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The solution in which contact lenses are stored often contains hyaluronic acid. |
The BioBusiness division of Novozymes is a supplier of the biopolymer hyaluronic acid (HA), also known as sodium hyaluronate. This molecule has the special ability to bind water and is very compatible with the body’s cells. HA is found naturally in a number of places in our bodies, so our bodies are well accustomed to the molecule.
This makes hyaluronic acid ideal for biomedical purposes. As examples, Novozymes is currently collaborating with partners to explore the product’s use in the delivery of anticancer drugs, and in tissue engineering applications such as in skin engineering, cartilage repair, and bone regeneration. It will take several years for these developments to reach the market, but in the meantime sales of hyaluronic acid under the brand name HyaCare® have taken off in eye care and other topical application areas.
Novozymes’ HyaCare is made from the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) bacterium strain Bacillus subtilis, whereas other producers still extract hyaluronic acid from rooster combs or use Streptococcus bacteria to ferment hyaluronic acid.
Novozymes’ HyaCare has unique properties that make it ideal for use as a packaging solution that surrounds soft contact lenses. Hyaluronic acid lubricates, moisturizes, and rehydrates. It can be thought of as a substitute for tears. In fact, hyaluronic acid can be used anywhere in the body where a liquid is required to fill out a cavity or where moisture must be retained.