Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural polymer, produced endogenously by the human body, which has unique physicochemical and biological properties, exhibiting desirable biocompatibility and biodegradability. Therefore, it has been widely studied for possible applications in the area of inflammatory diseases. Although exogenous HA has been described as unable to restore or replace the properties and activities of endogenous HA, it can still provide satisfactory pain relief. This review aims to discuss the advances that have been achieved in the treatment of inflammatory diseases using hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient, essentially focusing on studies carried out between the years 2017 and 2021.

Bacterial biofilms represent a major concern at a worldwide level due to the high demand for implantable medical devices and the rising numbers of bacterial resistance. The complex structure of the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) matrix plays a major role in this phenomenon, since it protects bacteria from antibiotics, avoiding drug penetration at bactericidal concentrations. Besides, this structure promotes bacterial cells to adopt a dormant lifestyle, becoming less susceptible to antibacterial agents. Currently, the available treatment for biofilm-related infections consists in the administration of conventional antibiotics at high doses for a long-term period. However, this treatment lacks efficiency against mature biofilms and for implant-associated biofilms it may be necessary to remove the medical device. Thus, biofilm-related infections represent an economical burden for the healthcare systems. New strategies focusing on the matrix are being highlighted as alternative therapies to eradicate biofilms. Here, we outline reported matrix disruptive agents, nanocarriers, and technologies, such as application of magnetic fields, photodynamic therapy, and ultrasounds, that have been under investigation to disrupt the EPS matrix of clinically relevant bacterial biofilms. In an ideal therapy, a synergistic effect between antibiotics and the explored innovated strategies is aimed to completely eradicate biofilms and avoid antimicrobial resistance phenomena.

Resveratrol is a polyphenol that among other sources occurs in grapes and for this reason, red wines also contain considerable amounts of this compound. Resveratrol is thought to be responsible for the ‘‘French Paradox’’ which associates red wine consumption to the low incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The interest in resveratrol has increased due to its pharmacological effects that include cardio and neuroprotection and several other benefic actions (e.g. antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and anti-aging). Despite the therapeutic effects of resveratrol, its pharmacokinetic properties are not favorable since this compound has poor bioavailability being rapidly and extensively metabolized and excreted. To overcome this problem, drug delivery systems have been developed to protect and stabilize resveratrol and to enhance its bioavailability. Herein is presented an up-to-date revision covering the literature reported for nano and microformulations for resveratrol encapsulation that include liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, lipospheres, cyclodextrins, polymeric microspheres, yeast cells carriers and calcium or zinc pectinate beads. Regarding the interaction of resveratrol with cell membranes, only few studies have been published so far. However, it is believed that this interaction can be implied in the biological activities of resveratrol since transmembranar proteins are one of its cellular targets. Indeed, resveratrol presents the capacity to modulate the membrane organization which may consequently affect the protein functionality. Therefore, the intracellular effects of resveratrol and the effects of this compound at the membrane level were also revised since their knowledge is essential for understanding the pharmacological and therapeutic activities of this bioactive compound.