Comparison of the properties and mechanisms of action of poly-L-lactic acid and polydesoxyribonucleotide

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v14i11.50089

Keywords:

Poly-L-Lactic Acid, Polydesoxyribonucleotide, Properties, Aesthetics, Skin.

Abstract

This article aims to compare the properties and mechanisms of action of poly-L-lactic acid and polydeoxyribonucleotide through a non-systematic narrative review of the literature. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) are biomaterials used in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures to correct and control fine wrinkles, moisture, porosity, and oiliness of the dermis and epidermis. They are also used as accelerating agents in wound and scar repair. However, their properties and mechanisms of action are not fully understood and are often confused by clinicians. This article explores the mechanisms of action and main properties of PLLA and PDRN as pharmacological agents. It addresses their definitions, properties, known mechanisms of action, and clinical applications. Understanding the interaction between these agents offers a new perspective on the treatment of various conditions, from wounds and scars to skin rejuvenation.

References

Asubiaro, J. & Avajah, F. (2024). Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetic Dermatology: Current Evidence and Future Directions. Cureus 16(8), e66734. doi:10.7759/cureus.66734

Banihashemi, M. et al. (2021). Platelet-rich Plasma use for facial rejuvenation: a clinical trial and review of current literature. Acta Bio Médica: Atenei Parmensis, 92(2), e2021187.

Bennett, M. F. et al. (2008) Skin Immune Systems and Inflammation: Protector of the Skin or Promoter of Aging? Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings, 13, 15-19.

Bonon, M. R. C. H. D. (2024). Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN): innovations and potential in tissue regeneration and healing. International Seven Multidisciplinary Journal; 1(1).

Campos, A. C. L. et al. (2007). Wound healing. Revista Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia Digestiva; 20(1), 51-8 Mar.

Chang, M. C. et al. (2022). Don’t Judge Polydeoxyribonucleotide by Its Cover. Pain Medicine, 23(7), 1348-1352.

Christen, M. O. (2022). Collagen stimulators in body applications: a review focused on poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 997-1019.

Cunha, M. G. et al. (2016). Aplicação de ácido poli-l-lático para o tratamento da flacidez corporal. Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology; 8(4), 322-327.

da Cunha, M. & Gonzaga, et al. (2020). "Biostimulators and their mechanisms of action." Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology 12.2, 109-117.

Dananjava, S. H. S. et al. (2023). Development and characterization of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) loaded chitosan polyplex: In vitro and in vivo evaluation of wound healing activity. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules,253, 3.

Eppell, B. A. et al. (1989). Adenosine Receptors Are Expressed during Differentiation of Monocytes to Macrophages in Vitro: Implications for Regulation of Phagocytosis. Journal of Immunology, 143, 4141-4145. 1989

Fitzgerald, R. et al. (2018). Physiochemical Characteristics of Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA). Aesthetic and Surgery Journal. Apr 6;38(suppl.1), S13-S17. doi: S1093/asj/sjy012. PMID: 29897517.

Fredholm, B. B. et al. (2007). Aspects of the General Biology of Adenosine A2A. Signaling. Progress in Neurobiology, 83, 263-276. 2007.

Goldberg, D.; et al. (2013). Single-arm study for the characterization of human tissue response to injectable poly-L-lactic acid. Dermatologic Surgery; 9(6), 915-22.

Guardiani, E. & Davison, S. P. (2012). Angioedema after treatment with injectable poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra). Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 129(1), 187e-189e.

Guglielmelli, T. et al. (2012). Update on the use of defibrotide. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy; 12, 353–361,

Haddad, A. et al. (2017). Current concepts in the use of poly-L-lactic acid for facial rejuvenation: literature review and practical aspects. Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology; 9(1), 60-71.

Hasko, G. et al. (1996). Adenosine Receptor Agonists Differentially Regulate IL-10, TNF-Alpha, and Nitric Oxide Production in RAW264.7 Macrophages in Endotoxemic Mice. The Journal of Immunology, 157, 4634-4640, 1996.

