Microfluidic production of hyaluronic acid derivative microfibers to control drug release

Microfibers of a hyaluronic acid amphiphilic derivative (HA-EDA-C18), with incorporated dexamethasone (Dex) as a model bioactive molecule, were obtained by microfluidic technique. Exploiting the ionic strength sensible behavior of HA-EDA-C18, microfibers were formed in baths containing phosphate buffer saline with different salt concentration. The morphology and stability of the microfibers were studied. The release profile showed that it was possible to control the release rate of Dex from microfibers changing the salt concentration of the coagulating bath. The results indicated that HA-EDA-C18 microfibers are potentially useful for drug delivery applications.