An insight on hyaluronic acid in drug targeting and drug delivery

J Drug Target. 2008 Feb;16(2):91-107. doi: 10.1080/10611860802095494.

Abstract

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has recently been studied for its use in drug delivery applications. Medically, HA is used as a surgical aid in ophthalmology. It also possesses therapeutic potential in the treatment of arthritis and wound healing. HA-binding receptors, CD44 and receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility have attracted much enthusiasm, mainly because they are believed to be involved in cancer metastasis. This review unravels the role of HA in drug delivery and targeting. Designing of various novel drug delivery systems using HA as a biopolymer will also be reviewed in the present article.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biopolymers
  • Drug Carriers / administration & dosage
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Drug Design
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / metabolism*
  • Hyaluronic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Hyaluronic Acid / chemistry
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology

Substances

  • Biopolymers
  • Drug Carriers
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • Hyaluronic Acid