3D printed patches based on modified hyaluronic acid with antibacterial and anti-inflamatory properties

Transdermal patches based on hyaluronic acid (HA) have attracted strong interest from researchers because they allow for minimally invasive and painless drug delivery, thus presenting numerous advantages over conventional delivery methods. In this context, 3D printed systems assembled into a transdermal patch may offer an innovative route of administration with promising results. In the present work, we aim to obtain 3D printable scaffolds as transdermal patches based on glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)-functionalized hyaluronic acid through an epoxy ring-opening reaction (HAGMA) and a bio-based copolymacrolactone (poly(ethylene brasilate-co-squaric acid) - PEBSA). PEBSA copolymer was previously synthesized in our group. To attain our scope, several variants of HAGMA were obtained by varying the amount of GMA used in the reaction. The properties of the HAGMA_PEBSA hydrogels in relation to the variation of the HA/PEBSA ratio were studied to demonstrate the ability of this complex system to support the regeneration of damaged epithelial tissues. In this regard, two bioactive principles-erythromycin and ibuprofen salt-were added to the scaffolds to increase their biofunctionality by lowering the risk of infection at the wound surface and by reducing local inflammation, respectively.