Abstract
Purpose :
Hyaluronan (HA) exists in two forms, high molecular weight HA (HMWHA) and low molecular weight HA (LMWHA), which have distinct physiological functions. Therefore, it is imperative to know the form of HA within pharmaceutical products, including eye products. This study developed an accurate, sensitive, and quantitative method to characterize the form of HA in eye products. Thereafter, the effects of the HA-containing eye products on corneal wound healing were investigated.
Methods :
The MW distributions and concentrations of HA in over-the-counter eye products were determined by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effects of the eye products containing HA on corneal wound healing were characterized both in vitro and in vivo using the scratch assay and the debridement wound model, respectively.
Results :
The concentrations and MWs of HA were successfully determined within a range of 0.014 to 0.25 mg/mL using SEC HPLC. The concentrations of HA in the ophthalmic products varied from 0.14 to 4.0 mg/mL and the MWs varied from ~100 kDa to 2500 kDa. All but one HA-containing eye product had an inhibitory effect on corneal wound healing, while pure HA promoted corneal wound healing.
Conclusions :
A novel SEC-HPLC method was developed for quantifying and characterizing the MW of HA in eye products. Although HA promoted corneal wound healing, HA-containing eye products inhibited corneal wound healing, likely caused by preservatives.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.