Hyaluronic acid-coated poly(d,l-lactide) (PDLLA) nanofibers prepared by electrospinning and coating

Abstract

Hyaluronic acid nanofibers (HA/PDLLA) were prepared by coating electrospun poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) with different concentrations of HA. Highest concentration of HA deposited onto PDLLA nanofibers (17% per weight) were obtained by coating with 0.3% (w/v) HA. Coating with 0.5% (w/v) and 0.1% (w/v) HA yielded a deposit of 3.8% and 3% per weight, respectively. All nanofibers were 300–400 nm in diameter and microscopically homogeneous in structure, with traces of HA clearly visible on the surface and in-between the fibers. Examination of the nanofibers with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed changes in the properties of the nanofibers when coated with 0.3% (w/v) HA. Release of HA from HA/PDLLA fibers were at a linear and constant rate. One possible application for HA/PDLLA is the coating of surfaces, such as medical implants, to prevent secondary microbial infections during recovery from surgery.