Fabrication of hyaluronic acid‐based nanoparticles and studies on their radical scavenging activity

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to study the stability, radical scavenging activities, and bio‐safety of cysteine‐conjugated hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (Cys‐conj‐HA NPs). Additionally, the feasibility of utilizing these NPs as drug delivery systems is discussed. The structures of synthesized Cys‐conj‐HA polymers were analyzed using 1H nuclear magnetic spectrum (1H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra. The stability, radical scavenging activity, and bio‐safety of fabricated Cys‐conj‐HA NPs were investigated. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) photograph illustrated that Cys‐conj‐HA NPs possessed spherical shapes with an average diameter of approximately 230 nm. Furthermore, these NPs exhibited high stability at temperatures of 4, 25, and 37°C. Notably, Cys‐conj‐HA NPs demonstrated significant free radical scavenging capabilities. The high cell viability observed indicated the absence of cytotoxicity from Cys‐conj‐HA NPs. Additionally, bio‐safety studies revealed that these NPs did not induce acute toxicity in the blood and viscera of cargo‐free NPs treated mice. Elisa assays indicated that there was no significant difference in the concentrations of interferon‐γ (INF‐γ) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) between Cys‐conj‐HA NPs and normal saline (NS) treated mice (ns, p > 0.05), suggesting the absence of an inflammatory reaction caused by these NPs. Consequently, it can be concluded that Cys‐conj‐HA NPs are sufficiently safe to be employed as a vehicle for delivering oxidizing drugs.