Chemical and mechanical characterization of hyaluronic acid hydrogel cross‐linked with polyethylen glycol and its use in dermatology

Abstract

Hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid are used to restore volume, hydration, and skin tone, as well as to correct scars, asymmetries or defects of the soft tissue. Hyaluronic acid is often chemically crosslinked with different crosslinking agents in order to improve its mechanical and biological properties. Here we focused on defining the chemical and mechanical characterization of a new hydrogel with specific characteristics: hyaluronic acid polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐crosslinked with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid (28 mg/mL), manufactured by MatexLab Spa, via Carlo Urbani 2, ang Via Enrico Fermi, Brindisi, Italy. We made a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the content of sodium hyaluronate in the hydrogel after polymerization and sterilization processes and also evaluated histologically the bio integration of these hydrogels in the cutaneous soft tissues. The results suggest that hyaluronic acid hydrogel PEG‐crosslinked have great bio integration, great chemical and mechanical properties, compared with other products available on the market, that are cross‐linked with different cross‐linking agents. The nontoxicity and nonimmunogenicity of PEG guarantee the lack of allergic and immunological reactions. The PEG‐crosslinking technology guarantees a high duration time of the implanted hydrogel because of more resistant physiological degradation.

Development of a Novel Antibacterial Hydrogel Scaffold Based on Guar Gum/Poly (methylvinylether-alt-maleic Acid) Containing Cinnamaldehyde-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles

“…These results were related to the degree of chemical crosslinking between the −OH groups of GG and carbonyl groups of PMVE-MAn which had hardened the hydrogel structure. This result is consistent with the results of other research in this area [38][39][40][41].…”

Clinical Experience with PEGylated Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: A 3-year Retrospective Study

“…Zerbinati et al evaluated chemical and mechanical characterization of PEGylated HA filler and the result of their study suggested PEGylated HA has a great bio integration, great chemical, and mechanical properties, compared to other products present on the market cross-linked with other agent instead of PEG [12]. Moreover, Zerbinati et al, in another study, analyzed the safety and biocompatibility of PEGylated HA filler: They concluded that safety and biocompatibility properties are related to an HA produced by genetically modified Bacillus subtilis carrying the gene encoding the enzyme hyaluronic acid synthase (deriving from S. equisimilis genome), and further enhanced by the combined use of PEG [24]. Another important issue arisen is related to the long-lasting effect of these fillers: Zerbinati et al in their study performed several punch biopsies in previously injected areas, 8 months earlier, and noted the filler harmoniously integrated with the structures inside the connective tissue, as collagen fibers, blood, and lymphatic vessels, glands and nerves [11], [25].…”

The Immunogenicity of Hyaluronic Fillers and Its Consequences

“…Such compounds are widely used in medical products (they sustain the content of drugs in systemic fluids by inhibiting their metabolism or protecting the drug from immune degradation), cosmetics and household products (eg, creams and lotions, shampoos, hair dyes, and oral hygiene products) and HA fillers (Neauvia, MatexLab SA, Lugano, CH). 76,77 Positive results of patch tests with propylene glycol at the concentrations of 5%, 10% and 20% were demonstrated in data obtained at Mayo Clinic. It was claimed that it might lead to allergic reactions and irritation.…”