Preparation and characterization of hyaluronic acid loaded PLGA scaffold by emulsion freeze-drying method

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) has been widely used as biocompatible scaffold materials to regenerate tissue. In this present study, we fabricated microporous PLGA and HA loaded PLGA scaffolds by a emusion freeze-drying method. In order to confirm that the release profile of cytokine or water-soluble drugs, we manufactured the granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) loaded PLGA and HA-PLGA scaffold. AU scaffolds were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), mercury porosimeter and wettability measurement. Cell proliferation and viability were assessed by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium-bromide (MTT) test. The porosity of HA-PLGA scaffold was greater than 95% with the total pore area of 261 m²/g. The HA-PLGA scaffold exhibited well interconnected pores to allow greater cell adhesion and prolixferation. It was proven by higher cell viability in the HA-PLGA scaffold than PLGA alone. This may be due to the enhanced natural properties and higher water retention capacity of HA.