Synthesis of novel amphuphilic hyaluronan containing Π-Π conjugated moieties as carriers for drug delivery

Abstract

Hyaluronan (HA) was chemically modified using various co-phenyl/ heteroaromatic alkanoic acids differing in the length of alkyl chains. HA was modified on hydroxyl moieties to keep carboxylic acid moieties unchanged. Prepared products were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (H-1, DOSY, HSQC), infrared spectroscopy and SEC-MALS. To determine whether the derivatives are suitable for drug delivery applications, the cell toxicity and critical aggregation concentrations were determined. The micelles of selected derivatives were loaded with aromatic hydrophobic drugs and the actual drug loading contents of these various micelles were compared.