Self-linked polymer gels [based on hyaluronic acid and poly (itaconic anhydride-co-3, 9-divinyl-2, 4, 8, 10-tetraoxaspiro [5.5] undecane)] as potential drug delivery networks

The study is devoted to the development of a new gel system, based on a copolymer between itaconic anhydride and 3, 9-divinyl-2, 4, 8, 10-tetraoxaspiro (5.5) undecane (PITAU) and hyaluronic acid, used as a potential platform for drug delivery. PITAU is characterized by good capacity of gel network formation, and good biocompatibility, while hyaluronic acid, a polysaccharide present in the human body, plays an important role in a variety of biological processes and has been exploited in preclinical and clinical use for over thirty years. The formation of gels from these two interpenetrated polymeric systems was evidenced by SEM microscopy, rheological and swelling measurements. The use of the new polymeric suprastructure as a drug carrier system was tested through in vivo and in vitro investigations by using indomethacin as a model active substance. The samples showed good biocompatibility and an antinociceptive effect in tail flick test. The controlled drug release was also evaluated by in vitro dissolution studies.