Biodegradable furylacryloyl-modified hyaluronan: in vivo evaluation and its use as a nanofibrous drug delivery system.

Furylacryloyl-modified hyaluronan (F-HA) has emerged as an appropriate material for the fabrication of UV-crosslinkable, water-stable nanofibrous scaffolds with preserved porosity. However, the safety profile and in vivo applicability of F-HA have not yet been established. In this study, we present biological assessment of F-HA, including biodegradation studies and its first in vivo evaluation in C57BL/6J mice following both intravenous and intraperitoneal administration. The results demonstrate good tolerability under the tested conditions and confirm biodegradability. Additionally, we confirm the ability of composite nanofibers consisting of F-HA with established nanofiber-forming polymers, to incorporate active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), while retaining their porous structure and favorable mechanical properties. Importantly, the incorporation of F-HA alters the release profile of embedded API. Using octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) as a model compound, we demonstrate sustained release from F-HA/lauroyl hyaluronan (L-HA) nanofibrous scaffolds in biologically relevant protein-containing media, while retaining its structural integrity, thus supporting its suitability for biomedical applications. These findings highlight the potential of F-HA as a versatile platform for the development of advanced nanofibrous biomaterials with translational relevance in topical wound healing and drug delivery.