Gamma-Irradiation-Prepared Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Promotes Skin Wound Healing

In this study, we prepared low- molecular- weight hyaluronic acid (LMWHA) powder by - irradiation. The chemical and physical properties of - irradiated LMWHA and the in vitro cellular growth experiments with - irradiated LMWHA were analyzed. Then, hyaluronic acid exposed to 20 kGy of - irradiation was used to fabricate a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) /LMWHA fabric for wound dressing. Our results showed that - irradiated LMWHA demonstrated a significant alteration in carbon- oxygen double bonding and can be detected using nuclear magnetic resonance and ultraviolet (UV)- visible (Vis) spectra. The - irradiated LMWHA exhibited strain rate- dependent Newton /non- Newton fluid biphasic viscosity. The viability of L929 skin fibroblasts improved upon co- culture with - irradiated LMWHA. In the in vivo animal experiments, skin wounds covered with dressings prepared by - irradiation revealed acceleration of wound healing after two days of healing. The results suggest that - irradiated LMWHA could be a potential source for the promotion of skin wound healing.