What this means
Skin aging, largely driven by oxidative stress, leads to fibroblast senescence, deterioration of the extracellular matrix, and impaired regenerative capacity; however, effective biomaterial-based interventions remain limited. While marine-derived chitosan offers sustainable antioxidative potential, its poor solubility limits clinical use.
A plain-English summary is on its way. Until then, this is the start of the authors' own summary.
- Who it was tested in
- Not stated
- Kind of research
- A study
The science
- Original title
- Marine-Derived Injectable Hydroxybutyl Chitosan with Tunable Thermoresponsive Properties and Potential Anti-aging Applications.
- Authors
- Du S, Navarrete-Segado P, Sevostianova V et al.
- Journal
- ACS applied bio materials
- Published
- Oct 20, 2026
- Study type
- Study
- PMID
- 42899556 ↗
Abstract
Skin aging, largely driven by oxidative stress, leads to fibroblast senescence, deterioration of the extracellular matrix, and impaired regenerative capacity; however, effective biomaterial-based interventions remain limited. While marine-derived chitosan offers sustainable antioxidative potential, its poor solubility limits clinical use. In this study, we developed an injectable, thermoresponsive hydroxybutyl chitosan (HBC) hydrogel that combines intrinsic radical-scavenging activity with thermoresponsive modulation of the local hydrated microenvironment. HBC (degree of substitution: 1.88; Mw: 188 ± 34 kDa) demonstrated robust radical scavenging, reaching 80% for hydroxyl radicals at a concentration of 1.6 mg/mL. At 37 °C, HBC exhibited rapid, concentration-dependent gelation (40-60 s), forming hydrogels that exhibited time- and concentration-dependent increases in modulus and a characteristic 40% diameter shrinkage. HBC hydrogel extracts were not cytotoxic, maintaining metabolic activity levels near the positive controls for both L929 fibroblasts and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). In a hydrogen peroxide-induced senescence model using HDFs, the 5% HBC hydrogel led to a significant decrease in senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity (>50%) and mitigated intracellular reactive oxygen species activity. Furthermore, HBC treatment effectively sustained collagen I synthesis. These findings support marine-derived HBC as a multifunctional, thermoresponsive biomaterial with potential for skin-regenerative and anti-aging applications involving oxidative stress modulation.
Du S, Navarrete-Segado P, Sevostianova V et al. Marine-Derived Injectable Hydroxybutyl Chitosan with Tunable Thermoresponsive Properties and Potential Anti-aging Applications. ACS applied bio materials. 2026. doi:10.1021/acsabm.6c01206. PMID: 42899556. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42899556/
Related research
Home exercise may change muscle in people with kidney disease
A small trial found changes in muscle blood vessels and fewer fibrosis-linked cells after 12 weeks of home exercise. Only 25 people took part, so this does not prove the exercise caused lasting muscle benefits.
Protein NEDD4 may protect disc cells from aging and cell death in a lab test
Researchers grew disc cells in a dish with an inflammation signal. Boosting NEDD4 eased aging and cell death, and it broke down another protein called PTEN. More tests in living animals and more checks are still needed.
Effects of Supplementation in Masters Athletes and Older Adults: A Narrative Review.
Supplementation use in athletes is common and increasing in popularity, especially for adults seeking improvements in athletic performance.
Review of copper peptide GHK-Cu studies finds many lab results but few human trials
Researchers read 64 studies on GHK-Cu, a copper-linked peptide, and found much lab and animal work. They say well-designed human trials using microneedles are still needed.
Review of a copper peptide used in skin treatments
Researchers reviewed 20 studies on GHK-Cu, a copper peptide, for skin and beauty uses. Most were lab or animal studies, and only two were human trials, so more strong testing is still needed.
Uterine function and reproduction aging. I. Molecular and structural alterations associated with impaired decidualization in aged mouse uteri.
Reproductive aging is associated with reduced fertility and increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, placental dysfunction, and fetal growth restriction.
See all research on Collagen peptides →