Molecular Engineering of Hyaluronic Acid Enables Advanced Transdermal Emulsion Technologies
발표자
양종렬 (성균관대학교)
연구책임자
김진웅 (성균관대학교)
초록
내용
We developed a hydrophobically modified hyaluronic acid (HAdiC18) through covalent octadecane (C18) grafting via Schiff base chemistry, creating an amphiphilic macromolecule capable of stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions. The hyaluronic acid backbone length emerges as a critical parameter controlling both polymer hydrophobicity and interfacial tension reduction. Interfacial assembly mechanisms at oil-water boundaries follow DLVO theoretical predictions, where electrostatic and van der Waals interactions determine HAdiC18 adsorption behavior. Dermatological evaluation reveals that HAdiC18 treatment markedly inhibits transepidermal water loss while facilitating enhanced skin penetration, yielding innate water retention capacity and biocompatibility. The convergence of these physicochemical and biological properties positions HAdiC18 surfactants as promising candidates for emulsion-based transdermal delivery platforms, bridging fundamental colloid science with therapeutic applications.