Hyaluronic acid is an essential part of connective, epithelial and neural tissues, and contributes to cell proliferation and migration. It is used as a stimulating agent for collagen synthesis and is a common ingredient in skin-care products, a multi-billion dollar industry, as it is believed to be a key factor in fighting the aging process.
Hyaluronic Acid: Production, Properties, Application in Biology and Medicine consists of six chapters discussing the various issues of hyaluronic acid research. In Chapter 1, a historical analysis recounts the discovery and milestones of the research leading to the practical applications of hyaluronan. Chapter 2 is dedicated to biological role of the hyaluronic acid in nature, in particular in the human body. The chapter starts from the phylogenesis of hyaluronic acid, then describes hyaluronan functions in human ontogenesis and especially the role which hyaluronan plays in extracellular matrix of the different tissues. Chapter 3 describes the methods to manufacture and purify hyaluronic acid, including the analytical means for assessing quality of the finished product. Chapter 4 discusses the structure and rheological properties of hyaluronic acid considering effects on conformation and biological properties related to molecular weight. In Chapter 5, the physical and chemical methods for modifying the structure of hyaluronan are discussed including cross-linking using bi-functional reagents, solid-phase modification and effects of the combined action of high pressures and shift deformation. The final chapter focuses on the products derived from hyaluronic acid, including therapeutics composed of modified hyaluronan conjugated to vitamins, amino acids and oligo-peptides. The biological roles and medical applications of this polysaccharide have been extensively studied and this book provides a wealth of scientific data demonstrating the critical role of hyaluronic acid and its promise as a multifaceted bio-macromolecule.
Approaching hyaluronic acid from multiple angles, this book links relationships between its biological functions, structure and physical–chemical properties. It will be an invaluable resource to researchers, both industrial and academic, involved in all aspects of hyaluronan-based technologies.
Dr Vladimir N. Khabarov is Scientific Director at Group Martinex He has comprehensive academic knowlege and expeience in radiochemistry, chemistry of polymers, bioorganic chemistry. Experience in research and development of medicinal products. He has extensive publication experience with 90 scientific papers and 10 patents.
Dr Petr Ya. Boikov worked at the I.M.Sechenov Moscow Medicinal Academy as Professor of cell biology, before moving to Group Martinex. He has a PhD in biologcy and works in organic, medicinal and biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, focusing on research of the mechanisms of the biologic and medicinal action of the new chemical products.
Dr Mikhail A. Selyanin is a specialist in dermatology and aesthetic medicine and works as part of LLC GC Martinex a major supplier of aesthetic medicine products and equipment in Russia and Eastern Europe. Toskani Laboratory, a subsidiary of Martinex Group produces injection drugs fillers and chemical peels, with their research centre working on new applications of our patented solid-state modification technique of hyaluronic acid. He was vice-president of Institute of microcells at UNESCO, León, 2012 and President of National Society of Mesotherapy in 2008.
Dr Felix Polyak is Chief Operating Office at Aluron Biopharma Inc in Montreal Canada. He received his PhD in Organic Chemistry at the Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia, in the early 1970s. He has academic and inductrial experience in organic, medicinal and peptide chemistry. Experience in all chemical aspects of drug development, such as R&D, scale-up and process development, GMP manufacturing and drug product formulation. He is a member of the Chemical Institute of Canada, the European Peptide Society and the American Peptide Society. He has published more than 40 scientific papers and 7 patents.
