The present invention concerns peptides comprising at least one motif having the amino acid sequence B1-X3-10-B2, wherein B 1 and B2 arc identicial or different and each is a basic amino acid and X3- 10 is a sequence of 3 to 10 identical or different non-acidic amino acids, and wherein the N-terminus of the peptide comprises a D-amino acid and/or includes a protecting group, collagen or hyaluronic acid conjugates comprising the same peptides and a therapeutic or diagnostic agent, and compositions and uses thereof. It also concerns peptides comprising at least one motif having the amino acid sequence B1 -X3-10-B2, wherein B1 and B2 are identicial or different and each is a basic amino acid and X3-10 is a sequence of 3 to 10 identical or different non-acidic amino acids, for use in the treatment or prevention of ocular diseases or conditions. Furthermore, it relates to a method of detecting a hyaluronic acid binding substance, the method comprising providing a sample of hyaluronic acid, contacting the sample of hyaluronic acid with a test substance, and detecting the presence of binding between the test substance and the hyaluronic acid.
