Preparation of Photoreactive Azidophenyl Hyaluronic Acid Derivative: Protein Immobilization for Medical Applications

Photoreactive azidophenyl hyaluronic acid (Az-HA) derivative was synthesized to immobilize proteins such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). The photosensitizing group, 4-azidoaniline,was introduced to the carboxyl group of hyaluronic acid by a water soluble carbodiimide, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC). To characterize the synthesized Az-HA, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR),proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis) absorbance spectroscopy were performed. We demonstrated protein immobilization by using fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated albumin (FITCBSA)on Az-HA derivative surfaces that were patterned with micro scale. Cytotoxicity and relative cell proliferation tests of the Az-HA derivative were performed on an MG-63 human osteoblast cell line for biocompatibility.