Polymer-conjugated inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor-α for local control of inflammation.

Burns, chronic wounds, osteoarthritis, and uveitis are examples of conditions characterized by local, intense inflammatory responses that can impede healing or even further tissue degradation. The most powerful anti-inflammatory drugs available are often administered systemically, but these carry significant side effects and are not compatible for patients that have underlying complications associated with their condition. Conjugation of monoclonal antibodies that neutralize pro-inflammatory cytokines to high molecular weight hydrophilic polymers has been shown to be an effective strategy for local control of inflammation.

Complex fluids based on methacrylated hyaluronic acid.

We present the preparation and characterization of viscoelastic formulations of hyaluronic acid functionalized with polymerizable methacrylate groups. We explored three different processing strategies for controlling microstructure and interchain interactions: lightly cross-linked near-gels, emulsion-cross-linked microspheres, and an elastic microgel formed through centrifuging the microspheres. The component structure and rheological properties of these formulations were compared to those of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid solutions, which displayed classical behavior of high molecular weight polymer solutions reported by other investigators.