Heo, S. Y. et al. (2023). Anti‐inflammatory effect of polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) extracted from red alga (Porphyra sp.) (Ps‐PDRN) in RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides: A comparative study with commercial PDRN. - Cell Biochemistry and Function, 41, 889-897.

Hwang, L. et al. (2021). Attenuation effect of polydeoxyribonucleotide on inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic factors induced by particulate matter (PM10) damage in human bronchial cells. Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology, 35(2), e22635.

Juver Junior, A. et al. (2023). Vantagens, riscos e diferentes locais de aplicação do ácido poli-l-lático. Ciências da Saúde, 27(128).

Kim, H. J. & González, N. E. (2021). Platelet-Rich Plasma for Dermal Augmentation of the Face and Body. In: Sadick, N.S. (eds) Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatologic Practice. Springer, Cham., 93-101.

Kim, S. et al. (2017). Polydeoxyribonucleotide improves peripheral tissue oxygenation and accelerates angiogenesis in diabetic foot ulcers. Archives of Plastic Surgery, 44(06), 482-489.

Ledon, J.A. et al. (2013). Inflammatory nodules following soft tissue filler use: a review of causative agents, pathology and treatment options. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. Oct;14(5):401-11. doi: 10.1007/s40257-013-0043-7. PMID: 24037757.

Lima, N. B. & Soares, M. L. (2020) Utilização dos bioestimuladores de colágeno na harmonização orofacial. Clinical (and) laboratorial Research in Dentistry;1-18.

Machado Filho, C. D. S., et al. (2013). Poly-L-lactic acid: a biostimulant agent. Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology; 5(4), 345-50.

Morhenn, V. B. et al. (2002). Phagocytosis of different particulate dermal filler substances by human macrophages and skin cells. Dermatologic Surgery; 28(6), 484-90.

Pereira, A. S. et al. (2018). Metodologia da pesquisa científica. [free ebook]. Santa Maria. Editora da UFSM.

Rayess, H. M. et al. (2018). A Cross-sectional Analysis of Adverse Events and Litigation for Injectable Fillers. JAMA of Facial Plastic Surgery;20(3), 207-14.

Roberts, S.A. & Arthurs, B. P. (2012). Severe visual loss and orbital infarction following periorbital aesthetic poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) injection. Ophthalmological Plastic Reconstructive Surgery;28(3), e68-70.

Rother, E. T. (2007). Revisão sistemática x revisão integrativa. Acta Paulista de Enfermagem. 20(2), 5-6.

Santini, R. M., et a.l (2013). Uso do ácido poli-L-láctico como restaurador de volume facial. Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica; 28(2), 223-6.

Santos, C. A. M., et al. (2013). Ácido poli-láctico: um agente bioestimulador. Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology. 2013;5(4), 345-50.

Seyeon, O. H. et al. (2023). Poly-D,L-Lactic Acid Stimulates Angiogenesis and Collagen Synthesis in Aged Animal Skin. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Apr 28;24(9), 7986.

Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research. 104, 333-9. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.07.039.

Squadrito, F. et al. (2017). Atividade farmacológica e uso clínico do PDRN. Fronteiras em Farmacologia, April 8, 224

Stein, P. et al. (2015). The biological basis for poly-L-lactic acid-induced augmentation. Journal of Dermatological Science;78(1), 26-33.

Suruchi, G. et al. (2018). Wonder Tool Platelet Rich Plasma in Cosmetic Dermatology, Trichology and Hair Transplant. Dermatologic Surgery and Procedures. eBook (PDF) ISBN978-953-51-3995-9

Xiao, H. et al. (2021). Platelet-Rich Plasma in Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Appraisal of the Available Clinical Evidence. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational 1724, 2021.

Published

2025-11-19

Issue

Section

Health Sciences

How to Cite

Comparison of the properties and mechanisms of action of poly-L-lactic acid and polydesoxyribonucleotide. Research, Society and Development, [S. l.], v. 14, n. 11, p. e147141150089, 2025. DOI: 10.33448/rsd-v14i11.50089. Disponível em: https://rsdjournal.org/rsd/article/view/50089. Acesso em: 5 dec. 2025.