Solid-State NMR Analysis of Polysaccharide Hydrogels, Biomimetic Extracellular Matrices, and Tissues

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in our body, particularly in the spaces between cells, helping to keep tissues hydrated, support communication between cells, and maintain their structure. HA, especially in its larger form (high molecular weight), is excellent at holding water, creating a gel-like structure that keeps tissues stable and functioning properly. Beyond normal functions, HA plays an important role in healing wounds and managing inflammation. It’s also linked to diseases like cancer and osteoarthritis. In cancer, for example, HA builds up in tumors, making treatment less effective, while in osteoarthritis, it breaks down, causing joints to deteriorate faster and leading to pain. My research focused on understanding how HA works in its natural state and how it breaks down in response to different environments. To do this, we developed a special method using advanced solid state NMR techniques to study HA at the molecular level, revealing different structures and behaviors of HA hydrogels in various conditions. We also explored how HA interacts with other components in the body, such as proteins and enzymes that degrade it. This knowledge could help in creating better therapies for diseases where HA plays a crucial role. Additionally, we used the developed solid-state NMR methods to study tissue biopsy samples, focusing on how molecules change during tissue clearance procedures. This research could lead to improvements in medical imaging techniques and other medical applications.