A methacrylic hyaluronic acid derivative for potential application in oral treatment of celiac disease

Abstract

Objective: Aim of this work was the synthesis of a methacrylic hyaluronic acid (HA) derivative and the production, via photocrosslinking, of related hydrogels loaded with an endopeptidase intended for a potential oral treatment of celiac disease.

Methods: The methacrylic derivative of HA was prepared through a one-pot procedure involving the reaction with ethylenediamine (EDA) and methacrylic anhydride (MA). The obtained derivative, named HA-EDA-MA, was used to prepare photocrosslinked hydrogels loaded with a prolyl endopeptidase derived from Flavobacterium meningosepticum (PEP FM) able to detoxify gliadin. Obtained hydrogels were recovered as gels or freeze-dried powders.

Results: Hydrogels obtained as freeze-dried powders, are able to protect loaded enzyme from degradation due to freeze-drying process and from alteration during storage, overall in the presence of a cryoprotectant. All photocrosslinked HA-EDA-MA hydrogels (gels and powders) release PEP FM in simulated intestinal fluid in sustained manner and in active form. HA-EDA-MA hydrogels are nontoxic as demonstrated through in vitro studies on BALB 3T3 cells.

Conclusions: Prepared hydrogels show a potential application for oral treatment of celiac disease thanks to the possibility to release enzymes able to detoxify the gliadin peptide that induces the immunogenic response.

Keywords:

• Hyaluronic acid
• UV irradiation
• prolyl endopeptidase
• oral enzyme release
• celiac disease

Acknowledgments

Authors thank Nemysis Ltd. for the financial support of this work and related patent (WO 2015/169849 A1) whose it is applicant.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Authors thank Nemysis Ltd. for the financial support of this work and related patent (WO 2015/169849 A1) whose it is applicant.