrast variation, which are the only techniques able to probe separately the conformation of PEG chains and Hb protein within the complex, to investigate the role of PEG chain conformation in diPEGylated Hb conjugates as a function of the polymer Mw. We found out that the structure of Hb tetramer is not modified by the polymer grafting. Similarly, with a constant grafting of two chains per protein, there is no significant change of the Gaussian conformation between free and grafted PEG below ∼10 kDa, the complex being well described by the "dumbbell" model. However, beyond that threshold, the radius of gyration of grafted PEG is significantly smaller than that of the free polymer, showing a compaction of the PEG chains, either in the "dumbbell" model or in the "shroud" one. In the latter model, the polymer may be wrapped on the surface of the protein spreading a protective "shielding" effect over a larger fraction of the protein. Both proposed models are in good agreement with the physiological data reported in the literature.

Beneficial effects of hyaluronic acid

Biomaterials are playing a vital role in our day-to-day life. Hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid), a biomaterial, receives special attention among them. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polyanionic natural polymer occurring as linear polysaccharide composed of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine repeats via a β-1,4 linkage. It is the most versatile macromolecule present in the connective tissues of all vertebrates. Hyaluronic acid has a wide range of applications with its excellent physicochemical properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, nontoxicity, and nonimmunogenicity and serves as an excellent tool in biomedical applications such as osteoarthritis surgery, ocular surgery, plastic surgery, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. It plays a key role in cushioning and lubricating the body and is abundant in the eyes, joints, and heart valves. A powerful antioxidant, hyaluronic acid is perhaps best known for its ability to bond water to tissue. Hyaluronan production increases in proliferating cells, and the polymer may play a role in mitosis. This chapter gives an overview of hyaluronic acid and its physicochemical properties and applications. This chapter gives a deep understanding on the special benefits of hyaluronic acid in the fields of pharmaceutical, medical, and environmental applications. Hyaluronic acid paves the way for beneficial research and applications to the welfare of life forms.