Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.2
4.8
Journals
Biomolecules
Special Issues
Hyaluronic Acid and Proteoglycans: Basic and Biomedical Applications: 2nd Edition
share announcement

Hyaluronic Acid and Proteoglycans: Basic and Biomedical Applications: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomacromolecules: Proteins, Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2026 | Viewed by 4983

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Michele Scuruchi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Policlinico Universitario, Messina, Italy
Interests: inflammation; cell signalling pathways; vascular proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans in the initiation and progression of vascular damage; structure, function, immunological and biological properties of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans in arthritis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a member of the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), constitutive of the extracellular matrix (ECM). HA is a linear non-sulphated polysaccharide that provides compression strength, lubrication, and hydration within the ECM. Besides its structural role, HA is also an active signalling molecule that plays an important role in some biological activities including cell adhesion and motility, proliferation, and differentiation. HA functions are closely related to its molecular weight. For example, high-molecular-weight HA hampers cell proliferation and migration, showing anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, whereas low-molecular-weight HA enhances cell proliferation and could be considered a pro-inflammatory molecule.

Proteoglycans (PGs) are complex macromolecules composed by a central protein core decorated with covalently linked GAGs chains. According to a recent classification, PGs may be grouped in four major classes with distinct forms and functions: the intracellular, cell-surface, pericellular, and extracellular proteoglycans. Because of their ability to interact with a wide array of molecules, they are involved in a plethora of biological functions including development, inflammation, cancer, and angiogenesis.

This Special Issue invites submissions of original papers and reviews that cover any innovative research on the role of HA and PGs in matrix remodelling, homeostasis and signalling, studies addressing HA and PGs as potential therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and their use in regenerative medicine and other related subjects.

Dr. Michele Scuruchi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomolecules is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • hyaluronic acid
  • proteoglycans
  • GAGs
  • extracellular matrix
  • hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans in disease
  • cancer
  • inflammation
  • angiogenesis
  • vascular homeostasis and damage
  • arthritis and arthrosis
  • glycobiology

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (2 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 480 KB  
Article
Tranexamic Acid-Associated Hyaluronic Acid Exhibits Enhanced Oxidative Stability: A Comparative Rheological Study
by Thierry Conrozier, Guillaume Darsy, Jérômine Mercier, Alexandre Guerry, Jérémy Patarin and Anne Lohse
Biomolecules 2026, 16(3), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16030361 - 28 Feb 2026
Viewed by 529
Abstract
Background: The clinical performance of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) is strongly dependent on its resistance to oxidative degradation within the inflamed osteoarthritic joint. Reactive oxygen species induce HA chain scission, leading to a loss of molecular entanglement and a shift from elastic-dominant to [...] Read more.
Background: The clinical performance of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) is strongly dependent on its resistance to oxidative degradation within the inflamed osteoarthritic joint. Reactive oxygen species induce HA chain scission, leading to a loss of molecular entanglement and a shift from elastic-dominant to viscous-dominant behavior. Tranexamic acid (TXA), a lysine analogue with documented anti-inflammatory and anti-proteolytic properties, has been combined with HA with the hypothesis that it may limit oxidative-induced rheological degradation. Objective: This study aims to determine whether an HA–TXA formulation preserves viscoelastic integrity under oxidative stress and how its behavior compares with linear, hybrid, and cross-linked HA viscosupplements. Methods: Four HA-based formulations were evaluated using stress-controlled rotational rheometry compliant with ISO 3219 standards. Complex modulus (G*), complex viscosity (η*), and phase angle (tan δ) were measured within the linear viscoelastic domain. Oxidative challenge was induced with hydrogen peroxide (5.4% v/v), and time-dependent rheological changes were recorded over 30 min. Resistance to degradation was defined by relative variations in rheological parameters from baseline. Results: Baseline measurements revealed distinct viscoelastic profiles among the HA formulations. After oxidative exposure, the HA–TXA formulation showed a modest decrease in η* (−17.0%) and limited increase in tan δ (+4.0%), indicating preserved viscoelastic organization. Its stability exceeded that of hybrid (−40%; +12.6%) and linear HA (−53%; +25.6%) and approached that of cross-linked HA (−25.4%; +5.6%). The magnitude of microstructural alteration remained minimal despite chemical stress. Conclusions: The association of TXA with HA confers a marked protection against oxidative-induced viscoelastic degradation, preserving macromolecular network integrity and elastic behavior. These findings suggest that TXA modulates oxidative stress-related rheological failure of HA through mechanisms distinct from chemical cross-linking. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hyaluronic Acid and Proteoglycans: Basic and Biomedical Applications: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

13 pages, 1049 KB  
Review
Hyaluronic Acid in Immune Response
by Lech Chrostek and Bogdan Cylwik
Biomolecules 2025, 15(7), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15071008 - 14 Jul 2025
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4000
Abstract
This review summarizes the available evidence on hyaluronic acid’s (HA’s) role in immune response. HA is one of many components in the extracellular matrix that transmits signals from the extracellular microenvironment to cellular effector systems in immune cells. The final effect of these [...] Read more.
This review summarizes the available evidence on hyaluronic acid’s (HA’s) role in immune response. HA is one of many components in the extracellular matrix that transmits signals from the extracellular microenvironment to cellular effector systems in immune cells. The final effect of these interactions depends on the type of cells and receptors used and the size of HA particles. HA’s activation of intracellular signaling pathways leads to an immune response involving the release of pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. These play a crucial role in defense mechanisms, such as protecting against pathogens and tissue healing after injuries. HA, as a signaling particle, is also involved in the intensification of the cytokine storm during COVID-19. Multifold increases in HA content in the lungs and the strength of its impact on the immune system define an “HA storm”. The molecular mechanisms involved in inflammation and initiation, including the promotion of cancer, also begin in the microenvironment, and hyaluronic acid is a key element. In this paper, we focus on intra- and intercellular signaling pathways using HA participation rather than injection preparation based on HA use for esthetic treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hyaluronic Acid and Proteoglycans: Basic and Biomedical Applications: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-2
Back to TopTop