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Hyaluronic Acid Microgels as Sequential Drug Delivery Systems
Michael Alexander Maier1,2, Maria Isabell Pieper1,2, Andrij Pich1,2,3
1DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, Aachen 52074, Germany.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|September 30, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed sequential drug delivery systems using hyaluronic acid microgels. These advanced carriers can release multiple substances, like drugs and biomolecules, in a controlled order for improved therapeutic effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Precise drug delivery is crucial for effective treatments and reduced side effects.
- Existing systems struggle with sequential release of multiple compounds.
- Sequential release can enhance synergistic effects and decrease dosing frequency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize hyaluronic acid microgels for sequential drug and biomolecule delivery.
- To investigate the loading capacity and release kinetics of these microgels.
- To demonstrate controlled sequential release by modulating microgel properties and degradation.
Main Methods:
- Hyaluronic acid was modified with methacrylate groups and cross-linked to form microgels via microfluidics.
- Microgels were characterized for size and polyanionic nature.
- Loading and release of cationic drugs (doxorubicin, methylene blue, besifloxacin) and biomolecules were studied under varying pH and ionic strength.
- Enzymatic degradation using hyaluronidase was employed for sustained release and sequential delivery.
Main Results:
- Hyaluronic acid microgels (114-250 μm) were successfully synthesized.
- Cationic drugs showed rapid release, while biomolecules were retained.
- Sustained release over days was achieved via enzymatic degradation.
- Sequential release of drugs and biomolecules was demonstrated and controlled by enzyme concentration and cross-linking density.
Conclusions:
- Hyaluronic acid microgels are suitable for sequential delivery of different payloads.
- Release profiles can be tuned by adjusting microgel cross-linking and degradation rates.
- This technology offers a promising platform for advanced multi-substance therapeutic strategies.
