Maya Lapinski - Hyaluronic Acid Can Offer More Than Just a Pretty Face (Paper #1)

Maya Lapinski

HST 401 - Paper #1


Hyaluronic Acid Can Offer More Than Just a Pretty Face


Hyaluronic acid–chances are you heard about it through the cosmetic industry’s promise of its alleged ability to leave skin radiant and youthful. The desire for a wrinkle-less and plump face is what drives hyaluronic acid’s popularity within skincare. I wonder if people would be as excited if they found out that hyaluronic acid had a more important function than helping us combat our fear of aging. What if instead of focusing on looking younger, we focused on the possibility of helping thousands of people live better and longer lives? 


Hyaluronic acid is an important biomaterial found within the human body. It is a glycosaminoglycan, and as Casale and Crane discuss in “Biochemistry, Glycosaminoglycans,” these sugars are known for their role in cell hydration within the body (2023). As a result, we have all probably heard of hyaluronic acid in relation to its ability to retain moisture, leading to its position as one of the most marketed polysaccharides in the cosmetic industry. Hyaluronic acid, however, is not only a skincare distinction. It is an essential component within the synovial fluid that protects our joints (Casale et al., 2023). It would serve as no surprise that this most likely is not as commonly known, because it is not as heavily circulated in popular culture. Even less surprising to me would be if most of us have not heard of its unparalleled potential in breast cancer management. 


One of the most exciting fields of science, inspiring me to pursue biomedical engineering, is the advancement of our ability to harness resources that the human body inherently possesses to help heal its own battles. I find it fascinating to consider treatments that could use materials common in your body to help fight against aggressive diseases, especially cancer. The ability for naturally occurring molecules to revolutionize treatment immediately makes me consider the potential for higher accessibility within healthcare and plummeting negative side effects– two definite benefits. Specifically, for the case of hyaluronic acid’s promise in the advancement of breast cancer treatment, there is potential for less invasive and debilitating procedures. Chemotherapy, which prevails as the most common cancer therapy. is difficult both mentally and physically on a patient. The creation of therapies that allow for less strenuous side effects when undergoing treatment is something that I find extremely significant. This is where hyaluronic acid comes in, paving the way for future treatments with the utilization of common biomaterials. 


Researchers Rathore, Jenita, and Dotherabandi (2024) bring to light how drug-filled nanoparticles have been coated at the surface with hyaluronic acid, suggesting potential for a new breast cancer treatment. The use of hyaluronic acid greatly increased the effectiveness of drug delivery to tumors both in vitro and in vivo. Rathore et al. discuss how the coatings led to more specificity in drug cellular uptake, which led to more effective cancer cell death. This can be partially attributed to hyaluronic acid creating a more optimal nanoparticle size and shape during the delivery process. It can also be attributed to the affinity that CD44 receptors have for hyaluronic acid, which leads to a more selective targeting of cells (Rathore et al., 2024). Subsequently, healthy tissues are left intact and negative drawbacks are minimized.


Through the utilization of the natural properties of materials of hyaluronic acid, a new standard of treatment may soon be developed. My interest in these advancements is sparked by my goal to help others ensure that they have the health and accessibility to achieve any desired activity. The transformation of hyaluronic acid from cosmetic giant to possible cancer treatment is beyond incredible, and I feel so excited to witness this transition to biomaterials in real-time.


Works Cited

Casale, J., Crane, J. (2023). Biochemistry, Glycosaminoglycans. NCBI StatPearls. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544295/.

Rathore, S. S., Leno Jenita, J. J., & Dotherabandi, M. (2024). A systematic review on hyaluronic 

acid coated nanoparticles: recent strategy in breast cancer management. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 1–42. https://doi.org/10.1080/09 205063.2024.2416293.

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